The Asperger’s Society of Ontario and Kids in School

1. Asperger Syndrome is an Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is believed that 1 in 165 people in Canada have Asperger Syndrome. Asperger Syndrome makes “it difficult for students to function well in school and for adults to find and keep employment […in spite of being] capable of major accomplishments.” The causes of the Syndrome are not known but “a leading theory at this time points to genetic causes.” Treatments “include counseling, psycho-education, social skills training, medication, family intervention, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, special diets and others.” All this information is available at: http://www.aspergers.ca

2. What are the vision and goals of The Asperger’s Society of Ontario? The mission of the Asperger’s Society of Ontario is “to provide educational information and support to individuals with Asperger Syndrome, their families, educators, medical and mental health professionals, employers, government agencies and the community, to enable individuals with Asperger Syndrome to realize their potential as fully contributing members of their community.” “The goals of the Asperger’s Society of Ontario are to improve public and professional awareness and understanding of the unique challenges, strengths and needs of individuals with Asperger Syndrome and their families. [The Society does] this by providing information and easy access to resources for families, professionals and others interested in Asperger Syndrome.” All this information is available at: http://www.aspergers.ca

3. How does The Asperger’s Society of Ontario address equity, inclusion and awareness of cultural diversity? The Society’s very existence is to accomplish these exact qualities. The Asperger’s Society strives to create an equitable existence for those suffering from Asperger’s Syndrome and for those close to them and working in their support. The Society strives to integrate people with Asperger’s Syndrome into society as “fully contributing members” which is, in its essence encompasses the concepts of equity and inclusion. All this information is available at: http://www.aspergers.ca

4. What services/programs exist for Ontario students with Asperger’s Syndrome and their families? A knowledgeable program specialist in connection with the ASO (Asperger’s Society of Ontario) Action Line which can provide “personal, case-by-case resource support.” The ASO Action Line – also called AsperLink – provides answers to questions related to Asperger’s Syndrome and resources and services available in Ontario. The contact information for this service is provided here. Increasing numbers of classrooms in Ontario public schools provide support for those with Asperger’s Syndrome with the understanding that every individual student with the Syndrome presents a different profile of strengths and needs. There are also options for private schooling and home schooling. For parents who are concerned that their child may have Asperger’s Syndrome, there is a helpful section of answers to questions about how to proceed with getting a diagnosis in Ontario and and what happens after the diagnosis. It is at: http://www.aspergers.ca/diagnosis-children-and-adolescents/ All this information is available at: http://www.aspergers.ca

5. How are services/programs accessed? The Asperger Syndrome Info Line and email address which link the caller to a knowledgeable program specialist are (416) 651-4037 and [email protected] The above contact information and the Society’s toll free number (844) 535-4037 link to a knowledgeable program specialist in connection with the ASO (Asperger’s Society of Ontario) Action Line provides “personal, case-by-case resource support.” AsperLink, the ASO Action Line provides answers to questions related to Asperger’s Syndrome and resources and services available in Ontario. The website (www.aspergers.ca) also provides a searchable database and a searchable media library. All this information is available at: http://www.aspergers.ca

6. Other pertinent information about The Asperger’s Society of Ontario: The ASO runs a program called “Mabel’s Labels” which can help parents (and students) retrieve lost items from their school’s lost and found box more easily through the use of colourful, personalized labels. The Asperger’s Society of Ontario also provides support services for adults, of course, such as the ASO Adult Social Group which provides social support and networking for participants. It meets monthly at different locations in Toronto. Contact Information for Asperger’s Society of Ontario: 3219 Yonge Street, Suite 231. Toronto, Ontario. M4N 3S1. Email: [email protected] Tel. (416) 651-4037 Toll Free (844) 535-4037 Twitter: @AspergerOntario Facebook: facebook.com/AspergerOntario All this information is available at: http://www.aspergers.ca