THE AUTISM PROGRAM

The Autism Program (TAP) was established in 2005 to provide evidence-based intervention services for children with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

We provides services to children and youth from 2 to 19 years of age. During the school year we provide weekly services for preschoolers and school aged children. During the summer we provide a two-week day camp for older school-aged children and teens.

Services for children under 6 years

The Autism Program (TAP) provides up to ten hours per week of ABA-structured intervention for children under six years of age.

Each child has an individualized program that may include one-to-one intensive teaching, natural environment teaching, as well as peer and small group teaching.

Intervention programs take place in the TAP classroom, care facilities or even at home (at the parent’s request).

The individual programs are designed by our team of behaviour consultants and implemented by our autism interventionists.

Services for children over 6 years

These small groups are for students aged 6 to 19. The goal of these groups is to help create friendships and peer interaction. The focus is on social and academic skills.

Behaviour Consultants develop a personalized program for each student. An autism interventionist leads each group with a focus on practicing activities to share with friends and learning the social skills to make and keep friendships

Groups take place after school at the Comox Valley Child Development Association. Community field trips are an important feature of these groups.

Camp Oasis

This is a two-week summer day camp held in July for youth aged 11 to 19 with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. The camp is based at the Comox Valley Child Development Association and includes daily outings throughout the Comox Valley and beyond.

International volunteers with the Canadian Alliance for Development Initiatives and Projects (CADIP) come from around the world to help staff the camp. The volunteers take part in a week long intensive training about Autism Spectrum Disorder and participate in the planning of camp, which is based on the individual needs and interests of the camp participants.

Funding and Fees

Funding for TAP participants comes through the Families, who can use their Autism Funding from the Ministry of Children and Family Development. Additionally, private payments can be made or homeschool funding can be utilized for program services.

Fees for the Camp Oasis are based on Autism Funding. The CVCDA invoices the Autism Funding Unit for payment.

Our Staff

The Autism Program staff is made up of a diverse blend of people with a variety of educational backgrounds.

We are constantly striving to further educate ourselves in the field of autism and provide regular training and supervision to our staff.  It is our goal to make your child’s team the best it can be.

Meet The Team