Qxplore · Assessment, planning and support
Autism, Skill and Behavioural Services
Understand the needs. Build a plan. Support everyday life.
Qxplore offers diagnostic assessments, behavioural and skills assessments, and individualized Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) services for children and youth.
You may be seeking a clearer understanding of development, help with a particular skill, or a coordinated plan for more complex needs. Start with the questions that matter to your family.
Find the right starting point
Three services with different purposes
A diagnostic assessment, a behavioural and skills assessment, and ongoing support answer different questions. Describe your concerns so the team can discuss the appropriate service.Autism Assessment
Explore an autism diagnostic question, learning concerns and the recommendations supported by the findings. Explore autism assessmentsBehavioural and Skills Assessment
Identify particular skills and behaviours, then develop a support plan and program with a Registered Behaviour Analyst. Learn about behavioural assessmentsABA and Skill Support
Work toward individualized goals through a program designed, supervised and reviewed by a Registered Behaviour Analyst. Explore ABA servicesWhen the question is diagnostic
Psychological Assessment for Autism
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a developmental condition that can affect communication, social interaction and behaviour in different ways. Questions about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities or intellectual disabilities can overlap with the concerns that prompt an autism enquiry. Assessment helps clarify which explanation and recommendations the information supports.
Qxplore’s assessment service is provided by a Registered Psychologist or Psychological Associate and includes psychoeducational assessment and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). The clinician explains the assessment plan and considers the child’s or young person’s history, experiences and test findings together.
The report can describe communication and language, social and daily living skills, educational needs and behaviours requiring support. Findings may inform further services, an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or school accommodations, in discussion with the receiving school or organization.
Read about autism assessments
From questions to a practical plan
Behavioural and Skills Assessment
Children and youth with an autism diagnosis, or with skill, behavioural and learning difficulties, may need an assessment focused on everyday functioning and support. A Registered Behaviour Analyst (RBA) identifies the relevant behaviours and skills and develops a behavioural service plan, program and budget.Brief Assessment
A focused assessment may be appropriate when the needs are straightforward and a specific program can be planned. Examples include a particular living skill, parent coaching, emotional needs, life skills, peer socialization or community integration.Comprehensive Assessment
More complex needs may call for a comprehensive behavioural and skills assessment to identify the behaviours requiring support and the specific skills to develop. The findings provide a fuller picture for planning a coordinated support program.What the report documents
- Behavioural presentation
- Learning readiness and academic functioning
- Emotional functioning
- Social functioning
- Adaptive functioning
What the support plan includes
- Strengths and interests
- Treatment goals
- Targeted behaviours and skill areas
- Intervention strategies
Goals shaped around the individual
Skills for everyday life
The Behaviour and Skills Support Plan addresses the areas relevant to the child or young person. Assessment identifies priorities so support can focus on meaningful goals.
- Behaviours that interfere with daily life
- Communication
- Fine and gross motor skills
- Daily living skills
- Play and leisure skills
- School readiness skills
Ongoing behavioural and educational support
Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)
ABA uses behavioural and learning principles to work on specific skills and behaviours. Qxplore’s program is based on the individual’s assessment and support plan.- Assess
Identify the needs
A behavioural and skills assessment establishes the skills and behaviours to address. - Plan
Design the program
The RBA develops an individualized ABA program with goals and intervention strategies. - Support
Work toward the goals
A Senior Therapist and/or Instructor Therapist provides the program under RBA supervision. - Review
Update the plan
The RBA supervises the service and updates the program as needed.
Setting and schedule
Support may be provided at school, at home or in the community. Scheduling and intensity depend on the individual’s needs, family circumstances and available funding. Programs often include three-hour sessions several times a week, but a different schedule may be more appropriate based on the needs and circumstances of the child and family. Discuss the proposed setting, session length, and frequency before agreeing to the program.Funding and service arrangements
Funding routes to discuss include:- Ontario Autism Program (OAP)
- Jordan’s Principle
- Local service organizations or agencies
- Private health insurance for eligible assessment services
- Privately funded services
Before you enquire
Common questions
Do we need an autism diagnosis to ask about services?
You can contact Qxplore to discuss your questions. The behavioural and skills service also addresses skill, behavioural and learning difficulties. An autism diagnosis may be required for a particular funding program; ask what applies to the service you are considering.Is behavioural assessment the same as autism assessment?
No. A psychological autism assessment addresses diagnostic questions. A behavioural and skills assessment identifies specific abilities, behaviours and support needs to inform a practical plan. See the autism assessment page for the diagnostic service.Who develops and supervises the ABA program?
A Registered Behaviour Analyst designs and supervises the program and updates it as needed. A Senior Therapist and/or Instructor Therapist provides the planned services. You can view our consultants and ask about the team for your service.Can the program include parent coaching or a particular daily living skill?
Parent coaching may be part of a focused program. Explain the skill or situation you want help with so the clinician can discuss the appropriate assessment and goals.How do we decide between a brief and comprehensive assessment?
The clinician considers the questions, complexity of needs and information already available. A focused need may call for a brief assessment; a broader or more complex presentation may need a comprehensive assessment.What information should we have ready?
Share the child’s or young person’s age, your main questions, existing reports, current school or community support, and any funding approvals. Ask how to provide sensitive documents securely if they are needed.Start with a conversation