Shippagan, NB

Resources for New Brunswick

Below is a compilation of resources for getting a diagnosis, securing extra support, applying for special programs, building a support team, and accessing additional community resources pertaining to the province of New Brunswick.

How to Get a Diagnostic Assessment

  1. Visit a family doctor

  2. Referral to your pediatrician

  3. Your pediatrician may offer a diagnosis if necessary

Extra People to Go to for Support

Other than your family doctor or pediatrician, there are extra people that you can go to for support.

Preschool Autism Program — Education and Early Childhood Development

This program provides evidence-based intervention services to preschool children who are diagnosed with ASD and is for children between the ages of 0-5 when diagnosed and have not yet entered school.

Visit the official website of the Government of New Brunswick for more information.

Family Support and Other Assistance

Family Supports for Children with Disabilities Program

After getting a diagnosis of autism, you may look into the Family Supports for Children with Disabilities program for financial support and other assistance to meet the special developmental needs of your child.

You will need to contact the local office of this department to apply for the program:

If your family meets the pre-assessment qualifications, you will be contacted by a social worker to make arrangements to complete the application process:

  • Home visits to understand the situation the family is in

  • Gather information about the child and family’s strengths and unmet needs

  • Gather the names of professionals or organizations providing services to the child and family

  • Gather information about family income

A case plan will then be developed based on an assessment of the child’s developmental needs, and the family’s strengths and unmet needs.

Funding is not guaranteed as service options provided to eligible families depend on the assessed unmet needs of the family and the resources available.

Visit the official website of the Government of New Brunswick for more information.

After you enter the program, family-centred meetings are available:

  • To provide the opportunity for family members and professionals to come together to identify key objectives and priorities

  • The support and services the program is providing you with will be reviewed on an annual basis.

Building a Support Team

After you receive the autism funding, use it to build a support team.

The support team might include:

Behaviour Consultants (BC)

  • Assess child development and behaviour

  • Design and implement a behaviour plan of intervention

  • Coach parents

Care Providers

  • Provide medical care/treatments

Educators/Tutors

  • Assist in the learning and knowledge intake of the child

  • Aid the child in following provided instructions

Health Professionals

  • Will be of assistance when concerns relating to the health of the child come up

Social Workers

  • Work with the child to enhance overall well-being

  • Help the child meet basic and complex needs

Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP)

  • Develop communication skills

  • Introduce communication tools

  • Help with oral motor skill development (eating, drinking, swallowing, etc.)

  • Find speech-language pathologists

Support Workers

  • Work with the child directly

  • Promote independence and wellbeing

  • Provide direct physical help when called for

Therapists

  • Work directly with the child

  • Practice skills with the child

  • Work towards individual goals with the child

  • Find autism therapists

Additional Community Programs and Resources

Here is a non-exhaustive list of other available programs and resources within New Brunswick. Feel free to share some with us should you have any more!