What to Look For When Choosing Services

There are many types of help available for children and youth with autism. People talk about these services a lot online and in chat rooms. At TVCC, we want to help families choose the services that are best for them.

Here are some important things to think about when picking a service. These questions can help you decide: 

  1. How do I know this service is right for my child/youth?
  2. What should I expect from the service?
  3. Will this service meet our needs? 


Questions to Ask Service Providers

Does the service have proof that it works?

  • Some services don’t have strong research to show they help. These can be risky. They might waste your time, money, and energy. 

  • Services that are backed by research are called evidence-based. These are more likely to be safe and helpful.

Is the person providing the service trained and qualified? 

  • People who provide these services should have special training. 

  • For example, Registered Behaviour Analysts (RBAs), Speech & Language Pathologists (SLPs) and Occupational Therapists (OTs) are trained to help children/youth with autism. 

Will the service meet my expectations? 

  • Will I choose goals for my child/youth? 

  • How often will I get updates? 

  • Will the service work with my child’s other teams? 

  • Who takes care of the paperwork and payments?


Warning Signs to Watch For 

  • Promises that sound ‘too good to be true’ (like a quick fix or a cure)
  • Catchy slogans with no real proof
  • Claims that the service helps with many unrelated problems
  • No proof of training or qualifications
  • Only using personal stories instead of real research
  • Saying that other proven treatments aren’t needed 


Reliable Resources 

Association for Science in Autism Treatment – Information for Parents and Educators

National Autism Center, Standards Project 2, Summary and Findings; Addressing the need for evidence-based practice guidelines for autism spectrum disorders (2015)

The National Professional Development Centre on Autism Spectrum Disorder

The Ontario Association for Behaviour Analysis Inc.; Evidence-Based Practices for Individuals with ASD: Recommendations for Caregivers, Practitioners, and Policy Makers

Article (2020): Evidence-Based Practices for Children, Youth, and Young Adults with Autism

If you have any questions or would like to go over the information in this handout in more detail, email FFS [at] tvcc.on.ca (FFS[at]tvcc[dot]on[dot]ca) to book a Follow-Up Consult with a Family & Community Consultant from Foundational Family Services at TVCC.


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Autism & Behavioural Services