"When my own son was diagnosed with autism, I felt the fear and confusion of not knowing what comes next. I built this support for families standing where I once stood, so no one has to figure out the next step alone." — Audrey
The wait, honestly
Canadian paediatric standards recommend that a child referred for an autism assessment be seen within three to six months. In many parts of Canada, families wait more than a year (Brian et al.).
Once a child is referred for public rehabilitation services for autism, the average wait for a first service was 308 days across Quebec, and 139 days in Montérégie, according to the most recent published provincial figures (Office des personnes handicapées du Québec 17).
Quebec doesn't currently publish waiting times for the diagnostic assessment itself (Office des personnes handicapées du Québec 15).
These waits usually come one after the other. Put together, many families spend a year or more between first noticing something and receiving regular support.
Why every month matters — and why that's good news
In the first few years of life, a child's brain forms more than a million new connections every second. Those connections are shaped by everyday back-and-forth with the people who love and care for the child — what researchers call "serve and return" (Center on the Developing Child).
That's the hopeful part. So much of that growth happens in the ordinary moments you already share: bath time, snack time, the drive to the grocery store. Waiting doesn't have to mean standing still.
What we offer, starting now
No diagnosis needed. We start with your child — their strengths, their interests, the way they see the world — not a label.
Parent and child together. You're with your child more than any professional ever will be, and those everyday moments are where growth happens. We'll coach you in strategies you can use at home the very same day.
Ten sessions, including three home visits. A step-by-step program covering communication, emotional regulation, daily routines, play, and the moments that feel hardest at home. Four optional companion units follow for families who'd like to keep going.
Support informed by behavioural principles, and language and communication coaching, from a qualified teacher and a specialized educator. We're here to support your child, never to "fix" them.
How the programme works
A free 20-minute call. You tell us what you're seeing at home, and we listen. If we're not the right fit, we'll tell you honestly and suggest who might be.
Our first visit, in your home. We play with your child while you tell us about their interests, strengths and routines, and what feels hardest right now. Together we start a short profile of your child that's yours to keep and share. Then you choose the two things that matter most to your family.
Weekly sessions, one step at a time. We start by understanding how your child experiences the world. Then we build a simple plan with you to teach one new skill, and a second plan to ease one hard moment. Along the way we cover communication, play, the senses and staying calm. Every session ends with ten minutes just for you: what we did, what we noticed, and one thing to try this week.
A midway visit at home. We watch your plan in action where it really happens, in your kitchen, at your front door or at bath time, and fine-tune it with you on the spot.
A final visit to look ahead. We compare where your child started with where they are now and celebrate the progress. Then we set your next goal together, so you leave confident and ready to keep going.
What we don't do — and why we're upfront about it
We don't diagnose. Diagnosis is made by qualified health professionals, and we'll never suggest one.
We don't replace public services. Please keep your child's place on every list. We're happy to help with forms, follow-up calls and getting ready for appointments.
We work alongside specialists. When your child would benefit from a speech-language pathologist, an occupational therapist or another professional, we'll tell you plainly and help you find one.
Who you'll be working with. Audrey Sargent is a qualified teacher with a Quebec teaching licence (brevet, 2010), a Bachelor of Education from McGill University and an AEC in Early Childhood Education from Vanier College, with more than 15 years of hands-on special education experience. Ashley Allaire is a specialized educator who has supported children at Scoot's Playhouse for years. Read Audrey's story →
What it costs, and what you may already be entitled to
The twelve-session program is $540, with all four home visits included. Payment options:
Payment in full at the beginning of the course
Two payments of $270 due week 1 and week 6
Three payments of $180 due week 1, week 5, week 9
Many families raising a child who learns differently qualify for provincial and federal support they haven't claimed yet. Quebec's Supplement for Handicapped Children, for example, is $241 a month per eligible child in 2026 (Retraite Québec). Our free funding guide is on its way, and it walks through each measure, who qualifies and how to apply. In the meantime, just ask us on your free call and we'll gladly point you in the right direction.