Autism Services

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism is a complex neurobehavioral disorder that affects many areas of an individual’s life. It’s characterized by challenges with social skills, communication, repetitive behaviors, speech, and non-verbal communication.

The onset of symptoms is typically before the age of 3 years and each child diagnosed on the autism spectrum may have very different needs. Strategies that may have been successful in the past for one child may not work with another child. Therefore it is necessary for each child to be individually assessed and a personalized Intervention plan created based on their needs and family goals.

How does NONA supports your child and family?

At NONA we work with children from age of diagnosis, which can be as young as 2 years old up to the end of the month of their 19th birthday. We believe that the parents are the most important part of our team and along with the NONA therapists we look at your families priorities, your child’s unique strengths and abilities to create an individualized program.

Our program uses the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), an evidence based intervention for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. We use positive behavior supports to increase age appropriate behavior. All sessions take place at our Foord Clubhouse. This purpose built facility is well equipped to provide a fun learning environment, where your child will have access to individualized sessions as well as social opportunities.

Once thought to be very rare, autism spectrum disorders are estimated to occur in as many as one in every 68 people.

The Programs

Under 6

We will get to know your child’s strengths, difficulties, and your families main concerns. Based on what we learn, your team will develop an individualized plan of intervention that incorporates a variety of strategies to facilitate skill, acquisition, generalization, and maintenance.

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6-12

The focus of our 6-12 program is on social and life skills. For children over the age of 6, we offer a combination of behavior intervention session, groups and consultative occupational therapy services.

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13-19

The over 13 program is primarily focused on skills for transition to adulthood. Your team will work with you to develop an individual plan for your teen. Social opportunities are presented in a group format and friendships are encouraged to continue into adulthood. Some youth still benefit from a one-to-one model or a small group to build their skills. Sessions are offered at the Foord Clubhouse and in the community.

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Groups

NONA wants your child to have the opportunity to play with other children and to make friends. We will do our best to give your child a chance to participate in one of our weekly groups with other children diagnosed with ASD who are close to their developmental level. When possible, we also encourage community outings for your child.

During the groups, NONA’s staff will support your child’s play and interaction. The group leaders organize both structured (e.g., craft, story time) and less structured (e.g., gym time, outside play) activities where your child can practice the skills that they are working on, as well as apply their skills to a new environment.

Other children have an important role in your child’s life because they give them learning opportunities that cannot be duplicated by adults. We develop specific goals for your child to work on during the group and track their progress with these goals. If you have a particular goal that you want us to work on with your child, let us know.

The First Step

If you have concerns about your child please visit your family doctor who will be able to point you in the right direction. NONA’s Autism Program accepts referrals once a child has been diagnosed with Autism.

Referrals to Autism

Please complete our referral form if your child is under 19 and is diagnosed with autism. If you would like information about wait times to start out Autism Services Program please contact the ASP Manager. Click Here to access the form.

 

Contact

Rebecca Robertson
Autism Services Program Manager
Phone:250-549-1281 Ext:312
rebecca.robertson@nullnona-cdc.com

Connect with us.

2802 34 Street, Vernon, BC V1T 5X1

Phone: 250-549-1281
Fax: 250-549-3771
Email: administration@nullnona-cdc.com

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Our Mission:

To strengthen the abilities of children with special needs and to enhance opportunities for them to participate in their community.

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