The early years (0-4) are especially important for social and communication development, areas that often present challenges for young autistic children. Early indicators of autism are well understood in the first two years of life, presenting an opportunity to support children and families at the first sign of developmental differences, even before a diagnosis is confirmed. Research shows that early interventions that harness the power of the child’s primary caregivers/parents (caregiver-mediated interventions; CMIs) are effective. They are also resource-efficient, making them ideally situated for broad reach across communities. However, there are still many families who are not able to access these programs, and we need to change that.

This project aims to find the best ways to increase access to a Canadian-made CMI (the Social ABCs). We will explore novel service pathways and partner with service agencies in new provinces. Our team includes researchers, people with lived experience (a parent and an autistic adult), service providers and program managers, and Social ABCs trainers. We will work together to implement the program in different settings, allowing us to evaluate family-level and system-level factors that facilitate and hamper widescale program delivery. Learnings will be used to increase program access in communities across Canada.

 

Award

  • Kids Brain Health Network: $399, 841

 

Partners

  • Ontario Association for Infant and Child Development Services
  • Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

 

Team

  • Principal Investigator: Dr. Jessica Brian
  • Co-Investigator: Dr. Sarah Munce
  • Co-Investigator: Dr. Lonnie Zwaigenbaum
  • Co-Investigator: Dr. Lori Ann Sacrey
  • Collaborator and Consultant: Isabel Smith
  • Collaborator: Sharon Wong
  • Implementation Partner: Sue Mace
  • Implementation Partner: Angie Anthony
  • Implementation Partner: Renie D’Aquilla
  • Family Partner: Jina Lee
  • Autistic Advisor: Moira Robertson
  • Research Staff/Lead Trainer: Erin Dowds, Ed.D.
  • Staff: Kate Bernardi
  • Staff: Sanne Jilderda
  • Staff: Stacey MacWilliam

 

Social ABCs: Mimi’s story

When Mimi was diagnosed with autism at the age of two, she could barely communicate. Now four years old, Mimi communicates using sounds and words, skills taught and nurtured through the Social ABCs program.

Read Mimi’s story

Learn more about the Social ABCs