Expanded/new autism services available in Rainy River District

The Kenora-Rainy River District Child and Family Services (KRRDCFS) has expanded its autism services in the Rainy River District.

It has also added new programming.

It resulted from a grant received from the provincial government earlier this year.

Supervisor of Clinical and Community Services Becky Andrusko says it is exciting news for families.

“With this investment, we strengthened access to core clinical services and improved how families connect with supports, helping to reduce barriers and better navigate the system,” says Andrusko.

“We’ve also introduced new programming, including parent supports, child-focused group services and specialized mental health supports tailored for children with autism spectrum disorder.”

Andrusko notes the district has experienced a large number of children diagnosed with ASD in the last ten years.

Families usually access supports through the Ontario Autism Program (OAP).

According to an Ontario Autism Coalition report issued last fall, one-third of families indicated having to wait a year or more to access OAP’s core clinical services, with longer wait times for those in northern Ontario.

Andrusco says the services available through the KRRDCFS help bridge the wait.

“We don’t have a wait list at our agency currently, and all of our services are free because we’re a community-based mental health program,” says Andrusko.

“We’re all funded through the government.”

A variety of programs are available.

They include parenting programs and support through the developmental services sector up to the age of 18.

Andrusko says they can also help families connect with other community-based services.

“If they do require speech language pathology, we make the appropriate referrals for occupational therapy, physical therapy, anything that that specific child might need.”