Autism Services for Children and Youth

Autism services are offered to preschool and school-age children and youth in Prince Edward Island. Early Years Autism Specialists provide services to young children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders before entering school. An integrated approach between professionals and the school boards ensures a smooth transition into the school system, where support continues with school-based Autism Consultants.

Supports for preschool children with autism spectrum disorders

Intensive Behavioural Intervention (I.B.I.)

I.B.I. often begins with one-on-one instruction and gradually moves into more natural settings as the child gains new skills. Your child may receive up to 25 hours of I.B.I. each week at home or in your child’s early childhood centre, based on assessed needs.  As your child progresses, fewer hours may be appropriate.

You or your child’s centre hires the Autism Assistant to provide direct instruction. An Early Years Autism Specialist will supervise and monitor your child’s program with additional clinical supervision by the Early Years Autism Coordinator. 

How do I know if the I.B.I. program is right for my child?

Methods for assessment and instruction are grounded in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).  The primary assessment used to guide programming is the Verbal Behaviour Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (V.B.-M.A.P.P.).  A variety of methods are used including (but not limited to) Analysis of Verbal Behaviour, Discrete Trial Instruction, Natural Environment and Activity Embedded Instruction.

What happens when my child enters school?

Planning begins six months before your child enters school to ease the transition from the preschool to the school environment. Family information meetings, case conferences, assessment and orientation activities for your child all contribute to the transition process. A school-based Autism Consultant will continue to monitor and assist during your child's school years.

What if my child needs more support in kindergarten?

Your child may need frequent and individualized instruction during this important first year of school. If this is the case, an Early Years Autism Specialist can provide regular support for both your child and the school staff.  This Intensive Kindergarten Support (I.K.S.) includes regular consult visits to assist your child’s teacher in individual programming, modifying curriculum, helping to address behavioural challenges, and participating in individual education plan (I.E.P.) development.   Your child will continue to receive support and assistance from a school-based Autism Consultant in Grades 1 to 12, based on your child's assessed needs.

Autism funding support

Parents and licensed early childhood centres can access preschool autism funding to hire an Autism Assistant for children receiving I.B.I. support. Parents and designated community-based organizations can access school-age autism funding to offset the costs of hiring one-on-one tutors and aides in home and group settings.

Who can I contact for more information?

Early Years Autism Coordinator
Education and Early Years
Early Childhood Development
Aubin Arsenault Building
3 Brighton Rd.
Charlottetown, PE C1A 8T6
Tel: (902) 368-4472
Fax: (902) 368-4622
Email: dmrochon@gov.pe.ca