News

TORONTO, ON – (June 25th, 2021) – Today, the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services announced that the Toronto Autism Services Network was a successful applicant to deliver caregiver-mediated early years programs in Toronto.

The caregiver-mediated early years program is part of the new needs-based Ontario Autism Program and will support families with young children ages 12 months to 48 months. The programs will be play-based, and developmentally appropriate, and available for up to six months per child beginning in summer 2021. Parents or caregivers will also learn therapeutic strategies and specific techniques from professionals based on their child’s individual needs.

We’re honoured to have been chosen as the successful application," says Cheryl Webb, Chief Operating Officer, Lumenus Community Services, and co-chair of the Toronto Autism Services Network. "The network recognizes the important responsibility we’ve been given, and we’re committed to working collaboratively with our families, partners and funders to create an exceptional early intervention program."

The Toronto Autism Services Network was born out of a shared vision to support children with autism and consists of seven Toronto agencies, including Geneva Centre for Autism, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Kerry’s Place Autism Services, Lumenus Community Services, SAAAC Autism Centre, Strides Toronto, and Surrey Place. Together, as trusted Toronto agencies with decades of experience providing autism services, the network will coordinate a high-quality system of care for children and youth with autism and their families in Toronto.

We are pleased to share with you that the Toronto Autism Services Network wants to translate this announcement into service for families as quickly as possible and ensure that these services are equitable and accessible," said Dr. Terri Hewitt, Chief Executive Officer, Surrey Place, and co-chair of the network. "We have already mobilized teams to develop a process for families to register for early intervention services when they begin this summer."

CONTACT
For more information, please contact: communications@surreyplace.ca or media@lumenus.ca

About Toronto Autism Services Network
The Toronto Autism Services Network is a partnership with Geneva Centre for Autism, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Kerry’s Place Autism Services, Lumenus Community Services, South Asian Autism Awareness Centre, Strides Toronto, and Surrey Place.