Some children and youth may need extra supports because they have challenges or delays in their physical, intellectual, emotional, social, language or behavioural development. Ontario provides services so they can participate fully at home, at school, in the community, and as they prepare to achieve their goals for adulthood.
There are many local programs and services to help children with special needs and their families. You may also contact your nearest regional office for more information regarding locally available services.
If you have a child who is six or younger, more information is available on early childhood development, including services and supports in your community.
Our goal is to connect children and youth to the services they need as early as possible, and improve the service experience for families.
Other resources: Special Needs
Here are some useful links to local, provincial and national resources available. Please contact us if you need additional information on resources for special educational needs.
Ontario provides a range of services and supportsto children and youth with autism.
Help is available for children and youth with developmental disabilities and their families.
Work is underway to improve the experiences and outcomes for individuals affected by alcohol before birth.
There is help for children and youth up to the age of 18 who have social, emotional, behavioural or psychiatric problems, and their families or caregivers.
Rehabilitation services can include physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language pathology for children and youth with physical disabilities, developmental disabilities and communication disorders.
