Best Practices Literature and Key Documents
Advocacy/Policy
Diagnosis and Assessment
Education/Schools
Prevalence
Research
Treatment/Service
Adult/Lifespan Issues
2010 Federal Disability Report: The Government of Canada’s Annual Report on Disability Issues.
Forgotten: Ontario Adults with Autism and Adults with Aspergers. Autism Ontario, October 15, 2008: Recommendations for supports and services for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder [PDF].
Primary Care of Adults with Developmental Disabilities – Canadian Consensus Guidelines. William F. Sullivan et al., Canadian Family Physician/Le Médecin de famille canadien, Vol. 57, May 2011, pages 541-553. [Links to Surrey Place Centre which lists guidelines in English and French, and includes access to updated toolkits.]
Advancing Futures for Adults with Autism, Expert Think Tank summary report.
Autism Management Advisory Team Report on Lifespan Needs of Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Province of Nova Scotia, May 3, 2010: Ministers of Education, Health, Community Services and Justice received a report from the Autism Management Advisory Team which makes 53 recommendations dealing with intervention, support and accommodation needs of people living with autism... View the full report [PDF].
Autism Spectrum Disorder Grown Up: A Chart Review of Adult Functioning [PDF]. Samantha Marriage, Annie Wolverton, Keith Marriage. The Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 18:4 November 2009.
Autism: The Demand for Advocacy (info pamphlet) [PDF]. The National Autistic Society, United Kingdom.
Bridging to Adulthood: A Protocol for Transitioning Students with Exceptional Needs from School to Community is now available from Manitoba Education, Citizenship and Youth. This document replaces Manitoba Transition Planning Process Support Guidelines for Students with Special Needs Reaching Age 16 (1999). It is intended for transition planning partners, including Manitoba Family Services and Housing, designated agencies, Child and Family Services Authorities and Agencies, Manitoba Health and Healthy Living, regional health authorities and their programs and services, Manitoba Education, Citizenship and Youth and educators in Manitoba.
Diversity in Ontario's Youth and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Complex Needs in Unprepared Systems [PDF]. Stoddart, K.P., Burke, L., Muskat, B., Manett, J., Duhaime, S., Accardi, C., Burnham Riosa, P. & Bradley, E. (2013). Toronto, ON: The Redpath Centre.
Strengthening Protection for Disabled People:Proposals for Reform. Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (March 2012) [PDF].
Advocacy/Policy
Charter for Persons with Autism, Autism Europe [PDF]. Adopted as a written declaration by the European parliament on May 9, 1996
Collective Voice of the Autism Community in Canada Calls on Government to Take Steps to Establish National Autism Strategy [PDF]. Ottawa, Nov. 5, 2007: The Conservative Government has provided its response to the Standing Senate Committee recommendations on Autism in its Response to the Report of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology, Pay Now or Pay Later: Autism Families in Crisis, tabled on October 17th, 2007… a growing stakeholder Alliance calls on the Canadian government to embrace the recommendations of its Senate and to show the leadership we so badly need to address this crisis as other countries have done...
'Fulfilling and Rewarding Lives:' The Strategy for Autism in England (2010) [PDF]. Social Care Policy and Innovation, Department of Health, London, 2010. [Department of Health Publications Page].
Un geste porteur d'avenir - Des services aux personnes présentant un trouble envahissant du développement, à leurs familles et à leurs proches. Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux Québec, 2003.
The Health of Canadians - The Federal Role. Final Report. Volume Six: Recommendations for Reform (2002). The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology.
Mental Health Commission Releases Framework for Mental Health Strategy [PDF]. Mental Health Commission of Canada, November 30 2009.
National Report Card 2009:Inclusion of Canadians with Intellectual DIsabilities [PDF]. Canadian Association for Community Living.
Office of the Auditor General of Ontario - Annual Report 2008.
The Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology Final Report on: The Enquiry on the Funding for the Treatment of Autism, Pay Now or Pay Later: Autism Families In Crisis, Chair: The Honourable Art Eggleton, P.C., Deputy Chair: The Honourable Wilbert Joseph Keon, March 2007.
The federal government has responded to the Canadian Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs recommendations in their report "Pay Now or Pay Later: Autism Families in Crisis" - tabled in the Senate on October 17, 2007. [PDF Eng] [PDF Fre]
The Rights of Ageing People with Autism, Autism Europe [PDF]. A position paper on ageing persons with Autism.
Diagnosis and Assessment
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Reports help Pediatricians Identify and Manage Autism Earlier. Clinical reports from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) help pediatricians recognize autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) earlier and guide families to effective interventions, which will ultimately improve the lives of children with ASDs and their families. The first clinical report, “Identification and Evaluation of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders,” provides detailed information on signs and symptoms so pediatricians can recognize and assess ASDs in their patients. Educational strategies and associated therapies, which are the cornerstones of treatment for ASDs, are reviewed in the second AAP clinical report, “Management of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders.”
Asperger Syndrome in Adulthood: A Comprehensive Guide for Clinicians, Kevin Stoddart et al., (WW Norton 2012). A thorough overview of Asperger syndrome for mental health professionals. Interest in Asperger syndrome is on the rise, but until recently it has been examined almost exclusively in children and adolescents. In this book, three leading researchers summarise the relevant issues in adults, including diagnosis, co-morbid psychiatric conditions, psychosocial issues, and appropriate interventions, from psychotherapy to psychopharmacology.
Assessment, diagnosis and clinical interventions for children and young people with autism spectrum disorders: A national clinical guideline [PDF]. Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network. July 2007.
A Best Practice Guide to Assessment and Intervention for Autism and Asperger Syndrome in Schools. Lee A. Wilkinson, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2010.
Autism Research Centre Downloadable Tests for Research Purposes.
Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (CHAT) Page by the National Autistic Society.
The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers.
New American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Reports Help Pediatricians Identify and Manage Autism Earlier. San Francisco, October 29, 2007: Two new clinical reports from the AAP will help pediatricians recognize autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) earlier and guide families to effective interventions, which will ultimately improve the lives of children with ASDs and their families. The first clinical report, Identification and Evaluation of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders [PDF],provides detailed information on signs and symptoms so pediatricians can recognize and assess ASDs in their patients. Educational strategies and associated therapies, which are the cornerstones of treatment for ASDs, are reviewed in the second AAP clinical report, Management of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders [PDF].
Practice Parameter: Sreening and Diagnosis of Autism: Report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology and the Child Neurology Society, Filipek PA, Accardo PJ, Ashwal S, Baranek GT, Cook EH Jr, Dawson G, Gordon B, Gravel JS, Johnson CP, Kallen RJ, Levy SE, Minshew NJ, Ozonoff S, Prizant BM, Rapin I, Rogers SJ, Stone WL, Teplin SW, Tuchman RF, Volkmar FR. Neurology, Vol. 55, No. 4, 468-79.
Screening, Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Young Children, Miriam Foundation 2008:Canadian Best Practice Guidelines [PDF] | Parent's Guide [PDF] | Physician Toolkit [PDF] | English Poster [PDF]. Visit Autism Central for more information, and to obtain hard copies of documents.
Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers (STAT).
Special Issue of Autism on Early Detection and Screening. Available free until January 31, 2008 via Sage Journals Online. | Download single PDF of journal articles.
Supports Intensity Scale: A unique tool for assessing and planning support needs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Standards and Guidelines for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in British Columbia, Vikram Dua, British Columbia Ministry of Health Planning.
Education/Schools
Autism Program Quality Indicators: A Self-Review and Quality Improvement Guide for Schools and Programs Serving Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders.The University of the State of New York, New York State Education Department Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities. Albany, NY, 2001.
The Use of Assistive Technology and Educational Software To Teach, Support or Enhance Skills for Students who have Autism Spectrum Disorders and/or Developmental Disabilities [PDF], Leslie Broun, M. Ed. Microcomputer Science Centre.
Educational Software for Students Who Have Autism Spectrum Disorders and/or Developmental Disorders [PDF], Microcomputer Science Centre Inc.
Educating Children with Autism: Lord, Catherine and McGee, James P. Eds. Committee on Educational Interventions for Children with Autism National Research Council, National Academies (U.S.) Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education Board on Behavioral, Cognitive, and Sensory Sciences and Education, 2001.
Effective Educational Practices for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Ministry of Education, Ontario. This resource guide is designed to support educators in elementary and secondary schools in Ontario in planning and implementing effective educational programs for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. PDF:Chapter 1: Foundations | Chapter 2: Teaching and Learning | Chapter 3: Communication and Behaviour | Chapter 4: Tools and Techniques | Chapter 5: Appendices
Guidelines for the Effective Use of Educational Software with Students who have Autism Spectrum Disorders and/or other Developmental Disabilities [PDF], Leslie Broun, M.Ed. Microcomputer Science Centre Inc.
Isis BeDoc_Student™: BeDoc_Student™ is a student centric web/database system designed to enable selected school personnel to document ‘real-world’ data of student behaviour on Isis smartphones, and view the compiled data through a secure web connection, to evolve each students IEP (Individual Education Plan) in synch with their development.
The Landscape of Literacy and Disability by Ezra B.W. Zubrow, Marcia H.Rioux, Christina K. Spielman. Mihaela Dinca-Panaitescu, Gail Kunkel and Allyson Marsolais (ISBN 978-0-9737126-3-6). This is a report that definitively shows, using easy-to-read maps, the wide discrepancy of literacy between those with and without disabilities. To purchase the book for $50.00 (shipping included) please send order information and payment to: Canadian Abilities Foundation 340 College Street, Suite 401 Toronto, Ontario M5T 3A9 Fax: (416) 923-9829 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC): NSCC Disability Services and the Provincial Autism Centre have developed an Autism Toolkit which provides Faculty and Staff with strategies for supporting autistic students in the classroom and in the college community.
National Autism Centre National Standards Project [Free Registration Required]: "The National Standards Project answers one of the most pressing public health questions of our time - how do we effectively treat individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)?"
Supporting Inclusive Schools: A Handbook for Developing and Implementing Programming for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Manitoba Education, CItizenship and Youth, 2005. A planning and programming resource for school teams who support students with ASD. PDF: Acknowledgements and Content | Ch. 1: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) | Ch. 2: The Student w/ ASD | Ch. 3: Planning for the Student w/ ASD | Ch. 4: Teaching the Student w/ ASD | Ch. 5: Instructional Strat. for the Student w/ ASD | App. A: DSM-IV-TR Diagnostic Criteria | App. B: Asperger's Syndrome | App. C: Behavioural Support for Student w/ ASD | App. D: ASD Inventory | App. E: Human Sexuality Edu. & Student w/ ASD | App. F: Forms | Bibliography | Suggested Readings
Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder [PDF]. Ministry of Education, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, 2003.
Teaching Students with Autism: A Resource Guide for Schools, British Columbia Ministry of Education, 2000. No single method for teaching students with autism is successful for all students. Needs change over time, making it necessary for teachers to try other approaches.
Teaching Students with Learning or Behavioural Differences: A Resource Guide for Teachers, British Columbia Ministry of Education. The challenge for teachers is to provide each student in their classroom with learning activities that provide challenge and success promote growth, involve the student as an active learner, are age appropriate, and enhance self-concept.
Prevalence
Estimating the Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Conditions in Adults: Extending the 2007 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey. T. Brugha et al, NHS Information Centre for Health and Social Care, January 31, 2012.
Prevalence of the Autism Spectrum Disorders in Multiple Areas of the United States, 2000 and 2002 [PDF]. Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network.
Research
2nd Draft Best Practices for Health Research Involving Children and Adolescents. Denise Avard, Julie Samuel, Lee Black, Glenn Grenier, Bartha Maria Knoppers; Centre of Genomics and Policy; McGill University Ethics Office, Canadian Institutes of Health Research; March 30, 2011.
Canadian Institute for Health Research publishes Report on the National Autism Research Symposium (held Nov 8-9, 2007, Toronto). Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction, May 6, 2008. [HTML] [PDF]
Evaluation, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Disorders in Individuals With ASDs: A Consensus Report. Timothy Buie, MD et al., Pediatrics, Vol. 125, Supplement January 2010.
Interactive Autism Network (IAN) Research Reports: April 2009: Family Stress - Part 1 | May 2009: Family Stress - Part 2 Work Life and Finances
Policy Forum: Autism Across the Lifespan. Montreal, February 5-6, 2009 [PDF]. Centre of Excellence for Early Childhood Development (CEECD) and the Centre of Excellence for Children and Adolescents with Special Needs (CECASN).
Position Paper PP2004-02: Early Intervention for Cildren with Autism, Canadian Paediatric Society, Paediatric Child Health Vol 9, No 4, 2004.
Scientific Consensus Statement on Environmental Agents Associated with Neurodevelopmental Disorders, developed by the Collaborative on Health and the Environment's Learning and Developmental Disabilities Initiative, (Revised July 1, 2008). [PDF]
Treatment/Service
Alberta Mental Health Board Child and Adolescent Toolbox [PDF]: An online interactive resource that provides research based intervention strategies and resources for children and adolescents with developmental and behavioural problems
Behavioural Interventions for Preschool Children with Autism, McGahan L. Ottawa: Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment (CCOHTA); 2001. Technology report no 18.
Best Practices for Designing and Delivering Effective Programs for Individuals with Autistic Spectrum Disorders - Recommendations of the Collaborative Work Group on Autistic Spectrum Disorders [PDF]. Sponsored by the California Departments of Education and Developmental Services, July 1997. Several intervention methods (such as discrete trial, environmental modifications, naturalistic teacher moments, or inclusion with typically developing peers) are considered. States that ABA is usually needed to assist a child to gain skills and reduce negative behaviors.
Clinical Practice Guideline (Report of the Guideline Recommendations) for Autism / Pervasive Developmental Disorders: Assessment and Intervention for Young Children (Age 0-3 Years): Report of the Guideline Recommendations Autism/Pervasive Developmental Disorders Assessment and Intervention for Young Children (Age 0-3 Years). Sponsored by New York State Department of Health Early Intervention Program. This guideline was developed by an independent panel of professionals and parents sponsored by the New York State Department of Health, Early Intervention Program (1999).
Considerations for Administrators in the Design of Service Options for Young Children with Autism and their Families [Subscription Required], Strain, P., Wolery, M., & Izeman, S. Young Exceptional Children 1998, 8-16.
Defining Spoken Language Benchmarks and Selecting Measures of Expressive Language Development for Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders, Helen Tager-Flusberg et al, Journal of Speech, Language and Hearing Research, Vol. 2, June 2009.
Early Intensive Intervention Best Practices: Info page from the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
Evidence-Based Practices for Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Review of the Literature and Practice Guide, Perry, Adrienne and Condillac, Rosemary. Children's Mental Health Ontario, 2004.
Improving Health Outcomes for Children and Youth with Developmental Disabilities: A literature review in the health status of children and youth with developmental disabilities within a population health framework [PDF]. First Leadership Limited: Rae Roebuck, Marion Paquet, Judy Coultes-Macleod.
Intensive Intervention Programs for Children with Autism, Ludwig, Sue and Christa Harstall. Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research, 2001.
Let's Pretend: The Relationship Between Play and Theory of Mind in Typical Children and Children with ASD, Fern Sussman, The Hannen Centre.
Provincial and Territorial Funding Programs for Autism Therapy [PDF], Parliamentary Information and Research Service, Canada, 2006.
Report of the MADSEC Autism Task Force. Maine Administrators of Services for Children with Disabilities, 2000.
A Review of the Research to Identify the Most Effective Models of Best Practice in the Management of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders [PDF], Jacqueline M. Roberts with assistance from Greta Ridley. Centre for Developmental Disability Studies, The University of Sydney, 2004.
Scientific Consensus Statement on Environmental Agents Associated with Neurodevelopmental Disorders, developed by the Collaborative on Health and the Environment's Learning and Developmental Disabilities Initiative, 2008. [PDF]
Service Guidelines for Individuals with Autistic Spectrum Disorder/Pervasive Developmental Disorder: Birth through Twenty-One. Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council: Guidelines to help families, educators, medical professionals, care providers and other service providers make informed decisions about children and young adults with ASD/PDD. Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council.
Service Guidelines: Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders, Susan Evans, George DiFerdinando. Department of Health and Senior Services, New Jersey Early Intervention System, 2004. Guidelines support the mission of early intervention, promote consistency in service delivery across the state and most importantly, address the specific needs of children with autism spectrum disorders and their families.
