Building social skills is a key goal for Bryton · Cicilia has advice for other parents whose child...

INTEGRATED SERVICES FOR AUTISM AND NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS

WINTER 2019

Cicillia, Bryton and Martin Li

Story continues on page 2

Building social skills is a key goal for Bryton

NEWSLETTER TO OUR COMMUNITY ISAND.CA 1

When Bryton Li started daycare at age three, he insisted on being the only one to ring the daycare doorbell. If another child got to the doorbell before him, Bryton would become extremely upset.

Bryton’s parents Cicilia and Martin Li noticed that their son’s insistence on ringing the school doorbell was just one of several unique behaviours Bryton displayed.

After a year in daycare, Bryton’s teacher and the school principal asked to meet with Cicilia and

Martin to talk about Bryton’s behaviour. The principal gently suggested that Bryton might be on the autism spectrum. She gave Cicilia and Martin informationabout community resourcesthey could contact to arrangean assessment.

“When the principal suggested that Bryton might have autism, we were shocked,” recalls Cicilia. “However, we trusted the principal. She had 30 years of experience in education and understood when a child’s behaviour was not typical.”

A psychologist diagnosed Bryton with Asperger’s Syndrome* at age four. Cicilia and Martin were devastated at the news but quickly contacted ISAND for a consultation at the psychologist’s urging.

The first step at ISAND was to determine which services wouldbe best for Bryton and his family.Since Bryton’s mom described him as, “bright and articulate but inflexible,” the ISAND team recommended that he begin to receive regular support from a Behaviour Consultant.

2 NEWSLETTER TO OUR COMMUNITY

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

ISAND’s Getting Social Program follows Social Peers on the continuum of care. The Getting Social Program supports children in learning howto better connect with others.The first step focuses on helping children understand the thinking processes behind their own social behaviours as well as those of others.

“That first session with Bryton’s Behaviour Consultant was really frustrating,” says Cicilia. “As he has a lot of fear about unfamiliar things, Bryton had a huge meltdown and wasn’t able to do the session at all.”

However, Bryton and his parents persisted and he began to make steady progress and gains.

In 2018 Bryton enrolled in ISAND’s Social Peers Program, one of the programs offered as part of ISAND’s continuum of care. Social Peers is a multi-week program that helps young clients build their communication and play skills with the goal of improving social interactions with their peers. Participants are matched in twos or threes according to their age, strengths, and areas of need.Both the parents and their children receive coaching and support.

“In his first experience in the Social Peers Program, Bryton was matched with another boy,” says Cicilia.“It went really well. The boys bonded, became friends, and now have regular play dates outside of ISAND!”

That first Social Peers experience was followed up with another Social Peers program in which Bryton was placed in a group of three.

“Now Bryton has moved to the next stage by beginning the Getting Social program,” says Cicilia.

This is followed by learning about the behaviour changes needed to foster social connections. Social skills such as interacting with others, making friends, and understanding other points of view are developedthrough the program.

“We are excited about Bryton participating in the Getting Social Program,” says Cicilia. “We think it will really help him understand what is happening around him and enable him to react appropriately.” Bryton is now in grade two and receives occasional support from a special education teacher. “Bryton hasmade such impressive progress,”says Cicilia. “The help we have received through ISAND hasmade an immense difference.”

Like other parents, Cicilia and Martin have dreams for their son: developing strong social skills, making friends, growing and using his many gifts,and fulfilling his tremendous potential.

Cicilia has advice for other parents whose child is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder: “It’s important asa parent to accept that your child ison the Autism Spectrum. The deeper your acceptance, the better it is for your child.”

*Note: In 2013 the American Psychiatric Association introduced the new

diagnostic category of Autism Spectrum Disorder. It replaces the diagnoses

of Asperger’s Syndrome, Autistic Disorder, and PDD-NOS (Pervasive

Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified).

“Bryton has madesuch impressive

progress,” says Cicilia. “The help we have received through

ISAND has made an immense difference.”

World AutismAwareness Day APRIL 2, 2019

At ISAND we embrace the uniqueness of everyone livingwith autism. Today and every day.

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ISAND Speech-Language Services address communication challenges

Communication challenges are one of the defining features of autism spectrum disorder, and ISAND’s Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) are here to help. Here are four of the many areas of communication that SLPs can support:

Language: Helping your child build vocabulary and grammar skills to tell you what’s on their mind

Speech: Helping your child speak their words and sentences in a way that is easier for othersto understand

Play: Creating opportunities to communicate and share enjoyment

Social Communication: Helping your child pick up non-verbal cues or carry on a conversation

Members of the five-person SLP team partner with families to address each child’s unique communication needs. ISAND’s SLPs are highly experienced in working with clients with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. The team’s expertise also includes training and experience in the following areas:

Early Start Denver Model: A comprehensive early intervention program designed for childrenwith autism

Hanen Programs: Parent coaching programs to encourage young children’s language development

Social Thinking: An approach to helping children and young adults understand social cues

Motor Speech: Using a variety of techniques, such as PROMPT, to help children with motor speech disorders, such as ChildhoodApraxia of Speech

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): Using a variety of methods, including technology, to support and enhance spoken or written language

Spelled Communication: Using low tech letterboards and high tech keyboards and iPads

ISAND’s SLPs integrate this expertise with a nuanced understanding of autism, and this is what makes ISAND’s services unique.

Dr. Wendy Roberts, ISAND’s Clinical Director, explains, ”Our SLPs use

their in-depth knowledge of a variety of communication disorders and their understanding of autism to adapt services for the children and youth we serve.” The SLP team is always seeking ways to better meet the needs of families who come to ISAND for help. Most recently, several children with autism who also live with an anxiety disorder called Selective Mutism have prompted ISAND to work on developing services for this under-served population. Within ISAND’s integrated care model, the SLP team also has access to the expertise of colleagues in other fields who can further help to individualize care and intervention approaches for each client.

Those interested in learning more

about ISAND’s speech-language

services or wishing to make a

referral are invited to contact Beth

Goswell, Clinical Services and Intake

Coordinator, at 416-224-5959 or

[email protected]. Services begin

with an initial consultation and from

there may include recommendations

such as parent coaching, and individual

or group therapy sessions.

Sami Beale, Alexandra Schwabe, Carolyn Spavor, Lauren Strub, Jessica Loo-Yong-Kee

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Meet ISAND Family Physician Dara Abells

understands the challenges ofcaring for an adult with a developmental disability. “I recognize the difficulty many families face as their children transition from pediatric to adult medical and social services,” says Dara. “I aim to be a resource to make this transition process as smooth as possible within the constraints of our system.”

Dara’s training has prepared her well for her role at ISAND. Following her Family Medicine residency, she created and completed a self-directed fellowship program in developmental disabilities.

A passion for preparing teens and young adults for the transition toadult medical care inspired family doctor Dara Abells to join ISAND in 2016, even while maintaining her family medicine practice in Toronto. During her medical training and subsequent practice, she noticed an alarming gap in the health systemthat she was determined to help fill.

“Once a teen with a developmental disability reaches age 18, their medical care must be transferred from the pediatric to adult system,” notes Dara. “However, these young people still need developmental medical care and there is a shortage of family doctors equipped to provide such care.”

This life transition can cause great anxiety for families affected by a developmental disability. In addition to concerns about future programming and job opportunities, teens, young adults and their families worry about finding a family doctor who

She also recently completed a Master of Science in Community Health – Health Practitioner Teacher Education at the University of Toronto.

As a member of ISAND’S developmental medical care team, Dara focuses on caring for clients who are age 16 or older who have been referred to her by other ISAND clinicians. She also handles many new referrals for teens and young adults. This enables Dara to work with families early in the transition period as they plan for the future.

One of Dara’s roles at ISAND is to help coordinate access to a family physician in the community. When needed, she also connects families to medical specialists for adult patients. In addition, Dara encourages families in applying for assistance from the Ontario Disability Support Program and Developmental Services Ontario.

At ISAND, Dara not only supports families, but also provides vital assistance to community pediatricians and family doctors in their primary, medical and developmental care for teens and young adults with developmental disabilities.

“Many family doctors are reluctant to accept an adult patient with developmental disabilities,” says Dara. “To ease their hesitation, I work with them to increase understanding of the associated challenges. I also provide support in diagnosing and managing certain complex conditions as they relate to development.”

As a family doctor also trained inthe care of individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, Dara brings a unique perspective and deep commitmentto her work.

“I want to support family doctors in continuing to care for patients with developmental disabilities as they age and also work with pediatricians to ensure a smooth transition to the adult medical care system,” Dara says. “These families need and deserve it.”

“I recognize the difficulty many families face as their children transition from pediatric to adult medical and social services,” says Dara. “I aim to be a resource to make this transition process as smooth as possible.”


Ask the ISANDProfessionalMembers of our clinical team answer questions from parents.

Dara AbellsMD, CCFP

Ahuva Magder HershkopBASc (HONS), MAN, RD

“I am worried about my child’s cholesterol and sugar levels. How can I help her lose weight when she is a picky eater and taking medicine that increases her appetite?”

whom picky eating has been a long-standing issue, work on smaller more sustainable goals rather than trying to tackle every goal at once.

Be patient with picky eaters.Often children with autism can be picky eaters. They might be highly sensitive to a food’s texture, taste, colour or temperature. Expose your child to new foods slowly, keeping in mind your child’s preferences. For example, if your child doesn’t like chunky textures, puree a new food. If your child only likes food that is a certain colour, introduce foods that are the same colour.

Cook and eat meals at home as much as possible.Fast foods usually contain more calories. Preparing meals at home enables you to make them as healthy as possible. If your family enjoys fast food, opt for healthier choices such as rotisserie chicken and salads. You can also ask for smaller portions when ordering at your child’s favourite fast food restaurants.

Rethink snack foods. Often, we think of snacks as things like cakes or cookies. However, a healthy snack will keep your child full and satisfied. A well-balanced and filling snack combines a small amount of protein with a whole grain carbohydrate or fruit. Examples include a small slice of cheese with an apple or cheese with a few crackers.

There are a variety of strategies that parents can use to help a child lose weight and remain healthy. Here are some helpful tips to consider:

Avoid stressing her out.Particularly with younger children, helping your child maintain a healthy weight and addressing picky eating are largely responsibilities of their caregivers. While parents are often motivated to include their children in every step of the process, this may lead to greater stress for their child. Consider how you can best modify their environment to support them.

Focus on the positive.Focus on the things you want your child to be eating rather than what they’re “not allowed” to eat. Avoid singling out your child. Rather, encourage the entire family to make healthy food choices, such as filling half their plates with vegetables.

Recognize that working on two things might take twice as long.For many picky eaters the foods of choice are refined carbohydrates, which don’t fill you up as much as foods higher in fiber. So, you are often motivated to eat more of them in a shorter time period, particularly when medication is increasing appetite. When working on two large issues (picky eating and weight management) it is important to recognize that slow and steady wins the race. Particularly for children for

Use non-food-related rewards. There is a large focus on food rewards in life. Find other rewards for your child that are not related to food. Some ideas include playing a board game, going for a family walk or bike ride, reading an extra book at bedtime, or extended play time. If food is all that works for your child at the moment, try using vegetables or fruit in small portions and cut into interesting shapes.

Get more active. Build physical activity into your child’s daily routine. You can start with a social story for the first few weeks to get her used to the idea. Consider activities that get the whole family moving together, such as a familywalk two or three times a week. Check out extracurricular activitiesor day programs that involve physical activity such as swimming, bowlingor martial arts.

Get support. Meet with a dietitian or nutritionist to discuss healthy food choices and other strategies to encourage healthy eating. Take your child for regular visits to her doctor. The doctor can monitor your child’s weight and sugar/cholesterol levels, as well as discuss your child’s medications and manage other medical issues that may affect your child’s eating and physical activity.

Response provided by Family Physician Dara Abellsand Registered Dietitian Ahuva Magder Hershkop.


When Dave and Robyn Way’s son was diagnosed with autism five years ago, their eyes were opened to a reality they knew little about. The couple found out how difficult it was to navigate the disjointed system of limited autism resources. They learned about the overwhelming need for services. They were shocked by the scarcity of funding for autism services and distressed by the financial impact on families.

Dave and Robyn decided to help change that reality. Their personal experience spurred them to become passionate autism advocates and determined ISAND supporters.

“A friend of a friend first directed us to ISAND for help,” recalls Dave. “Even as we were waiting for our first appointment, we were impressed by ISAND’s unique integrated approach to providing support for families, including our own.”

Personal connection inspiresadvocacy and support for ISAND

DONOR HIGHLIGHT: MEET DAVE & ROBYN WAY

After witnessing first-hand ISAND’s immense impact on families, Daveand Robyn jumped in to supportthe organization.

Dave volunteers on the Board of Directors as Treasurer. Together, the couple seeks to increase autism awareness, empathy, and understanding. And in addition to their own generous personal giving, Dave and Robyn also organized and hosted a sold-out fundraising event in November called “Courts and Cocktails,” raising $30,000 for ISAND. Planning for the next tennis-focused event is already underway.

“Our friends and acquaintances knew that our son has autism, but didn’t know a lot about it,” says Robyn. “The Courts and Cocktails event provided a casual and comfortable environment for people to learnabout autism as well as ISAND.”

The ISAND team is inspired by Dave and Robyn and grateful for their incredible commitment.

“Both Dave and Robyn understand how vital it is to bring a team of dedicated professionals around families to provide care that is coordinated and integrated,”says Executive Director David Gray. “Their support and encouragement is invaluable.”

“ISAND is the only place we know of that provides integrated care based on the client’s needs and builds upon their strengths,” says Dave. “We know that with more resources they can expand their services, programs and training to help even more families.”

“It quickly became apparent to us that ISAND was an organization we wanted to help.”

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UPCOMING FUNDRAISING EVENTS

Please Join Us!Friday, April 5th, 2019 | Famèe Furlane Toronto7065 Islington Avenue, Woodbridge ON L4L 1V9

To purchase tickets please visit:www.CynergyMechanicalCharityGala.ca

In support of


ISAND offers unique integrated approach to careDo you know a child or young person who may benefit from ISAND services and programs? Our clinical team of professionals includes developmental pediatricians, psychologists and clinicians from a variety of disciplines.

They work together as a team to provide a comprehensive range of services to ensure families receive fully coordinated, integrated and continuous care.

Our professional services and programs include:

• Behaviour (consultation, assessment and therapy)• Counselling and Support (individual and family)• Diet and Nutrition• Developmental Medical Care• Early Intervention (ESDM / NDBI)• Education Consultation• Occupational Therapy (consultation, assessment and intervention)• Parent Education and Parent Coaching• Psychology (consultation, diagnostic and psychoeducational assessment)• Psychology (cognitive based therapy and mindfulness based therapies)• Social Programs• Speech-Language Therapy (consultation, assessment and intervention and AAC support)• Therapeutic Yoga and Rhythmic Movement Training

We embrace the uniquess of everyone.To learn more please call 416-224-5959 or visit us at www.isand.ca

T 416-224-5959E [email protected]

5734 Yonge Street, Suite 500Toronto ON M2M 4E7Charitable Registration Number 841417538 RR0001

Building social skills is a key goal for Bryton · Cicilia has advice for other parents whose child...

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