Introduction

If you have a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) you know the challenges that come with parenting children with their varying abilities. This can include challenges for social engagement, behavioural challenges, transitions and so much more. Going to the grocery store is not an easy thing when you are dealing with all the struggles that come with being a parent to a child with ASD. It may feel isolating when you feel alone in the challenges that come with raising a child with ASD, however, for parents in Markham, a community rich in diversity and resources, access to support can make all the difference in managing these challenges effectively.

This article intends to provide local resources, tips, and insights for parents in the Markham area to find healthy parenting strategies and support for parents struggling and attempting to find successful outcomes for their children with ASD.

Information on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ABA Therapy

Based on ABA principles, learning and reinforcement alter behaviour due to the environment. The goal of ABA therapy is to promote the independence and autonomy of individuals with autism spectrum disorders, especially in areas such as communication, behaviour, social skills, and life skills. Evidence-based ABA therapy is one of the most effective therapies for kids with Autism.

As ABA therapy is effective in creating a more positive impact for children on the spectrum, government funding and waitlists are long and sometimes it is challenging to find places providing support in your area. It is important to find resources available within the city that can support the challenging behaviours you face.

Local Resources for Families in Markham

1. Autism Ontario – York Region Chapter: Central East Region Event

• Autism Ontario York Region Chapter looks at different services and resources for your child on the spectrum. They offer webinars, workshops courses, and much more to provide support and advocate for children with ASD.  
• Some past events include: Navigating a New Diagnosis  – an information session for parents of Autistic Children under 5, Cooking programs, Sensory Programs, Video Game Social Lab, Indoor Basketball, and more.
• The purpose of these events includes creating a support network, social and recreational options, and accessing support within the community. 
• You can Contact the Regional Program and Volunteer Coordinator through email or phone: 

Stephanie Maguire
stephanie.maguire@autismontario.com
416-246-9592 ext. 259

2. York Region District School Board (YRDSB) & York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) Support

• The YRDSB offers individualized programs tailored to children with ASD, that address challenges and provide inclusive learning environments for children on the spectrum. 
• IEPs (Individual Education Plans) are used for identified students to support the family’s goals for the student through academic, emotional, and behavioural goals that are collaborated with professionals, educators, and the student’s family.
• Below are some schools in Markham that provide special education programs and resources. All schools support student learning and well-being through the curriculum standards set out by the Ontario Ministry of Education:
• Roy H Crosby Public School 115 Drakefield Rd, Markham, ON L3P 1G9:  provides special education programs and informal social skills counselling. 
• Parkland Public School 18 Coxworth Ave, Markham, ON L3S 3B8: provides special education programs, informal social skills counselling, and before and after school care with daycare and Kinark Family Services.
• Edward T Crowle Public School 15 Larkin Ave, Markham, ON L3P 4P8: provides Special Education Programs, a before and after school program with daycare, outdoor education programs, school teams, and progressive discipline models. 
• Little Rouge Public School 571 Country Glen Rd, Markham, ON L6B 1E8: ESL and Special Education Programs, Bully Prevention, Kindness Program, Play Program, Peer Mentoring Programs, School Ambassadors Training Program, Ongoing and informal social skills counselling
• Markham Gateway Public School 30 Fonda Rd, Markham, ON L3S 3X3:  Student Support Centres that nurture achievement and integration for students requiring special education support in grades one to eight, and two ASD community classes.

3. ABA therapy Services:

• Kinark Autism Services 7271 Warden Ave, Markham, ON L3R 5X5 – Kinark provides Ontario-funded services as well as programs for families with a child on the spectrum. They offer ABA, coaching, Speech, occupational services, and more.
• Glowing Growth 6061 Hwy 7 Suite 201, Markham, ON L3P 3B2: They offer 1:1 Services, family programming, behavioural assessments, social skills groups, collaborations, and workshops.
• Little Treasures Learning Centre 5871 Hwy 7 #101, Markham, ON L3P 1A3: They offer ABA services, support for parents, resources and more. 

4. Speech Therapy Services:

• Speech Aim offers sessions from a licensed SLP (Speech-Language Pathologist) in the comfort of your home or a clinic within the area such as the Markham Heritage Health Clinic or the Markham Travel Health Clinic.
• Speech Therapy Markham 2855 Markham Rd. Unit 110, Toronto, ON M1X 0C3 They believe in a holistic approach to Autism Spectrum Therapy with customized and client-based speech therapy services.
• Speech Associates – Speech Therapy Markham 74 Hemingway Crescent, Markham, ON L3R 2A4 They provide various speech services for children with autism. They are also affiliated with Ontario’s top medical institutions (CAMH & University of Toronto).

5. Occupational Therapy Services:

• Discovering Abilities Occupational Therapy and Qigong Sensory Treatment (QST) 2855 Markham Rd Suite 400, Scarborough, ON M1X 0C3: They provide clinic or home-based occupational therapy for children with ASD to help with fine motor, gross motor, self-care skills, and sensory processing.
• Watermelon Paediatric Occupational Therapy 3200 14th Ave #11, Markham, ON L3R 0H8: They provide a play-based approach and design individualized treatment plans for each child.

6. Markham Public Libraries

• At some of the Markham Public Libraries, there are Programs, sensory-friendly events, and inclusive activities for children with ASD. 
• At the Miliken Mills Branch, there are Autism Support Groups for parents and children with ASD. The Markham Village Branch has an EarlyON drop-in program for parents and caregivers to learn with their children.
• Both branches provide sensory-friendly Story time drop-in for children and babies. 
• On Saturday, April 6th, 2025 Markham Public Library is hosting a Neurodiversity Fair.

Tips for Parenting an Autistic Child in Markham

Routines for Consistency

Predictability and a consistent routine for children with ASD are very important to have smooth transitions. The structure is important for children with ASD as this can provide organization and develop more healthy relationships and the well-being of family members. Establishing a consistent routine could look like having a visual schedule for your child to look at throughout the day so they know what is expected. Having things laid out visually allows a child with ASD to be more responsive to following the routine.

It can be stressful for parents to develop routines when children with ASD have challenging behaviours. Here are some tips for developing a routine for your child:

1. Using a visual schedule, allows the child to know what is expected throughout the day.
2. Set expectations for your child and follow through on the tasks at hand using prompting and reinforcers to be able to consistently improve the child’s engagement in their routine.
3. Allow for consistency by using a first-then board to let the child know what will happen next. Provide a fun activity in their routine after one that is challenging for the child to be motivated to do the current task.
4. Be flexible and give choices to children. Giving the child choices (on a choice board of a fun activity, or using the fun activity to help with the activity they are struggling with) can help create more engagement in a difficult task. An example of this is if the child likes to dance to music, having the child choose a dance move to dance to the more challenging task.
5. Using timers or visuals to let your child know that a task they enjoy (or don’t enjoy) can help make transitions easier. If there is ever going to be a change in routine explain clearly and use visuals to help.

Social, emotional, and behavioural skills:

There are correlations between language impairment & ASD to behavioural and emotional issues. Communication and understanding are areas that can help children with ASD minimize behaviours. Ensuring your child is being heard, and providing different ways to communicate (Visuals, PECS, Assisted Devices)can reduce challenging behaviours associated with emotional regulation and behavioural issues.

Social, emotional, and behavioural skills can be practiced in the community with the various groups shared above. Library programs, drop-in programs, and sensory-based programs may be some of the best ways to teach these skills naturally. Parents, you can support your child’s development and skills by being consistent and using different strategies at these various social programs.

It may be difficult at first, but teaching your child various skills is important to put in their routine.
An example of working on these skills in public could be transitioning out of the grocery store. If the child is upset, having the child’s assisted device or PECS could help you understand their frustration (they could be cold, or hungry, and using their device may help you understand). This can help reduce or improve behaviours and work on breathing to help your child regulate emotions as you set expectations.

Self-Care as a Parent

The importance of self-care for parents of children with special needs is crucial as you know taking care of a child with ASD comes with a lot of stress and challenges. The Many areas that stress leans into include behaviours, demands, financial strain, and the lack of support. Parents as you know children can be affected by your stress as well and it is important to find that support or outlet to find healthier relationships with your family and support system rather than feeling burnt out.

You can find support through many resources shared above. Autism Ontario, Kinark, and Autism Path are all resources in Markham that can provide parents with resources and support groups they can attend.

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, parenting a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents unique challenges. Parents in Markham, however, are fortunate to have a wide range of local resources available to them. Children with ASD can greatly benefit from specialized educational programs at local schools and therapy services such as ABA, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.
Further, organizations like Autism Ontario and local libraries offer sensory-friendly programs and support groups where families can connect, share experiences, and receive encouragement. Consistency, patience, and the right resources can help parents manage challenges associated with ASD while fostering positive growth for their children.

The stress of raising a child with special needs can take a toll on your mental and physical health, so it’s equally important to prioritize self-care. The best way for parents to care for their children and themselves is to tap into the support networks available to them and maintain a healthy balance. Markham families with children with ASD can create a nurturing environment that encourages their success and growth with the right resources, guidance, and support.

Call to action

With the stress of raising a child with ASD, there is a lot of importance to take care of your mental health. At The Insight Clinic, many therapists can help you through both in-person and virtual services. At The Insight Clinic, we can help you manage burnout, depression, anxiety, and financial burdens, as well as provide resources for Autism & ABA therapy. If you are a parent struggling with managing the behaviours of a child with autism, are anxious, or are struggling with finding options, The Insight Clinic can provide you with a therapist to cope with the anxieties and struggles with using different therapy interventions.

You can reach out today to book an appointment with our skilled and trained therapists to help you gain understanding and develop healthier coping strategies when you are feeling anxious or developing these maladaptive thought patterns.

In collaboration with The Insight Clinic, ABA Academy leads with a focus on excellence and focuses on providing individual ABA interventions for your child’s growth in social, behavioural, and communicative growth. ABA Academy helps with emotional, physical, and developmental growth and milestones as well. ABA Academy provides high-quality, individualized, and effective services to help your child grow and learn from a fully licensed and qualified BCBA. Reach out today to see if ABA Academy is the right fit for your child’s ABA services and allows better transitions in schools.