Diagnosis Information
If your child has been diagnosed as having Autism, Spina Bifida, Cerebral Palsy or Down syndrome, click on the appropriate link below for additional information. Each document provides a glossary of terms, suggested to books and magazines that provide more in-depth information, and contact information for community resources that offer additional services and support to Grandview clients in Durham Region.
| Autism | Cerebral Palsy |
| Spina Bifida | Down syndrome |
Diagnosis Resources
- Online communities
A free, monitored and secure online community that welcomes kids, teens and young adults of all abilities. Find a friend or be a friend to someone just like you! Separate sections for different age groups and specialized tools help address transitional needs and challenges. This site also provides many useful links related to a variety of disabilities. Parents and professionals welcome.
Resources are grouped by diagnosis, in alphabetical order:
- Arthritis
Provides leadership and funding for research, advocacy and solutions to improve the quality of life for Canadians affected by arthritis.
- Autism
Autism Ontario - Durham Region
A non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that every individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is provided the means to achieve quality of life as a respected member of society.
North America’s largest autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention and treatments for autism, increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders, and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.
Autism Teaching Strategies: Social Skills Activities for Children with Autism
A visual-based tutorial of cognitive behavioural therapy strategies for kids with high functioning autism / Asperger syndrome.
Central East Autism Program (CEAP)
Provides intensive behavioural intervention (IBI) to children who have been diagnosed as having an autism spectrum disorder and who meet the criteria for program eligibility under the Ministry of Children and Youth's guidelines.
Empowers individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, and their families, to fully participate in their communities by providing training, resources and support.
- Blind-Low Vision
Canadian National Institute for the Blind
Provides real, sustainable help to Canadians who are blind or partially sighted by offering a variety of programs and services.
Ontario Foundation for Visually Impaired Children
OFVIC provides information on various issues relating to visual impairment.
- Brain Injury
Head Injury Association of Durham
A charitable, non-profit organization whose members are people of Durham Region who have experienced brain injuries, their families and others who share our vision.
Ontario Brain Injury Association
A provincial not-for-profit, charitable organization enhancing the lives of Ontarians living with the effects of acquired brain injury (ABI) through education, awareness and support. Services include information and resources, toll-free helpline, personal advocacy and support, and training and education for families and professionals.
- Cerebral Palsy
Provides a network of resources that support individuals, families, caregivers and professionals, whose lives are touched by Cerebral Palsy.
Provides information and support to families affected by Cerebral Palsy and other birth injuries.
Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy
A non-profit charitable organization that addresses the needs of people with Cerebral Palsy and other physical disabilities, through provision of services and programs, advocating and promoting awareness, and encouraging and supporting research and education.
- Chromosome Disorders
S.O.F.T. - Support Organization for Trisomy 18, 13 and any other disorder which produces serious, multiple birth defects
A nonprofit volunteer organization offering support for parents who have had a child with a chromosome disorder, and education to families and professionals interested in the care of these children. Durham Region chapter: 905-579-9215
Unique: Understanding chromosome disorders
A source of information and support to families and individuals affected by any rare chromosome disorder, and to the professionals who work with them
- Deaf or Hearing Impairment
VOICE for Hearing Impaired Children
The mission of VOICE is to ensure that all hearing impaired children have the right to develop their ability to listen and speak and have access to services which will enable them to listen and speak. They develop and implement programs and services in parent support, public education, auditory-verbal therapy program and advocacy.
- Down syndrome
Canadian Down Syndrome Society (CDSS)
A national organization whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for all individuals who have Down Syndrome through advocacy, education and providing information.
Down Syndrome Association of Toronto
A charitable, non-profit organization, created by parents to provide a network for parents, create a positive image, and ensure the availability of services to all persons with Down syndrome.
Durham Down Syndrome Association
A non-profit registered charitable organization that acts as a resource for health, education and professionals to support families and other interested persons working to improve life for individuals with Down syndrome in Durham Region.
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
A Canadian federally-incorporated non-profit organization providing support, information, advocacy and discussion forum.
- Klippel-Feil syndrome
Klippel-Feil Syndrome Support Group
905-432-1049
- Learning Disabilities
Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario
Provides leadership in learning disabilities advocacy, research, education and services and strives to advance the full participation of children, youth and adults with learning disabilities in today’s society.
- Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular Dystrophy Association of Canada
Provides relevant and current information about many types of neuromuscular disorders, as well as assistance obtaining necessary equipment through loans and/or funding. Durham Region Chapter: 905-721-0380
- Prader-Willi syndrome
Ontario Prader-Willi Syndrome Association
The Ontario Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (OPWSA) is a non-profit, charity which was established in 1982. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome. Prader-Willi Syndrome Durham Chapter: 905-427-7256
- Spina Bifida
Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Ontario
Supports those with Spina Bifida and/or hydrocephalus and their families with the challenges brought on by these serious disabling conditions through programs and services that focus on research, awareness, care and advocacy.
- Spinal Cord Injury
Canadian Paraplegic Association of Ontario
Assists persons with spinal cord injuries and other physical disabilities to achieve independence, self-reliance and community participation. They offer support, counselling, advocacy and information services.
- Tuberous Sclerosis
Tuberous Sclerosis Canada (TSC)
Dedicated to the principles of providing encouragement and support to individuals and their families diagnosed with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC); raising public awareness and educating our communities of TSC; and to promote and support research aimed at the cure for TSC and/or control of Tuberous Sclerosis symptoms.