The following list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) addresses the most common questions about our programs. It contains questions and answers relating to autistic individuals and parents, and other, more general questions.
I have an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis (ASD)
TUOI provides you with services to help your integration in the community. We can also provide help to your family.
How can I register for your activities?
I have an autism or ASD diagnosis
- First, fill out the access request form and provide a copy of your autism diagnosis report.
- If you meet the criteria, you can access services by becoming an Autistic Member, or by your family becoming a Member Family.
- Then, you can register for activities that interest you in the schedule provided.
I don’t have a diagnosis yet / I think I may be autistic
To receive a diagnosis, you need to be evaluated by a psychologist, psychiatrist or other qualified professional. In the Outaouais region, Pierre Janet Hospital (HPJ) is responsible for providing an autism diagnosis in most cases. Ask your doctor for a reference. If you don’t have a doctor, call us at 819 595-1290 and we’ll do our best to help.
What services can you offer me?
If you’re 18 years old or younger:
Group activities for autistic teens and children happen once per week from September to June, on weekday evenings or during the day on weekends. In July and August, group activities are held from Monday to Thursday. You can meet other autistic youths, develop your independence and enjoy activities out in the community.
Programming Overview
If you’re over 18 years of age:
In June 2013, TUOI decided to offer services to autistic adults. Our services focus on personal development and social participation. You can pick from a selection of group activities. These are held during the day and evenings, from Tuesday to Saturday (in summer: Monday to Friday). Personal follow-up (support, information, coaching, reference, etc.) can also be provided to complement some activities.
Programming Overview
Are there costs for services offered?
Costs for some activities vary between $1.50 and $25 per day for youth under 18. These costs cover entrance fees for outings in the community (movie theatre, pool, restaurant, etc.)
Most activities are free of charge or low-cost.
Are services provided throughout the region?
The location for all activities is the Gatineau service point (109 Wright Street, Hull) or in the nearby community.
I am a parent
TUOI provides services to help you as a parent and support your child in their social integration and individual path to autonomy.
How can we access your services?
My child has an autism or ASD diagnosis
Access includes two steps: Application and registration.
- The parent or responsible adult first needs to fill out the access request form and provide a copy of the diagnosis report.
- If your child meets the criteria, they can then become an Autistic Member (16 years and over) or you can become a Member Family to access services.
- You can then pick from a selection of activities and programs for your child or family.
My child doesn’t have a diagnosis yet / I think my child may be autistic
To receive a diagnosis, your child needs to be evaluated by a psychologist, psychiatrist or other qualified professional. Ask your child’s doctor for a reference. In the Outaouais region, Pierre Janet Hospital (HPJ) is responsible for providing an autism diagnosis in most cases. If you don’t have a doctor, call the social service centre (CSS) for your sector and explain the situation. If they cannot refer you, please call us at 819 595-1290 and we’ll do our best to help.
Signs of Autism in Young Children
What services can you offer my autistic child?
My child is aged 6-18:
- Group activities are held from September to June, on weekday evenings or during the day on weekends.
- In July and August, group activities are held from Monday to Thursday.
- Youths are grouped according to age, interests and support level needed. They can meet other autistic peers, develop their independence and enjoy activities out in the community.
Our group services are complementary with individual services from the health and social services network (CSSS, Pavillon du Parc, etc.) We do not provide services in speech therapy, occupational therapy or other.
There may be a waiting list for groups.
Programming Overview
My child is over 18:
In June 2013, TUOI decided to offer services to autistic adults and their families. Programming is focused on personal development and social participation. Participants can register in a selection of group activities held during the day and evenings, from Tuesday to Saturday (summer season: Monday to Friday).
Programming Overview
Do you provide help to families?
Yes. Services for TUOI Member Families include:
- A parent sharing and support group
- Specialized care (0-15 years) and tailored respite and support services (16+)
- A respite service on Friday evenings
- Information, tips and support, as well as advocacy for the rights of parents and their autistic child
- A lending library (Documentation Centre and Media Library)
- A production centre for educational and support materials
- Workshops and conferences on various topics
- Support for siblings
Services available for families are offered on a “choose as you go” basis, and there is no waiting list.
Overview of Family Services
Are there costs for these activities?
Yes. Activity registration costs for youth 6-21 years are $25.00 per day or $12.50 for half days. This includes materials, entrance fees for outings in the community (movie theatre, pool, restaurant, etc.) and transportation for the day.
Parents can use their financial aid from the CISSSO to cover part of the cost.
Are services provided throughout the region?
No. All activities are held at the Gatineau service point in the Hull sector, or in the nearby community. Families from outside the city must come to us to use services.
If needed, a parent can register their child with the STO’s paratransit service to facilitate transportation.
I want to learn more…
TUOI provides services aiming to support social inclusion of autistic individuals, while offering support and help to their families. To achieve this, we need your help as a member of the community.
What Is Autism?
An autistic person has challenges with communication and social interactions. They can also have unusual behaviours, restrictive interests and unexpected responses to sensory stimulation.
The intensity of autism traits varies significantly from one person to another. Most autistic individuals do not have an intellectual disability. Autism is not an illness, but rather a permanent state, a condition that remains throughout the life of the person.
A few terms are commonly used to describe autism, including: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), Asperger’s Syndrome and Autistic Disorder.
What services do you provide to help autistic individuals and their families?
During the school year, we provide group activities for autistic teens and children aged 6 to 18, to support their social integration and inclusion in the community. We also offer day camps in July and August.
Programming Overview
TUOI extended its services to autistic adults in 2013. Programming is focused on personal development and social participation. Adults can pick from a selection of group activities held during the day and evenings, from Tuesday to Saturday (summer season: Monday to Friday).
Programming Overview
TUOI also provides help to families.
- Parent sharing and support group
- Specialized care and tailored respite and support services
- Respite service on Friday evenings
- Information, tips and support, as well as advocacy
- Lending library (books, DVD) and production centre for educational and intervention materials
- Workshops and conferences on various topics
- Support for siblings
Overview of Family Services
What events and activities do you organize for the community?
Our main events are held in April and October:
April: Autism Awareness Month in Quebec
In collaboration with the Fédération québécoise de l’autisme (provincial federation of regional associations), we organize a media campaign and various autism awareness events in the region. April ends with the Autism Walk event, which is our main fundraiser targeting the funding of our summer camps.
October: Autism Awareness Month (Canada)
In October, we take on another media campaign and round of autism awareness events. Every two years since 2009, we also organize a film festival, the Festival du Film en autisme de l’Outaouais (FFAO).
A large annual get-together is usually organized in the fall, including a services fair, volunteer recruitment, various consultations, etc.
How can you help me better understand autism?
In addition to our Autism Awareness Month events, you can register for one of our “Autism-Friendly” awareness programs:
- Recreational Category: For recreational provider staff members
- Academic Category: For primary school children
- Community Category: For anyone who wishes to learn more about autism
- Custom-designed education services also available on demand
All our members have access to our autism-themed lending library (books, DVD, etc.)
How can I help autistic individuals and their families?
An open mind is essential, as well as avoiding judgemental attitudes. Get to know autistic individuals by having a conversation when you get the chance. Don’t hesitate to ask a parent what you can do to help, or how you can act around their child to make things easier.
You can also become a member of TUOI, get involved in our various activities as a volunteer, register on our list of caregivers or view the jobs available on our careers page.
TUOI also accepts donations and is authorized to issue donation receipts.
© 2014 - Trait d'Union Outaouais Inc.