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www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, November 15, 2012 · 16 The cause of the disorder remains unknown, but researchers believe the secret is in the genes. With no cure for autism, families affected by the disorder have turned to a variety of therapies that have proven successful in alleviating its wide-ranging symptoms. But accessing help is easier said than done. This is the final installment of a four-part Metroland series, Navigating Through the Fog, that attempts to piece together the puzzle of autism. By Catherine O'Hara and Julie Slack, writers Eric Riehl, photographer METROLAND WEST MEDIA GROUP Autism Ontario reaches out to families "When you get this diagnosis, not only does it rattle your world, but you are given absolutely no direction as to what you can do to help your child." Burlington mom, Lizanne Rowe, didn't know where to turn when her son, Jack, was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). And she's not alone. Many families interviewed for Navigating Through the Fog, a four-part Metroland West Media Group series on autism, spoke of the lack of support they received from medical professionals after their child -- or children -- were determined to be on the spectrum. One Waterdown mom, who requested anonymity for fear her daughter with Asperger's syndrome would be labelled as special needs and treated differently by her teachers and peers, was at a loss. Asperger's syndrome is an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) that differs from typical ASDs in that those who have Asperger's are generally high functioning. They can usually speak, and cognitive development is also intact. Faced with a lengthy wait for treatment, the nine-year-old girl's blended family would welcome the opportunity to access services tailored for individuals living with autism spectrum disorder, but finding those resources were next to impossible. "The support for families is non-existent," said the Waterdown mom. "If there was help, we could have been at a different level right ERIC RIEHL / OAKVILLE BEAVER / @halton_photog FAMILY HELPING FAMILIES: Trish Simons is the president of the Autism Ontario Hamilton-Wentworth Chapter and is a font of information for parents struggling to cope with a child's diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. She is also the mother of three teen boys who live with autism. Pictured with Simons are sons, from left, Richard, Geoffrey and Michael Crow. Simons agreed to be interviewed for Metroland's four-part series Navigating Through The Fog. now, where we are coping and happy, and she's happy." Burlington's Christine Poe had one weekend to secure $45,000 to ensure her son, Dorian, would get the last spot available at Burlington's Woodview Learning Centre. She was left to her own devices to find the Flatt Road facility and other supports to help the family. However, there are numerous organizations throughout the region dedicated to offering supports and therapies to those affected by ASD. Autism Ontario, which operates a chapter in both Hamilton and Halton, focuses on education, supporting research and advocating for programs and services for the autism community. From one-on-one support to information on different programs, therapies and government funding, Autism Ontario is a vital resource. "Our coordinators will help them find the best path for their family," said Trish Simons, president of the organization's HamiltonWentworth chapter and mom of three boys on the spectrum. While facts on the neuro-developmental disorder are available at the chapter, so too is access to other families that are experiencing a similar journey. Events, including monthly meetings featuring guest speakers, as well as social gatherings, help families get out into the community and enjoy fun activities, such as swimming, bowling or movies. "We're a place where families can find a little community of people who are going through the same thing you are," said Simons. "With us, you are safe." See iPad page 17 Resources are available to help families, individuals with ASD The following is a list of some of the resources, which may help families navigate through the fog of autism. Erin Oak Kids Centre for Treatment and Development, Regional autism intervention program services provider for the central west region, including Halton Tel: 905-855-3557 · Toll free: 1-877-374-6625 · www.erinoakkids.ca Hamilton Health Sciences, Regional autism intervention program service provider for the Hamilton and Niagara regions, located at the Chedoke site of McMaster Children's Hospital Tel: 905-2100, ext. 77315 · Toll free: 1-800-890-2782 · www.mcmasterchildrenshospital.ca Ministry of Children and Youth Services', central west regional office, servicing Halton, 6733 Mississauga Rd., Suite 200, Mississauga · Tel: 905567-7177 · Toll free: 1-877-832-2818 Ministry of Children and Youth Services', western regional office, servicing Hamilton 119 King St. West, Hamilton · Tel: 905-521-7280 · Toll free: 1-866-221-2229 Autism Ontario Halton Chapter, 4361 Harvester Rd., Unit 9, Burlington · Tel: 905631-1233 · E-mail: halton@autismontario.com · www.autismhalton.com Autism Ontario Hamilton-Wentworth Chapter, 533 Main St. East, Hamilton · Tel: 905528-8476 · E-mail: hamilton@autismontario.com · www.autismontario.com Autism Speaks Canada, a registered Canadian charity, North America's largest autism science and advocacy organization Tel: 416362-6227 · Toll free: 1-888-362-6227 · E-mail: autismspeakscanada@autismspeaks.org · www. autismspeaks.ca Missing Links: Filling the Gaps to Autism, 2317 Fairview St., Burlington · Tel: 905-637-0090 · E-mail: info@missinglinks.ca · www.missinglinks.ca blueballoon ­ Health Services, 3305 Harvester Rd., Unit 6, Burlington · Tel: 905-333-9730 · www.blue-balloon.com OakvilleSuccessCentre,1545CornwallRd.,Unit 38, Oakville · Tel: 905-844-4144 · Toll free: 1-888569-1113 · E-mail: cathy@oakvillesuccesscentre. ca · www.oakvillesuccesscentre.ca Woodview Learning Centre, 69 Flatt Rd., Burlington · Tel: 905-689-4727 · E-mail: wcc@ woodview.ca · www.woodview.ca The Natural Care Clinic, 460 Brant St., Unit 16, Burlington · Tel: 905-631-0880 · E-mail: info@ naturalcareclinic.ca · www.naturalcareclinic.ca Treat Autism and ADHD ­ Emerging Trend Conference info@treatautism.ca. · www. treatautism.ca Asperger's Society of Ontario, Tel: 416651-4037 · E-mail: info@aspergers.ca · www. aspergers.ca Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, 152 Wilson St., Oakville · Tel: 905-842-2891 · www. dogguides.com Autism Blogs: Blog Nation's comprehensive network of blog posts on autism, www.autismblogs. com Katrina Carefoot's blogs on autism and life, www.asdmom.com · www.ficklefeline.ca · @ FickleFeline