Frequently Asked Questions

My child has recently been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). What treatment is available? Is this treatment effective? Is there research to back it up?

IBI/ABA is a treatment method which has been clinically proven to help children learn. It is backed by research from the Princeton Child Development Institute in New Jersey, and the Lovaas team in UCLA, which demonstrate that an intensive education program founded on Behavior principles-Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) helps a child make significant, long lasting learning gains and assists in behavior modification.

Studies indicate that results are most effective when children start before the age of 5 years and when treatment is intensive set at a minimum of 20-25 hours/week.

Will ABA/IBI help my child learn?

IBI/ABA is a proven treatment method which breaks down learning into simple steps. A child’s learning and progress is measured objectively through data collection and graphing. This measure helps determine when the child is ready to be taught a more complex or advanced skill. Data collection allows all involved to objectively measure the child’s learning.

What makes A.C.I.S special?

A.C.I.S believes that since Autism is a multifaceted disorder, it should be treated using a multi-faceted approach. Autism does NOT only affect the social domain or only interfere with normal language development; it influences many domains – language, social, cognitive and motor.It is for this reason A.C.I.S adopts a multidisciplinary treatment approach. Founded on behavioral principals, treatment incorporates components from speech, occupational and play therapy. This ensures that your child is getting the best treatment possible. Our team of skilled, qualified therapists, speech and language pathologists, play therapists, occupational therapists and clinical psychologists come together to give you a well rounded and holistic IBI/ABA treatment.

Speech pathologists and occupational therapists are an integral part of our team. Speech Pathologists and Occupational therapists assist in goal development and monitor on going progress. Psychologists also assist in planning treatment objectives.

How will I know if and when my child is making gains?

Grace Damouni, founder and director of ACIS, has pioneered a data system which is unique to its organization. This data collection procedure provides an objective measure of your son’s or daughter’s performance. It measures performance on a day-to-day basis.

Will I be able to participate in implementing programs and in setting program goals?

Yes. You will be given a questionnaire prior to the commencement of therapy which will require you to list your goals. These goals will then be developed through programs.

My child may not need emphasis on academic/cognitive help but may seek more assistance in language and social skills. How can ACIS help?

ACIS customizes programs. If your child requires more assistance in a specific area(s), for example, the social and language domain, then more emphasis will be placed on such domains through programs and lesson plans.

How do you know what to work on? How do you develop the curriculum that best suits my child’s needs?

An assessment is administered to determine programming goals.

Will you provide me with strategies which I can utilize to help maintain the skills you have taught my child in session?

Right from the start! A.C.I.S believes that the family is an integral part of the child’s team. We will continuously provide you with strategies to implement outside of sessions.

Does A.C.I.S use “discrete trials” during a session?

This depends on the child. For some children the answer is yes. Other children will benefit from a less structured approach. This will be determined after the initial assessment has been completed.

What is Naturopathy?

Naturopathy is the healing art of using herbal medicine, nutraceuticals, homeopathy, and dietary advice to promote the natural healing of your body and mind. Some children may benefit from being placed on a special natural diet that may help eliminate discomfort or allergies to certain types of food. A prescription of natural vitamins and herbs may also be recommended for treating certain ailments.

To book a consultation or for more information regarding naturopathy please contact our administrator at:(416)219-2316 or email us.