With guidance from the Child Health Network, Bloorview Kids Rehab partnered with St. Joseph's Health Centre, Toronto East General Hospital and Toronto Pre-school Speech and Language Services to develop two community-based child development teams.

The goal is to assess children under age six with suspected developmental delays or autism faster and closer to home, and to provide intervention by working closely with existing community services. A survey undertaken prior to the first appointment showed that families were experiencing high levels of stress in the areas of finances, sense of control and family functioning.

Families who filled out the survey again at a follow-up visit reported reduced levels of stress in the area of financial burden. Parents agree that the teams provided family-centred care in which they were treated as respected partners.

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Page last updated: April 30, 2010