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Intensive Behavioural Intervention and Connections for Students

What is Autism?

Autism is a complex developmental disorder that may affect communication, social interaction skills and behaviour. The condition typically presents within the first three years of life and is estimated to occur in 1 to every 165 individuals, and is four times more prevalent in boys than girls.

Intensive Behavioural Intervention and Connections for Students

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is a discipline devoted to the understanding and improvement of behaviour. ABA employs methods based on scientific principles of behaviour to build on socially useful repertoires and reduce problematic ones.

The intensive and comprehensive delivery of behavioural treatment for young children with autism is guided by the clinical application of the learning principles and teaching strategies of ABA and is referred to as Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI).

ErinoakKids provides IBI for children who have been diagnosed toward the severe end of the autism spectrum. Intense instruction is provided across developmental areas, including cognition, language, social and self-care skills. Teaching generally occurs in a centre-based environment, in both one-to-one and small group formats for approximately 20 -25 hours per week.

Parents are an integral part of the IBI team. A comprehensive range of parent supports and services is available including education, coaching, networking and participation in IBI treatment.

Connections for Students is a joint initiative between the Ministry of Children and Youth Services (MCYS) and the Ministry of Education that is designed to improve the outcomes for children with autism. It supports a seamless transition for children and youth leaving an IBI service delivery model and entering an ABA-education model within the publicly-funded school system.

ErinoakKids Autism Services are delivered in partnership with Kerry’s Place Autism Services, KidsAbility Centre for Child Development, and Woodview Mental Health & Autism Services.

Referral Criteria

Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI) serves children:

• who reside in the Ministry of Children and Youth Services Central West Region of Ontario (Dufferin, Halton, Peel, Waterloo and Wellington),
• are 0 to 18 years old, and
• whose symptoms are at the moderate to severe end of the autism spectrum.  In order for a referral to be accepted for IBI, a confirmed diagnosis of Autistic Disorder (DSM-IV 299.00) is required. Children with diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger’s syndrome, or PDD-NOS are not eligible for IBI. Referrals for children with provisional diagnoses, or for whom a diagnosis of autism is “suspected” are not accepted.

To access this service, please contact Intake Services.