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A support worker engaging warmly with a child during a play-based learning session

Autism Support in the GTA

Dedicated 1:1 support for children, youth, and adults on the autism spectrum, delivered by credentialed associates who use evidence-based behavioural strategies in the home, school, and community.

Service Overview

What This Service Provides

Dasdey's autism support program pairs individuals on the spectrum with experienced associates who understand both the daily realities of living with ASD and the practical strategies that build communication, social, and life skills. Our associates work across all three DSM-5 levels of autism, adapting support intensity, communication style, and reinforcement strategies to meet each person where they are.

Our approach combines positive reinforcement, structured teaching, antecedent strategies, and data-informed adjustments. We work alongside families, schools, and clinical teams to reinforce treatment plans, build skills, and reduce challenging behaviours in real-world settings: at home, at school, and in the community.

Whether you are a parent of a young child newly diagnosed with autism, a family supporting a teenager through the transition to adulthood, or an adult seeking support to live more independently, our team can match you with an associate experienced in your specific needs.

Across the Spectrum

Supporting All Levels of Autism

We provide compassionate, individualized services for children, youth, and adults across all three DSM-5 levels of autism. Our associates adapt support intensity, communication style, and strategies to meet each person where they are.

1

Level 1

Requiring Support

Individuals who benefit from support with social communication, flexibility, and organization. Our associates help build confidence, independence, and meaningful daily routines.

  • Social communication coaching
  • Life skills & independence building
  • Community participation support
  • Structured routines & transitions
2

Level 2

Requiring Substantial Support

Individuals with more noticeable communication and behavioural needs who benefit from consistent, structured 1:1 support in home and community settings.

  • Consistent 1:1 in-home support
  • Behavioural support strategies
  • Daily living skills development
  • Communication & coping tools
3

Level 3

Requiring Very Substantial Support

Individuals with complex needs, significant behavioural challenges, or non-verbal communication needs who benefit from intensive, structured, high-quality support. 2:1 and 3:1 models available.

  • Intensive 1:1, 2:1, or 3:1 support
  • Non-verbal communication support
  • Complex behavioural management
  • Structured environments & safety

Every autism support plan is individualized. We believe every person deserves support that is respectful, consistent, and tailored to who they are.

Who This Is For

Who We Serve

Our autism support is for individuals across the lifespan on the autism spectrum, including those with co-occurring developmental, communication, sensory, or behavioural needs.

Children ages 2 and up with an autism diagnosis or in process of diagnosis
Youth and teenagers transitioning through school and into adulthood
Adults on the spectrum living at home, in supported living, or independently
Individuals with autism plus a developmental or intellectual disability
Non-verbal or minimally verbal individuals who use AAC, sign, or alternative communication
Families seeking respite, skill-building, or community participation support
What's Included

Specific Support Activities

  • 1:1 in-home behavioural and skill-building support
  • Community participation and recreation outings (parks, libraries, programs)
  • School-based 1:1 support working alongside teachers and IEP teams
  • Sensory regulation strategies and structured environment setup
  • Communication support including AAC device practice and visual schedules
  • Daily living skills (dressing, toileting, mealtime, transitions)
  • Social skills coaching in natural community settings
  • Antecedent strategies and behaviour reduction support coordinated with clinical teams
Simple Process

How It Works

1

Intake & Goals

We discuss your child or family member's diagnosis, current supports, daily routines, and what you want this support to achieve.

2

Associate Match

We hand-pick an associate based on age, communication style, behavioural profile, schedule, and language preferences. We always introduce before service starts.

3

Support Begins

Your associate starts in-home, in-school, or in-community sessions on a schedule that works for your family. We check in regularly to keep the match working.

Accessibility

Funding We Accept

We help families navigate funding to access this service. Our coordination team can guide you through the process.

Ontario Autism Program (OAP)
Passport Program
Special Services at Home (SSAH)
Private Pay
Insurance (where covered)
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is your approach to autism support?
Our associates use evidence-based behavioural strategies, positive reinforcement, structured teaching, prompting, and behaviour-specific praise, in real-world settings. We are a community support agency, not a clinical therapy clinic. For Ontario Autism Program Core Clinical Services that require specialized clinical providers, we are happy to refer you to qualified partners and continue providing community and respite support alongside their plan.
What ages do you support?
We support individuals on the autism spectrum from age 2 through adulthood. Our associates have specific experience across early childhood, school-age, adolescence, and adult populations, and we match accordingly.
Can you use my OAP funding?
Yes. Many families use OAP Childhood Budget or Core Clinical Services budget to fund respite, community participation, and skill-building support delivered by our associates. Contact us to discuss what is reimbursable under your specific plan.
Will the same associate work with us long-term?
Yes, consistency is critical for individuals with autism. We aim for long-term placements with the same associate. If schedules change or the match isn't working, we re-match without disruption to service.
Do you support non-verbal individuals?
Yes. Many of our associates are experienced supporting non-verbal and minimally verbal individuals, including those who use AAC devices, picture exchange systems (PECS), or sign-supported speech.
Can my associate come to school with my child?
Yes, depending on the school's policy. Dasdey coordinates associates for 1:1 school and day program behavioural support in public, Catholic, and private school settings, often funded through SSAH, private pay, or in some cases school-based funding. We coordinate directly with the school team.
How quickly can services start?
In most cases we can begin services within 1 to 2 weeks of your initial consultation, depending on associate availability in your specific area and matched profile.

Get Started

Reach out today and let us discuss how this service can support you, your family, or your agency.

Call Us Request Services