Special Needs

Understanding Sensory Issues in Young Children: The Importance of Sensory Integration

Watch this video to gain an understanding of sensory integration. This video uses animation to provide information about: the 7 senses, how individuals use sensory information, and possible signs of sensory integration issues. Visit Pathways.org for more information, including a sensory integration checklist useful for checking any possible sensory issues in children.

Does My Child Have A Sensory Issue?

Watch this video to learn about possible signs of sensory integration issues. This video shows an expert panel of health professionals discussing how sensory integration or sensory processing affects children and the real-life stories of parents of children with sensory issues.

How to Connect Families with Special Needs Support

Your CNC team’s support can play an essential role in connecting newcomer children with special needs and their families to life-changing support and early intervention. Families are often more likely to talk to another professional if they are introduced by someone they know and trust; but haring concerns can still be challenging. Because your team already has the connection and relationship with the families, it’s important to learn about resources, supports and services that are available in your community and to develop connections. Find out how in this tip sheet, which is available in English and French.

Helping You Meet the Requirements: Supporting Newcomer Children With Special Needs

It is important to meet the needs of all children, but early intervention is particularly critical for a child with special needs. This article will explain how you can support these families…and meet CNC requirements.

Helping children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)

You know about the five senses—sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell—but you may not be aware that most of us have two additional sensory systems that help us to control and integrate the information we gather. Children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) find it difficult to process and act on information received through these senses. Read more...

Resources for Making Visual Schedules

Visual strategies and reminders can help to make routines and expectations clear for children—something that can be extremely helpful in preventing problem behaviour and reducing anxiety. These types of strategies can also improve a child’s ability to communicate. Read More

Incorporating Diversity – Julie Dotsch

Diversity refers to all the ways that humans are unique. It influences many things, including how we judge others, how society values individuals and the outcomes individuals will have in life. Julie Dotsch, an ECE Diversity consultant for One World, explores ways to incorporate diversity in your program. Read More

Special Needs Quick Tip Videos

Do you care for newcomer children with special needs? Do you ever wonder how you can better support them? Read More

Ontario Infant Hearing Program

The Ontario Infant Hearing Program offers universal hearing screening for all newborns, in order to identify infants who are born deaf or hard of hearing, or who are at risk for developing hearing loss in early childhood. Read More

Children’s Treatment Centres

Ontario Association of Children’s Rehabilitation Services (OACRS) provides services for children and youth with disabilities and their families. The services target children and youth with a variety of developmental, physical and communication challenges such as: autism spectrum disorder, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy and developmental delay. Read More