WHAT I DO -
As a Community Support Worker (CSW) I provide support services to your family during the Intake, Assessment and Intervention process of the EIIS service delivery system. I will help you to understand how the system works and what is expected of you.
As the Community Support Worker, I may gather information about your child's development that will help the psychologists decide if an assessment for autism is appropriate. If necessary, I may be able to help arrange transportation for you and your child to attend assessment and intervention appointments.
After your child has received a diagnosis, I may work with your child and family on specific recommendations made by the EIIS Autism Team. When appropriate, I will provide support and suggestions to help you accomplish the goals set out in your Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). I can also help you to get connected to other community resources and services in your area.
WHAT I DON'T DO -
As a Community Support Worker I am unable to provide childcare for your children.
SOME TERMS I USE -
Although I use many terms these are some that you will hear often:
Intake: Intake is the first step towards getting your child seen by the EIIS Autism Team. It is a process of gathering information that lets the team know that you have a concern about your child's development.
Assessment: If the team suspects that your child might have an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) then they will want to do an assessment. The assessment is called the ADOS and involves a series of activities that help to determine if your child meets the criteria for an ASD.
Development: This is the lifelong process of learning and applying new skills.
Family Centered: This means that your child's services and supports are based on the strengths and needs, concerns, priorities and resources that you have identified. Services and support are designed to respect your family's concerns, interests, values and priorities.
