Pre-Diagnosis Support
You may suspect that your child, or another family member, has autism or some other form of intellectual disability. Perhaps this has to do with their performance at school, struggles at home or in social situations. However heartbreaking to contemplate, these challenges may need further investigation and a definitive diagnosis. That way, your child can get the help she or he needs to grow and flourish.
By doing a pre-screening for intellectual disabilities, I can help you to understand the signposts of various disabilities, particularly autism (ASD, or autism spectrum disorder). Other forms of intellectual disability include fragile X syndrome (FXS), Prader-Willi syndrome, and Down syndrome. My pre-screening may set your mind at ease. However, if it suggests a need for further investigation, I can advise you whether public-sector assessments are available, or refer you to private resources.
Post-Diagnosis Support
Your child's diagnosis may point to global development delay (GDD), which some kids outgrow. However, it can also indicate an intellectual disability and/or autism spectrum disorder. In a situation such as this, you and your family may feel devastated and powerless at first.
But rest assured, I will put my years of working within the public and private sectors at your service, to help you navigate an often-bewildering system. I will be your advocate, trouble-shooter and champion to make sure your child gets the services she or he needs.
What else will I do?
- I will help you understand — Diagnosis is just a first step. There is so much more to know and understand, because no two people, and no two families, are exactly alike. I will explain what the diagnosis means, and how it may impact your child's and your family's future.
- I will help you connect the dots — What comes next? This largely depends on the services and resources available, and your ability to obtain them. I have the experience and contacts to discuss the various options.
- I will help to dispel the confusion — I will not only help you make sense of public and private options. I will show you the best path forward. I can make calls, suggest government subsidies you qualify for, and how to apply. In addition, I can set up and attend meetings with much-needed services, daycares and schools. That way, I will ensure that your child doesn't fall through the cracks and I will push to get the support she or he needs, including an individualized education program (IEP).
- I will be on your family's side — Throughout this journey, I remain focused on what's most important — your family's well-being. I offer counselling services to parents and caregivers, who may feel a sense of grief and loss, and may risk burnout. I also offer specialized counselling to siblings, who are often caught in the middle and may experience a range of conflicting emotions. And, of course, I also support the child or loved one who has been diagnosed. Through counseling, I help them to understand and express their feelings, and to channel their emotions into positive strategies.