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What are complex needs?
What are complex needs?
Complex needs are when someone has difficulties that make daily tasks challenging. These problems might be health issues, learning difficulties, or social struggles. On this page, you'll find information and resources regarding building positive relationships, tips for families with children with complex needs, and community resources for children as well adolescents and adults. Additional information and resources can be accessed about other areas using the buttons below:
How can we build positive relationships?
How can we build positive relationships?
Building positive relationships is key when working with children who have autism, intellectual and other disabilities. These relationships help children feel safe, understood, and supported. When a child trusts you, they're more likely to learn and try new things. Building a good relationship takes time and patience. It means getting to know each child as a unique person - what they like, how they communicate, and what makes them comfortable or upset. When adults take the time to create strong, positive connections, children often behave better and learn more easily. These relationships also help during tough times, making it easier to handle challenges together. Remember, every positive interaction, no matter how small, helps build a stronger bond with the child.
Building Positive Relationships with Complex Needs Children.pdfBuilding Positive Relationships Handout
For more information and resources, please see:
Building a Belonging Classroom
School Mental Health Ontario Healthy Relationship Skills
Putting relationships centre-stage: Strategies for developing positive relationships with children
Interacting with a Child Who Has Autism Spectrum Disorder
The Power of Relationships in Building Hope and Resiliency in Children
What are some tips for families of children with complex needs?
What are some tips for families of children with complex needs?
Watch the videos below made by Dr. Fiona Currie from the TDSB about her experience raising a complex needs child of her own and some simple tips and tools for caregivers.
Part 1: Intro
Part 2: Choice Boards Support
Part 3: First-Then
Part 4: Troubleshooting First-Then
Part 5: Token Boards
Part 6: Visual Schedules
Part 7: Exercise Schedules
What community resources are available?
What community resources are available?
For children:
For children:
Funding/Finances
Funding/Finances
Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities Program
Offers financial support to families in Ontario who have children with severe disabilities.
Help with the cost of licensed child care for children up to 12 years old based on certain eligibility criteria including extra support needs (previously termed “special needs”).
Easter Seals Access to Entertainment Card
Designed to make entertainment more accessible for individuals with disabilities, including discounts and special offers.
Easter Seals Incontinence Supplies (Diaper) Grant Program
Provides financial assistance to individuals who need help covering the cost of incontinence supplies.
Registered Disability Savings Plan
Information about financial support and savings options for individuals with disabilities.
Provides financial assistance to families and individuals who need support for a child or adult with a developmental disability or physical disability.
Autism Related
Autism Related
The Ontario Autism Program (OAP) provides services to support children and families dealing with autism, including information on autism, tools to help with daily living and skill development, services for children who need behavior therapy and specialized programs, assessment services, family support, and transition planning for changes as children grow.
Autism Focused Intervention Resources & Modules - Timely Toolkits
Practical resources to help educators and practitioners implement evidence-based practices for students with autism and other developmental disabilities.
A variety of tools and information to support individuals with autism and their families, including educational materials, training modules, webinars/videos, and resource links.
Child Mind Institute Guide to Autism
A range of information and resources related to autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
Holland Bloorview Autism Resources
Programs and services designed to support children with autism.
Other Tools
Other Tools
Designed to assist individuals with disabilities when traveling, including accessibility supports.
Surrey Place Community Directory
A comprehensive tool designed to help individuals with disabilities, their families, and professionals find relevant services and supports.
Includes a section of resources for those with complex needs.
For adolescents & adults:
For adolescents & adults:
Funding & Services
Funding & Services
Developmental Services of Ontario
Government funding for adults with complex needs to help them with day programs, respite, community participation and housing.
Information and application for a tax credit that helps caregivers of people with disabilities reduce the amount of income tax they may have to pay.
Ontario Disability Support Program
Funding that helps adults with disabilities & their caregivers pay for living expenses, including food, rent, health benefits and employment support.
Government identification for people who do not have a driver’s licence, making it easier for them to do things such as open a bank account and any other activities that require official identification.
Future Planning
Future Planning
Accessing Developmental Services for Adolescents and Adults with Complex Needs
A quick reference guide to accessing services for older students and adults and at what ages caregivers should apply for these services.
Planning for Life After High School Resource
A guide for caregivers and educators about resources and funding for students with complex needs once they graduate from high school.
Resources for adolescents and adults with complex needs & their caregivers while they wait for services from Developmental Services of Ontario.
Other Supports
Other Supports
Information for caregivers who wish to apply for guardianship of their adult child.
CAMH Information on Health Care Resources
Health care resources and toolkits for adults with disabilities and their caregivers.
A service created to help people with developmental disabilities or Autism & caregivers, discover and register for programs and services in their community.
A voluntary database of the Toronto Police Service that provides officers with information about how to best assist a person with complex needs that might be in crisis.
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