Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Diagnostic Hub

KidsAbility is one of the diagnostic hubs designated under the Ontario Autism Program. We provide Autism Spectrum Disorder assessments for children in Waterloo Region and County of Wellington.

Our team specializes in assessing children for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which include concerns related to:

Social interactions
Communication
Repetitive behaviors
Sensory sensitivities
Learning and developmental challenges

With a multi-disciplinary approach, our assessment team includes a pediatrician, an Occupational Therapist and a Speech Language Pathologist. We use standardized professional tools and criteria to determine a diagnosis of ASD. Following the assessment, our clinicians and designated Social Worker will provide resources and next steps to get you connected with appropriate supports.

All children or youth (under the age of 18 years) living in Waterloo Region or Wellington County.

Referrals to the KidsAbility Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Diagnostic Hub must be made by a doctor. Please speak to your doctor or pediatrician.

Your doctor must fax the referral form to:

Fax: 519-886-7292

Referral form: Physician Referral to KidsAbility ASD Assessment Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Our ASD Assessment Hub happens at our KidsAbility site in Cambridge, located at 887 Langs Drive.

Assessment Appointment:
Parents/guardians will participate in an interview with part of the team while your child participates in an open play activity with the other members of our team, who are interacting and observing them.

Your child will be formally assessed for one hour by the pediatrician and the team.

Feedback Appointment:
Parents/guardians attend a 45-minute appointment, without the child, to discuss the assessment results and talk with the team.

Our ASD Assessment Team collects information from the following sources, which helps determine if your child meets the criteria for a diagnosis of autism.

Interviews with parents/caregivers.
Reviewing checklists that have been completed by you and others who interact with your child (eg. childcare, preschool, teacher, etc).
Considering learning, academic and behavioral descriptions.
Learning about your child’s overall functioning at home, childcare and school.
Considering psychosocial factors including parental stress and coping, child participation and emotional responses.
Observing interactions with people, how your child relates to their environment, as well as their language, communication, thinking and reasoning.
Completing standardized assessment tools.

After the assessment appointment:

You will receive a diagnostic letter from the pediatrician (doctor) which will be needed to apply for funding and support applications.
You will receive information and support related to next steps, exploring services and resources for your child and your family.
KidsAbility offers ‘First Step’ appointments and social work support for those families who need it.