Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
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What does “ISAND” stand for? +
ISAND is stands for “Integrated Services for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders”
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What do you mean by “Integrated”? +
ISAND’s Therapists (Clinicians) come from nine different backgrounds and work together to provide evidence based therapies for children, youth and young adults living with autism spectrum disorder and/or other neurodevelopmental disorders including: Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); Intellectual Disabilities; Communication Disorders; Specific Learning Disorders; Fragile X Syndrome; and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
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What Clinical Disciplines are represented by ISAND Therapists? +
Developmental Paediatrics; Clinical Psychology; Social Work; Speech & Language, Occupational, and Behavioural Therapy; Social work; Education; Nutrition; and Yoga/Rhythmic Movement
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Are services at ISAND free? +
Only services provided by our physicians are covered by OHIP. All other services are provided on a fee-for-service basis. Some Employee Benefit Plans or other insurance plans provide coverage for some of our therapies. Some therapies and programs may be eligible for Tax Credits through CRA. Other government (individualized) funding like The Ontario Autism Program Childhood Budget; Special Services at Home (SSAH) or Passport funding can be used to pay for ISAND services. ISAND also seeks grants and undertakes fundraising to help keep costs down for families.
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Do I need a referral from my family doctor in order to get services from ISAND? +
A physician referral is only needed to see our developmental paediatricians and physicians. Families can self-refer for all other services and programs.
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What is the Intake Process? +
The first step is to download our Intake Form so we can get can get background information. You can also call (416-224-5959) or e-mail info@isand.ca and ask to have a copy sent to you. An intake meeting by phone will be scheduled to further discuss information included in the Intake Form, scheduling preferences, etc.
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Is there a waiting List for services? +
There is a wait time for most services and supports. Wait times vary by type of services you’re looking for.
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When I speak to people about services at ISAND, they tell me there are two options – SERVICE and PROGRAM. What is the difference between these two? +
We are looking at how we describe the therapy models that we use and likely will be making changes however for the time being the following is generally true: Both SERVICE and PROGRAM are goal oriented and individualized, with recommended end dates. Essentially, SERVICE – is 1:1 Treatment with a therapist, typically provided in a block of sessions (e.g. up to 12 weeks at a time). There is no limit to the number of blocks that someone can participate in. PROGRAM – is group treatment with therapists set for a specific number of sessions. There is no limit to the number of times someone can participate in a group.
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CANCELLATIONS AND MISSED APPOINTMENTS:
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Speech Therapy +
Contact: Alysha Ceolin
Email: alysha@diverselearners.org
Phone: 519-854-1354
Website: www.diverselearners.org
Description: Speech and Language Pathologist
Delivery: In home or virtual
Midtown Speech
Contact: Sami Cohen
Email: sami@midtownspeech.com
Phone: 416-919-3336
Website: www.midtownspeech.com
Description: Speech and Language Pathologist
Delivery: In centre or virtual
Connestions SLP
Contact: Lanni Zinberg-Swartz
Email: lanni@connectionsslp.ca
Phone: 289-472-5557
Website: www.midtownspeech.com
Description: Speech and Language Pathologist
Delivery: Virtual service
Speak Volumes
Contact: Leah
Email: leah@speakvolumestherapy.ca
Website: https://speakvolumestherapy.ca/
Description: Speech and Language Pathologist
Private paediatric speech-anguage pathology practice serving Thorhnhill and surrounding areas.
Delivery: All options
Wonderspeak
Email: talk@wonderspeak.com
Phone: 437-335-4478
Website: https://wonderspeak.com/
Description: Speech Language Pathologists (SLP's) regulated by the College of Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists (CASLPO). Our highly experienced therapists provide high-quality, evidence-based private therapy to a wide variety of clients throughout Toronto and the GTA.
Delivery: All options
Joanna Ticker
Phone: 647-800-9528
Email: joanna@joannatickerslp.com
Website: https://www.joannatickerslp.com/
Delivery: Virtual and in-person starting 2023
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Psychology +
Growing Minds
Contact: Anna Matejka, Danielle Ostfield, Laurie Vismara
Email: info@growingmindsto.ca
Website: https://growingmindsto.ca/
Description: Growing Minds Toronto Psychology - Psychological & Support Services for children & families providing assessment & treatment for Autism Services, LD, ADHD as well as ESDM Parent Coaching Services.
Delivery: In centre or virtual
Oakville Centre for Cognitive Therapy
Contact: Dr. Vicki Rombough
Phone: 905-338-1297
Website: www.oakvillecbt.ca
Description: In-person assessment and intervention
Delivery: In centre
Contact: Vicki Rombough
Email: vickirombough@gmail.com
Description: Virtual Psychological Consultation and Therapy Sessions for Neurodiverse Individuals and their Families.
Delivery: Virtual service
Redpath Centre
Contact: Kevin Stoddart
Phone: 416-920-4999 ext. 0169
Email: kevin.stodart@redpathcentre.ca
Website: www.redpathcentre.ca
Description: Private mental health organization committed to providing a range of clinical services, including diagnostic and therapeutic support services for neurodiverse individuals, with a specialty in autism support.
Delivery: In centre
Psychological assessment for children under 12 is provided by the Child Psychologist. Therapeutic services are available for chilren and youth between the ages of 6 and 17 with a psychologist or social worker. Older teens and young adults are seen for therapy and life skills coaching by the coaches, counsellors, and therapists. -
Behaviour Therapy +
Kids Connecting
Contact: Stacey Baskind
Email: stacey@kidsconnecting.ca
Phone: 647-834-0544
Website: www.kidsconnecting.ca
Description: We provide play-based, naturalistic behavioural intervention (ESDM, Early Start Denver Model) to young with autism; Individual and Small Group Therapy; Parent Coaching; School and Daycare Consultation, In-centre and in Your Home.
Delivery: In centre or in home
Orly Silberstein
Email: silberstein.orly@gmail.com
Description:Behaviour Consultant expecting to resume behaviour services Summer 2023
Delivery: In centre or in home
Resuming services in Summer 2023
Progresssive Behaviour Solutions
Contact: Brooke Myers
Email: brooke@behaviouralsupports.ca
Website: https://behaviouralsupports.ca/
Description: Brooke Myers is the owner and clinical supervisor of Progressive Behaviour Solutions. She is a BCBA who obtained her Master of Arts degree in Special Education with concentration in Autism and Developmental Disabilities from the University of British Columbia.
Delivery: All options
Progressive Behaviour Solutions provides in-home and virtual services throughout the GTA. Their services include: Support with reduction of challenging behaviours, Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI), Skill building, and Sleep consultation.
Sheila Condon, M.A., BCBA
Email: behaviour.consultancy@gmail.com
Description: Sheila Condon has over 18 years’ experience working with populations with differing abilities including the autistic community. In the past she has worked as a behaviour analyst in schools, group homes and within family homes/communities. She has also worked with clients at ISAND doing online and in person behaviour therapy.
She currently offers group social skills programs (online with some in person practice sessions) and parent coaching. Sheila is a Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst; she is also a certified PEERS® (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) and Triple P parenting coach. Sheila is a supervisor on the OAP provider list.
Sheila is passionate about: teaching skills in the natural environment; positive behaviour support services; evidence-based practices; supporting neurodiversity and building strong networks and communities.
Delivery: In centre or virtual
Breakthrough Autism
Contact: Nancy Marchese
Email: nancy@breakthroughautism.ca
Phone: 416-901-8479
Website: https://breakthroughautism.ca/
Description: Breakthrough Autism has been offering effective, evidence-based ABA services to our community for over 11 years. Our team is led by our Founder and CEO, Nancy Marchese, who has 25 years experience working in the field of ABA. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst - Doctoral Level (BCBA-D) and is a registered Clinical Psychologist. Together with your family, Breakthrough Autism changes the trajectory of your child’s growth. Our team builds meaningful ABA treatment plans and communicates about strategies that will help your child and your family. As soon as your child starts at Breakthrough Autism, they will receive customized ABA programming so that you can be confident that our services are a good fit for your child. We’re currently accepting new clients. Call us at 416-901-8478 so we can answer your questions. To learn more about our services, visit www.breakthroughautism.ca
Delivery: In centre or virtual
The Autism Centre of Toronto (TACT)
Contact: Carly Eby
Email: carly@autismtoronto.ca
Phone: 877-460-0937
Website: http://www.autismtoronto.ca/
Description: The Autism Centre of Toronto is a not-for-profit organization serving children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and neurodevelopmental disabilities. Our mission is to improve the lives of children with ASD and their families by providing access to evidence-based treatment in a positive and supportive learning environment. Our programs are individualized, comprehensive, and based on the scientific principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Our programs are expertly designed to teach skills in the areas of: Communication, Social Skills, Play, Daily Living, Safety, Self-Management, Gross & Fine Motor, and School Readiness. Our qualified Instructor Therapists are supervised on-site by Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) with clinical oversight by a doctoral-level BCBA-D®. We follow an interdisciplinary treatment approach, including onsite speech-language pathology and occupational therapy consultation. We use the ACE® Autism Curriculum Encyclopedia, developed by The New England Center for Children®, featuring assessment, curriculum design, and progress monitoring. We also align our curriculum to Ontario Standards. We work as a Team with parents, as well as other professionals, providing regular progress updates, monthly clinic meetings, and weekly parent education, so children can make meaningful progress at school, home, and in the community. We are an Approved Provider for the Ontario Autism Program.
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Occupational Therapy +
Baby Hawks
Contact: Samara
Email: franciasamara@gmail.com
Phone: 416-803-6272
Website: http://www.babyhawks.ca/about/baby-hawks-occupational-therapy-
Description: At Baby Hawks and Family Occupational Therapy Services, we believe that every infant, child and adult has inherent strengths and abilities which will be focused on and integrated into a dynamic, creative and customized program to meet each individuals needs.
Delivery: In Client home
Aquilla Occupational Therapy Services
Website: https://www.aquillaotservices.com/
Description: We are a group of dedicated professionals who love their work in therapy! Our clinic specializes in Occupational Therapy, but we have grown to serve you better and are now pleased to offer: paediatric occupational therapy, speech therapy, osteopathic manual therapy, berard auditory integration training, and behaviour therapy.
Delivery: In centre
Ellen Yack and Associates Paediatric Therapy Services
Contact: Ellen Yack
Email: ellenyack@gmail.com
Phone: 416-481-2446
Website: http://ellenyack.com/
Description: We have been recognized as one of the most respected therapy clinics in Canada for over 30 years. Founded by occupational therapist, Ellen Yack in 1985, the clinic has grown to include speech and language pathology and psychotherapy. We have a strong reputation for excellence among the medical, educational, therapy and parent communities.
Delivery: In centre or virtual
Lauren Reznick Therapy Services
Contact: Ellen Yack
Email: hello@laurenreznick.com
Phone: 416-636-5676
Website: https://laurenreznick.com/
Description:We are a devoted and passionate team of Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), Communicative Disorder Assistants (CDAs), and Occupational Therapists (OTs).
Lauren Reznick Therapy Services is a unique facility built around functionality and motivation. We offer play-based therapy services that keep our clients motivated, and increase generalization. Our facility includes sensory motor gyms, where we conduct evaluations and treatment. These gyms are child-friendly environments that entice children to engage and communicate. Our gyms also encourage movement to enhance self-regulation and attending behaviours. This input assists our clients to meet their goals.
Playful Strides Therapy Services
Email: frontdesk@playfulstrides.com
Phone: 289-851-2771
Website: www.playfulstrides.com
Description: Using a hands-on approach, our Registered Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Physiotherapists (PTs) support, educate, and help develop the skills of children required to complete daily activities such as eating, playing, sleeping, and learning.
Strive Therapy Services
Email: admin@strivetherapyservices.com
Phone: 416-704-9549
Website: https://www.strivetherapyservices.com/
Description: Strive Therapy Services offers mobile Occupational Therapy in the Greater Toronto Area. Our experienced therapists are dedicated to helping our clients strive for success.
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Other +
Social Work
Contact: Barbara Muskat
Email: barbara.muskat.socialworker@gmail.com
Social Work
Contact: Maria Rowsell
Email: mariarowsellmswrsw@gmail.com
Phone: 289-274-9608
Website: mariarowsell.com & http://groundedminds.ca/
Description: Maria Rowsell is a compassion-focused Registered Social Worker/Psychotherapist who supports adults and youth (14+) experiencing challenges with their mental health, physical health, and life circumstances.
Parenting / Family Support
Contact: Amy Kirsch
Phone: 647-669-1980
Description: Weekend respite program for teens and adults.
Academic and Behaviour Support
Contact: Cori Stern & Associates
Email: cori@coristern.com
Phone: 647-274-2674
Website: www.coristern.com
Description: Cori Stern & Associates is a full service Academic & Behaviour Support Team. We provide both Academic & Behaviour Support Services.
Offers academic tutoring, academic coaching, parent coaching and education advocacy support
Various Therapies
Monarch House
Contact: Chelsea Ganam
Email: chelsea.ganam@monarchhouse.ca
Phone: 289-274-9608
Website: www.monarchhouse.ca
Description: Embracing the unique qualities & abilities of those with Autism and developmental delays we provide easy access to immediate, effective services.
Click here for more information.
Under the Umbrella Tree
Contact: Nathalie Mann
Email: info@undertheumbrellatree.com OR nathalie@undertheumbrellatree.com
Phone: 416-850-0318 OR 416-850-9980
Website: undertheumbrellatree.com
Description: With a background in education and behaviour modification, our executive director and clinical team have spent the past 14 years developing specialized educational programming to meet the needs of their students. Programs combine the principles of applied behaviour analysis, Ontario curriculum guidelines and early years programming to ensure that we are preparing our students for long term success.
We are a behavioural treatment centre that services children from 18 months to 18 years and have been around for 20 years. We are a full service centre that offers: parent training, specialized small classrooms, 1:1 intensive ABA services, consulting services, social skills programming and parent advocacy.
Education Consultation
Contact: Candace Yanchyshyn
Email: cyanchyshyn@gmail.com
Phone:
Website:
Description:
Bari Handleman
Email: barihandleman92@gmail.com
Phone:
Website:
Description:
Cheryl Libman
Email:
Phone: 416-452-6316
Website:
Description: Tutoring and school support grades 1-6.
Hands 2 Feet Paediatric Therapy Services
Email: info@hands2feet.ca
Phone: 647-221-5278
Website:
Description: At Hands 2 Feet we offer occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and music therapy to "help your child reach their potential in daily activities". Daily activities for a child can include school work, play, sports and recreation activities, daily living skills and self-care tasks. We are passionate about our work and believe that every child has the potential for improvement and success when given adequate supports and opportunities.
We provide intervention to children from infancy to adolescense with: various developmental delays, gross and fine motor difficulties, acquired brain injury, cerebral palsy, and other neurological disorders
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