Diagnostic Autism Clinical Services (DACS)

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Diagnostic Autism Clinical Services (DACS) provides autism assessments for kids and youth. The team includes pediatricians and other health professionals as needed. Watch this DACS video for more information.

What We Do

Children’s Treatment Network (CTN) is the lead for the Ontario Autism Diagnostic Hub in Central Ontario. CTN, ErinoakKids and KidsAbility provide diagnostic services for kids and youth.

Eligibility

Diagnostic Autism Clinical Services are available to kids and youth:

up until the age of 18
with a query of autism
that live in Simcoe County or York Region

DACS does not provide reassessments for individuals who have already been diagnosed with autism.

Referrals

Referral dependent on region and age:

Region	Age	Referral Process
Simcoe County	Preschool and school age	Pediatrician referral required. Complete the online Physician Referral form, or to send your referral via fax, use this form.
York Region	Preschool and school age	Physician or Nurse Practitioner referral required. Complete the online Physician Referral form, or to send your referral via fax, use this form.

After an Autism Diagnosis Family/Caregiver Webinar

CTN offers monthly webinars for families living in Simcoe County and York Region who have a child or youth who recently been diagnosed on the autism spectrum.

'After an Autism Diagnosis' (formerly 'One Step at a Time') is a webinar for families and caregivers living in Simcoe County and York Region who have a child or youth who has been recently diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Along with providing information and assisting with navigating resources, the webinar also offers support strategies and allows participants to connect with other families with similar experiences.

Click to see the upcoming workshops here.

If you require interpretation support, please email Niki Huxtable at nhuxtable@ctnsy.ca.

Click here to access this service information in French.

EVENTS

Kerry's Place - All About You: A Support Group for Children Who Have Autistic Siblings - Online

August 12, 2026

This 3-session group provides information about Autism, a safe space for group members to explore and share their feelings, and a forum for siblings, aged 8-12, to meet and connect with others who share common experiences.

Kerry's Place - Let’s Go Back to School - (Online)

August 12, 2026

This workshop provides participants with strategies to support children or youth with the transition back to school.

SURVEY

As a parent/caregiver, I would like to learn more about:

Behaviour Regulation Strategies
Mental Health and Self-Care for Caregivers/Parents
Information Related to School or Special Education
Funding and Financial Planning Resources and Information for Kids and Youth with Disabilities
Transition Planning (school and adulthood)