1. Early Autism Ontario parents’ experiences .
advice from Dr. Fox & parents
The Summit Centre Preschool for Children with Autism .
A copy of this talk is available under “Workshops” at;
put Early Warning Signs and Resources on handout
© Marcia Gragg, PhD, CPsych, Nov. 23, 2004 p. 1

2. Ontario Parents’ Experiences preliminary data from A. Spadafora, B. A
78 parents of 80 children with PDD
median birth year of 2000 ( )
average age of diagnosis ~ 53 months
(early intervention best before 42 months)
Autistic Disorder ~ 41 months
PDDNOS ~ 61 months
Asperger’s Disorder ~ 114 months (9½ yrs)
© Marcia Gragg, PhD, CPsych, Nov. 23, 2004 p. 2

3. First Concerns preliminary data from A. Spadafora, B.A., 2004
age at first concern ~ 19 months (1 – 48 mo.) – approximately 34 months before diagnosis!
first concern was from parent 60%
first concern was from my child’s doctor <5%
parents’ first concerns were language, social & abnormal behaviours (20 to 30% each)
approximately 15% had medical concerns
© Marcia Gragg, PhD, CPsych, Nov. 23, 2004 p. 3

4. Seeking Help preliminary data from A. Spadafora, B.A., 2004
40% of parents first sought help by appointment with an M.D. or health care practitioner
parents reported biggest barriers were;
“long waiting lists”
“did not think doctor would take concern seriously”
parents reported “support from spouse” was the most helpful factor in getting a diagnosis for their children
© Marcia Gragg, PhD, CPsych, Nov. 23, 2004 p. 4

5. Advice to Paediatricians
Dr. Mervyn Fox “listen to parents”
parents of children with HFA/Asperger’s
“he’s just a boy”
wait lists
proactive
little treatment after 6 years
© Marcia Gragg, PhD, CPsych, Nov. 23, 2004 p. 5

6. The Summit Centre for Preschool Children with Autism
© Marcia Gragg, PhD, CPsych, Nov. 23, 2004 p. 6

7. We invite referrals for children who;
Summit Centre
We invite referrals for children who;
live within a 1 hour drive of our site
are 48 months or younger
have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder OR
are suspected of having a diagnosis by a qualified Psychologist or Physician
- 3 out of 5 new children since August 2003 were under 2 years old
© Marcia Gragg, PhD, CPsych, Nov. 23, 2004 p. 7

8. The Summit Centre Program
intensive early intervention services to preschool children with autism
up to 31.5 hours/week of 1-on-1 Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) treatment at home and in centre
50 weeks per year
© Marcia Gragg, PhD, CPsych, Nov. 23, 2004 p. 8

9. Individualized Written Treatment Programs
Summit Centre
Individualized Written Treatment Programs
language & communication
social skills & play
cooperative behaviour
daily living skills
© Marcia Gragg, PhD, CPsych, Nov. 23, 2004 p. 9

10. Transitions at first, in-home visits flex schedule at the centre
Summit Centre
Transitions
at first, in-home visits
flex schedule at the centre
age 4 or 5, often part-time in preschool or kindergarten
age 6, in school
we join with preschools, schools & agencies to promote smooth transitions
© Marcia Gragg, PhD, CPsych, Nov. 23, 2004 p. 10

11. Additional Activities
Summit Centre
Additional Activities
encourage group interaction
circle time & structured play
enhance social skills
promote generalization
teach how to learn in a group
© Marcia Gragg, PhD, CPsych, Nov. 23, 2004 p. 11

12. Family Involvement parent meeting once a week
Summit Centre
Family Involvement
parent meeting once a week
participate in developing programs
involved in teaching daily living skills
monthly parents group
parent on Board of Directors
other parent, family volunteers
© Marcia Gragg, PhD, CPsych, Nov. 23, 2004 p. 12

13. Our Contact List anyone interested may tour our centre
Summit Centre
Our Contact List
anyone interested may tour our centre
long waiting list right now
for parents committed to enrolling their child, we provide a diagnostic assessment if needed
enrolled children start treatment as spaces become available
modest user fees based on family’s ability to pay
© Marcia Gragg, PhD, CPsych, Nov. 23, 2004 p. 13

14. For Further Information
Summit Centre
For Further Information
Feel free to contact us;
Phone (519)
Fax (519)
© Marcia Gragg, PhD, CPsych, Nov. 23, 2004 p. 14

15. “Even the smallest footsteps can cross great distances.”
All drawings by enrolled children
All photos with consent of parents and staff
“Even the smallest footsteps can cross great distances.”
© Marcia Gragg, PhD, CPsych, Nov. 23, 2004 p. 15