Families in Alberta can access several government programs that provide financial aid, services, or equipment for children with disabilities. Below is a summary of key provincial and federal supports, including what they offer and how to apply:

• Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD): A provincial program that partners with eligible families to fund a range of supports based on each child’s needs. FSCD can cover respite care, family counseling, aides for personal care or developmental/behavioral support, travel costs to medical appointments, and more.

  • For children with severe difficulties, FSCD funds Specialized Services – a coordinated in-home therapy program involving a multidisciplinary team (e.g. behavior consultant, SLP, OT, psychologist) to work on developmental goals. Parents remain primary decision-makers; FSCD helps with the “extraordinary costs” of raising a child with a disability.

  • How to apply: Contact your regional FSCD office to request an application or find forms on the Alberta.ca website. You will need documentation of your child’s diagnosis or delays, or evidence that you are within the process of receiving a diagnosis (e.g., on waitlist). Once accepted, an FSCD caseworker meets with you to develop a plan and determine which services or funding will help your child & family.

• Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL): A provincial program that helps Albertans with long-term disabilities obtain medically essential equipment and supplies. AADL provides funding for basic medical equipment so individuals can live safely at home and in the community. For children, this can include things like wheelchairs, walkers, specialized seating or bathing equipment, hearing aids, communication devices, incontinence supplies, and other adaptive aids (there is a dedicated pediatric equipment list). To access AADL, your child must be assessed by an AADL-authorized health professional (typically an OT, PT, audiologist or speech-language pathologist) who will determine what equipment is needed and submit an authorization. AADL is a cost-sharing program – the government covers 75% of the cost and families pay 25%, unless you are low-income (in which case the cost share may be waived). The annual maximum family contribution is $500; beyond that, AADL covers full cost.

  • How to apply: Talk to your child’s healthcare provider or contact an AADL authorizer through Alberta Health Services or private clinics. They will complete the necessary paperwork. You will need an Alberta health care card to be eligible. Once approved, an AADL vendor (medical supply company) will provide the equipment and handle billing the program. (Note: AADL won’t cover items already provided by another program or non-medical items.)

• Child Disability Benefit (CDB): A federal financial benefit that provides a tax-free monthly payment to families caring for a child under 18 with a severe and prolonged disability. The CDB is a supplement to the Canada Child Benefit.

  • Eligibility: To receive the Child Disability Benefit, you must be eligible for the Canada Child Benefit (i.e. have a child under 18 and meet income requirements), and your child must be approved for the Disability Tax Credit (see below). The definition of “severe and prolonged impairment” generally means the child’s condition markedly restricts their daily activities and is expected to last at least 12 months.

  • How to apply: There is no separate application for CDB – once your child’s Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is approved and you are receiving the Canada Child Benefit, the CDB will be added to your monthly payments automatically. The amount received depends on family income (lower-income families receive a larger CDB). As of 2025, the maximum CDB is around $2,915 per year per eligible child (this amount is indexed annually). Ensure you file your taxes yearly to continue receiving CDB. For more details, visit the Government of Canada’s CDB page.

• Disability Tax Credit (DTC): A federal tax credit that can significantly reduce income tax for families of a child with a severe and prolonged impairment in physical or mental functions. The DTC is non-refundable (meaning it reduces taxes owing, and any unused credit can be transferred to a supporting parent or caregiver). Even if a parent has little taxable income, qualifying for the DTC is valuable because it is a gateway to other supports (it is required for the Child Disability Benefit and to open a Registered Disability Savings Plan).

  • Eligibility: A doctor or qualified health practitioner must certify that your child has a serious impairment that markedly restricts at least one basic activity of daily living (such as speaking, hearing, walking, learning, etc.), or the child requires life-sustaining therapy, and the impairment is expected to last at least 12 months. Many neurodivergent children (e.g. those with autism, intellectual disabilities, or severe ADHD) qualify if their impairments meet the criteria.

  • How to apply: You and your healthcare provider need to fill out Form T2201 (Disability Tax Credit Certificate) and submit it to the Canada Revenue Agency. The form has sections for different categories of impairment; a physician, psychologist, optometrist, speech-language pathologist, or occupational therapist (depending on the disability) must complete the relevant section and attest to the impact on your child. Approval can take a few months. Once approved, the DTC remains valid for several years (or indefinitely for permanent conditions). You can claim the credit on your income tax return and may also request a reassessment of previous years (up to 10 years back) to receive retroactive tax refunds if the disability existed then. More information is available on the CRA’s Disability Tax Credit web page.

• Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP): A long-term savings plan to help parents save for the future of a child with disabilities. While not a direct cash benefit, the RDSP is worth noting because the government contributes generous grants and bonds.

  • Eligibility: the child must be approved for the Disability Tax Credit. Families can then open an RDSP at a financial institution. The federal government will match contributions with Canada Disability Savings Grants (up to $3,500 per year, depending on contribution and family income) and may also deposit an annual Canada Disability Savings Bond (up to $1,000 per year for low-income families) – no contributions needed to get the bond. Over the child’s life, these grants and bonds can total tens of thousands of dollars towards their future. Funds in an RDSP grow tax-free until withdrawal, and withdrawals do not affect eligibility for other programs.

  • How to set up: Once your child has a Social Insurance Number and DTC approval, you can open an RDSP at participating banks or credit unions. The plan can remain open until the beneficiary is 59, allowing long-term growth. (Be aware that grants and bonds must stay in the plan for at least 10 years before withdrawal to avoid repaying them.) The Government of Canada’s RDSP website and your bank’s advisor can guide you through the application.

• Other Supports: Alberta families can also benefit from general programs such as:

  • The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) – a monthly payment to all eligible families based on income (with the CDB as a top-up for disabilities, as described).

  • If a parent must take time off work to care for a critically ill or injured child, they may qualify for EI Family Caregiver Benefits for Children (up to 35 weeks Employment Insurance benefits with a medical certificate).

  • Additionally, Alberta’s Inclusive Child Care Program supports children with extra needs in daycare settings by providing coaching and short-term funding to the child care provider. The Provincial Inclusive Child Care (ICC) program works with licensed child care programs to build their capacity to include children with special needs and prevent kids from being turned away due to disabilities. If your little one is in daycare, ask the centre if they have access to ICC supports or Access, Support, and Participation (ASaP) consultation (a related initiative to promote inclusion in childcare).

  • Finally, families should inquire about tax deductions or credits for disability supports (for example, certain medical expenses, attendant care, or the Canada Caregiver Credit if applicable).

Government-Funded Health Services (AHS): Alberta Health Services offers free early childhood intervention and pediatric rehabilitation programs.

1) Early Childhood Intervention Program (ECIP) provides home-based support for infants and toddlers (0–3½ years) with developmental delays or diagnosed disabilities. ECIP specialists visit families at home, coach parents with activities to boost development, run playgroups, and help connect to other resources.
2) Pediatric Community Rehabilitation (PCR), provides speech-language pathology (SLP), occupational therapy (OT), and physiotherapy (PT) for children up to 0-18 years old with developmental or medical needs. Through this program, AHS therapists help children with communication skills, motor development, sensory processing, feeding/swallowing, and more in a play-based, goal-oriented way. Families can self-refer to these AHS programs (no doctor’s referral needed) and services are provided at clinics, community health centres, or sometimes via virtual visits.
3) Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital in Edmonton offers specialized diagnostic clinics and therapy for complex needs – for instance, its Infant & Preschool Assessment Service (IPAS) can formally evaluate young children for autism and other diagnoses. The Glenrose’s multidisciplinary teams (developmental pediatricians, psychologists, SLPs, OTs, etc.) conduct in-depth assessments, provide families with a summary and detailed report, and guide next steps. These public health services are covered by Alberta’s healthcare system at no cost.

Private Therapy and Behavioral Services: Alongside public services, many families access private therapy providers for more intensive or immediate support. Private behavioural intervention services (we recommend finding those who are neurodiverse affirming!!) and speech therapy clinics are widely available in Edmonton and area. These providers range from small independent practitioners to larger pediatric therapy centers. Some focus on autism interventions, offering teams of behavior consultants, child development aides, psychologists, SLPs and OTs.

Private speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists can also be hired to work on specific communication, social, or sensory-motor goals. Families may pay out-of-pocket or use health benefits to cover costs. It’s important to ensure any private therapist is qualified/registered in their field. While private services can be costly, they often provide more frequent one-on-one therapy or shorter wait times.

• A blended approach is common – for instance, a child might see an AHS speech therapist monthly but also attend a private speech clinic weekly for extra practice. Many private agencies will assist families in applying for FSCD funding or insurance reimbursement.

• A directory of FSCD-approved service providers is available via Alberta’s government website, and other parents (through support groups or Autism Edmonton) can share recommendations.

Early Intervention and Health Programs: Alberta Health Services (AHS) offers several early childhood health initiatives.

• Public Community Health Centres monitor child development through infant/child health check-ups and can make referrals to early intervention programs.

• The Early Childhood Intervention Program (ECIP) is a cornerstone for 0–3 year olds with significant delays, providing coaching and family support in the home environment.

• AHS also provides specialist clinics through hospitals like the Glenrose Rehab Hospital. For example, families and doctors who suspect autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders in a young child can be referred to the Glenrose’s Infant and Preschool Assessment Service (IPAS). This program comprehensively evaluates children (6 months up to kindergarten age) for Autism Spectrum Disorder when a community assessment isn’t available, and gives parents a detailed report with findings and recommendations.

• There are also AHS clinics for specific needs (e.g. feeding and swallowing clinics, pediatric seating/mobility, etc.).

• Alberta Health Services – Kids Health has online resources (e.g. the MyHealthAlberta website) with tips on speech development, behavior, and milestones.

• In addition, free webinars and workshops are often hosted by AHS Pediatric Rehabilitation teams to educate parents on topics like speech sound development, managing challenging behaviors, toilet training for children with special needs, and more.

“Head Start” Programs: Early childhood “Head Start” programs provide holistic early education and family support, especially for families facing socioeconomic or developmental challenges.

• In Edmonton, ABC Head Start Society has been delivering such programs for nearly 40 years. Head Start programs are typically preschool programs for 3- and 4-year-olds that integrate education with health, nutrition, and family support services. ABC Head Start runs part-day preschool classes (at no cost to eligible families) across multiple sites in the city. Importantly, they emphasize inclusion: “every child—regardless of background or ability—has an equal opportunity to thrive”. Many children in Head Start are neurodivergent or have developmental delays, so Head Start classrooms feature interdisciplinary teams (certified early childhood teachers, speech-language pathologists, social workers, behavioral specialists, etc.) to provide the extra supports needed. Families also receive social support (connecting to parenting resources, housing or income help as needed).

  • To apply for ABC Head Start in Edmonton, families usually must meet certain criteria (e.g. lower income or child development concerns) and can contact ABC Head Start Society directly, or through referral by a public health nurse or FSCD worker.

• Head Start programs for Indigenous families are also available (discussed below in Indigenous Supports). Overall, if your child is 3–4 years old and you feel they would benefit from a supportive preschool environment with wraparound services, Head Start is an excellent option.

Alberta Education Early Childhood Services (ECS): In Alberta, the term “Early Childhood Services” refers to education programs for young children (typically ages 2½ up to 6) before Grade 1. This includes preschool, Pre-K, and Kindergarten programs that have specialized supports for children with delays or disabilities.

• Local school divisions often offer Pre-Kindergarten programs for ages 3–4 that focus on speech, language, and readiness skills. For example, Edmonton Public Schools provides Pre-Kindergarten for children 2 years 8 months to 5 years old who have identified needs in areas like speech, mobility, or other developmental domains. Children may qualify for one or two years of Pre-K before Kindergarten, depending on their needs.

• Edmonton Catholic Schools runs the 100 Voices Pre-K program, which similarly serves 3–4 year olds with delays or those who would benefit from extra support in a play-based setting. These school-based Pre-K classes are usually funded by Program Unit Funding (PUF) from Alberta Education, which covers the costs of additional staffing (educational assistants, therapists, etc.) for children with severe disabilities/delays. If your child has significant needs (for example, severe speech delays, autism, cerebral palsy, etc.), they might be eligible for PUF in an approved preschool or kindergarten program. PUF can fund up to 3 years of enhanced early education support for a child between ages 2½ and 6. Parents typically do not apply for PUF themselves; instead, the school or private ECS program your child attends will apply on your child’s behalf. You will need documentation of the diagnosis or assessment indicating severe delay. Some children with “milder needs” may not qualify for PUF but can still get supports through Mild/Moderate funding in Kindergarten (e.g. part-time aide help or therapy consults). It’s important to register early (by spring) for school programs so that funding can be arranged.

Inclusive Preschool and Kindergarten Options: Beyond public school systems, there are non-profit organizations that run specialized ECS programs.

• For example, the Centre for Autism Services Alberta in Edmonton is a private ECS operator that offers a Pre-K and Kindergarten program fully funded by PUF. Their classes are tailored for children who need a high level of support (not limited to autism – they accept any child meeting criteria) and focus on school readiness in a small, structured setting with multidisciplinary staff.

• Another respected program is Getting Ready for Inclusion Today (GRIT). The GRIT program provides family-centered, inclusive early learning experiences for young children with developmental disabilities, usually in community settings like the child’s own home, daycare, or preschool. GRIT is funded by PUF as well, and their team “travels” to wherever the child plays and learns, to coach inclusion and skills in real-life environments. They emphasize working alongside families and community educators to ensure the child is meaningfully included and ready to transition to school.

• There are also specialized preschools like Elves Special Needs Society in Edmonton, which runs an ECS program for children with severe disabilities (ages 2.8 to 6). Elves’ Preschool & Kindergarten accepts PUF-funded students and provides highly individualized instruction with a low student-to-staff ratio, serving children with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, FASD and other diagnoses. This can be a great option for children who need a segregated therapeutic setting before joining inclusive classrooms.

Transition to School: As children approach school age, Alberta Education’s inclusive education policy means all neighborhood schools are expected to welcome students with disabilities and provide necessary supports.

• In practice, some families choose specialized programs or classrooms if their child might have significant challenges in a regular class full-time. For example, Edmonton Public offers “Interactions” classrooms (for children on the autism spectrum who need a smaller setting) and other specialized programming streams for various needs. These typically start in Kindergarten or Grade 1 and have criteria for admission. However, many neurodivergent children attend mainstream kindergarten with support.

• To prepare, parents should connect with the school early. Schools will often hold case conferences with preschools, FSCD, or therapists to plan supports. They can arrange for an educational assistant, inclusion of tools (like visual schedules or sensory breaks), and ensure an Individualized Program Plan (IPP) is in place outlining the child’s goals and accommodations.

• Early entry/deferral: In Alberta, Kindergarten is not mandatory; age 6 is compulsory school age. Some parents of neurodivergent 5-year-olds opt to defer kindergarten by a year (especially if the child has late birthdays or needs more maturity time). Others may want to start at 4½ if the child is ready and eligible via PUF. Consider your child’s developmental readiness and ask the school or professionals for guidance.

Finding the right early learning environment is crucial to set a strong foundation for neurodivergent kids. Alberta offers a range of educational and school-readiness programs for young children, often with specialized supports:

• Inclusive Daycares and Preschools: Many community preschools and daycare centres in the Edmonton area welcome children with disabilities. Some larger daycare centres have on-site inclusion facilitators or have participated in training programs like GRIT’s Access, Support & Participation (ASaP) initiative (which coaches childcare staff on inclusive practices).

  • Under Alberta’s Inclusive Child Care program, daycares can receive short-term funding for an aide or consultant when a child with extra needs enrolls. This can help with one-on-one support during the child’s transition into the program.

  • Parents should communicate their child’s needs clearly with the daycare director; often an Individual Program Plan will be set up similar to school.

  • When evaluating daycares or preschools, ask about staff experience with autism, ADHD, etc., and whether they’ve had children with similar needs before. Look for environments that are smaller in group size, have a good child-to-teacher ratio, and offer structure yet flexibility (e.g. not strictly requiring all kids to sit for circle time if that’s challenging).

• Pre-Kindergarten Programs (School Division): As noted, both Edmonton Public and Edmonton Catholic (and other school divisions like Elk Island, St. Albert, etc.) run Pre-K classes for 3 and 4-year-olds with developmental delays. These programs typically run half-days, 4 days a week. They use play-based curricula, with built-in speech or occupational therapy sessions. For example, a child in an Edmonton Public Pre-K class might get small-group speech therapy once a week as part of the class routine, and the teachers use visual supports, sensory tools, and other strategies to accommodate learning differences. The Catholic 100 Voices program similarly integrates therapy and has access to specialists.

  • How to enroll: Usually, parents fill out an application indicating their child’s areas of need (sometimes an assessment or a referral from a professional is required). The school team may do a screening to confirm eligibility. Because spots are limited, it’s good to apply as early as January/February for the following fall. If accepted, transportation might be provided by the school bus if needed (depending on the division’s policies).

• Kindergarten and Early Entry: Kindergarten (typically age 5) is offered either half-day (Catholic and most private schools) or full-day in some cases (Edmonton Public offers full-day K at certain schools in vulnerable neighborhoods, and some charter or private schools have full-day).

  • Children with identified needs entering Kindergarten can access supports through Inclusive Education funding. This might include a part-time or full-time educational assistant shared in the classroom, consultation from specialists (like an OT or behavioral specialist coming in monthly), or assistive technology. If a child’s needs are profound, the school might recommend placement in a specialized program. However, Alberta education emphasizes that placement decisions are always made in consultation with parents, and inclusive settings should be the first consideration.

  • Parents are encouraged to visit prospective schools, meet the principal and learning support teacher, and discuss what supports would look like.

    • You can bring your FSCD worker/team members or therapy reports to these meetings. Many schools do welcome visits for the child ahead of time to familiarize them with the new environment (this can reduce first-day anxiety for kids on the spectrum, for instance).

  • When school starts, an IPP (Individualized Program Plan) will be developed, outlining specific goals (social skills, communication, etc.) and accommodations (e.g., extra breaks, visual schedule, seating arrangements). Make sure you provide consent for the school to liaise with any outside therapists – collaboration between the school and your private/public therapy providers ensures consistency for your child.

• “Head Start” and Other Targeted Early Programs:We covered ABC Head Start under AHS programs; in addition, there are other targeted initiatives such as ECE (Early Childhood Education) programs for low-income families (sometimes offered through agencies or family resource centres).

  • For example, Bent Arrow’s White Cloud Head Start is Indigenous-focused, while ABC Head Start is open to all backgrounds with a focus on those with financial or social barriers. There’s also Head Start Programs on-reserve in many First Nation communities that combine language/cultural preservation with early learning.

  • If your family faces barriers getting your child into a regular preschool (cost, transportation, etc.), reaching out to a Head Start or FRN program can be extremely helpful – they often have family liaison workers who can even help with things like finding a pediatrician or getting referrals to specialists.

• Therapeutic Preschool Programs: A unique category to mention is mental-health-based preschool programs.

  • CASA Mental Health in Edmonton runs a Preschool Day Program for children aged 4–5 who experience severe emotional or behavioral challenges that can’t be supported in typical preschool or daycare. This is a half-day therapeutic classroom staffed by mental health professionals and teachers, and includes parent therapy groups.

  • Children with diagnoses such as severe ADHD, anxiety, sensory regulation disorders, or the effects of trauma might be candidates.

  • Admission is through a referral to CASA (often by a pediatrician or psychiatrist) and an assessment to determine eligibility. If accepted, the child attends a small class where they receive therapy for emotional regulation, social skills, and behavior, preparing them to enter the school system.

  • This kind of program can be life-changing for a young child with extreme behaviors (e.g. aggression, self-harm) by catching problems early.

  • It is funded through AHS (no cost to the family).

  • Similarly, Glenrose Hospital may have early intervention groups for specific needs (like “Social ABCs” caregiver-mediated intervention for toddlers with signs of autism). Keep these options in mind if standard approaches aren’t sufficient.

In summary, Alberta’s early education landscape has many options – from fully inclusive settings to specialized programs – to ensure neurodivergent children build their skills and confidence before Grade 1. The key is to start planning early (often the winter when your child is 2 or 3, for the following school year) and tap into the networks of support: FSCD can advise on preschool services, pediatricians and therapists can write letters recommending certain placements, and parent support groups can share their experiences on which programs were beneficial. Every child is unique, so the “best” program is one that fits your child’s learning style and your family’s values. Whether it’s a community preschool with a part-time aide or a specialized pre-K class with therapy built-in, the goal is to foster a love of learning and to equip your child (and their future school) with strategies for success.

Edmonton and area are fortunate to have numerous organizations – non-profits, charities, and private clinics – dedicated to supporting neurodivergent children and their families. Here are some notable ones:

• Children’s Autism Services of Edmonton (CASE): A local non-profit agency providing a full range of services for young children with autism and related neurodevelopmental challenges.

  • They offer FSCD-funded programs like Specialized Services (in-home therapy teams including SLP, OT, behavior consultants) and Developmental Supports.

  • They also run an Early Childhood Education program for ages ~3–5 (half-day preschool with therapy supports, often funded by PUF).

  • CASE takes a family-centered approach using the SCERTS model (prioritizing social communication, emotional regulation, and support).

  • They host workshops, an annual autism conference, and family events.

  • If your child is diagnosed or suspected of autism in Edmonton, Children’s Autism Services is often a first stop for guidance.

  • Who to Contact: They have two centres in Edmonton; you can self-refer by calling or via their website.

• Centre for Autism Services Alberta: Another major non-profit, CFASA provides services in Edmonton and Northern Alberta.

  • They offer FSCD-funded program like Specialized Services, with in-home behavioral intervention, speech/language and occupational therapy, as well as community programs.

  • Uniquely, the Centre runs a PUF-funded Pre-K/K Program on-site (and has no fee for eligible kids)– this small classroom focuses on children with autism or significant communication needs, preparing them for Grade 1 with a play-based, inclusive philosophy.

  • Beyond early childhood, CFASA also has recreation and life skills programs for older kids.

  • Who to Contact: Intake can be reached through their website or by phone. They also have resource navigators to help families find the right supports.

• Autism Edmonton (Autism Society of Edmonton Area): This is a charity and support organization (not a therapy provider) that helps families navigate options, find information, and connect with peers.

  • Autism Edmonton runs support groups (including parent peer groups, sibling support, etc.), recreation groups for children and youth, and community events.

  • They have a Resource Centre and staff who can assist in figuring out what services to access after a diagnosis. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or not sure where to start, Autism Edmonton can provide one-on-one resource navigation.

  • They also engage in advocacy and provide workshops for families and professionals.

• GRIT Program (Getting Ready for Inclusion Today): An Edmonton non-profit known for excellence in inclusive early education.

  • GRIT works with young children with developmental disabilities in natural settings (home, community preschool, daycare) to promote inclusion and skill developmentcauses.

  • Their team (which may include a primary coach/teacher, OT/PT/SLP consultants, etc.) comes to wherever the child is, instead of the child going to a special classroom.

  • GRIT’s mission is to have children participate meaningfully alongside peers and to support families in including their child in all aspects of life.

  • They also operate an Inclusive Child Care program province-wide that trains other childcare providers (as a capacity-building initiative).

  • Enrollment in GRIT’s 3-year program is typically via PUF funding – you can apply directly through GRIT for ECS programming or be referred.

  • This program is highly regarded and often has a waitlist, so inquire early if interested.

• Elves Special Needs Society: A longstanding Edmonton charity offering intensive programs for individuals with severe disabilities from early childhood through adulthood. For the early years, Elves runs a Preschool and Kindergarten program for ages 2½ to 6 (PUF eligible). They specialize in supporting children with complex needs (e.g. children who may be medically fragile or require a high level of support for daily activities).

  • The environment is highly structured with a high staff ratio, therapy supports on site, and a focus on developing communication, motor, and self-help skills.

  • Elves also provides respite services (including a Saturday program and a summer camp) and has an on-site FASD Respite Program for children under 8 with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

  • Families often praise Elves for its caring staff and the progress their children make.

  • Who to Contact: You can reach out via their website or phone to discuss enrollment or respite services.

• ABC Head Start Society: As described earlier, ABC Head Start is a charity delivering comprehensive early learning programs for vulnerable kids. They celebrate neurodiversity and have interdisciplinary teams to support each child’s unique learning needs.

  • If your family meets criteria (usually income-based or social need), this can be a wonderful preschool option that also supports you as a parent (through family nights, referrals to community resources, etc.).

  • They operate at multiple schools/community sites in Edmonton.

  • Who to Contact: Applications are typically through their website or by calling their main office.

• Edmonton Down Syndrome Society (EDSS): EDSS is a family support organization that offers programs and resources specifically for children with Down syndrome.

  • They fund early intervention therapies (physiotherapy, SLP, OT) for infants and toddlers with Down syndrome – often through in-house therapy sessions or grants to help pay for private therapy.

  • EDSS also runs family playgroups, literacy and math tutoring for preschoolers, and motor skill programs (like dance and swimming adapted for kids with Down syndrome).

  • They host workshops for parents (e.g. on teaching reading to children with Down syndrome, or navigating medical issues) and fun family events to build community.

  • Who to Contact: EDSS membership is open to any interested family. Their centre (sometimes called “Suzanne’s Place”) is a gathering spot for programs. You can reach them via edss.ca.

• Private clinics: Edmonton has numerous private therapy clinics. These smaller businesses cater to early childhood needs and often have specific expertise (e.g. apraxia of speech, or play-based therapy).

  • While we can’t list all, parents should know that if a specific therapy is needed (like feeding therapy or social skills groups), there is likely a local provider.

  • InformAlberta.ca (the Alberta 211 service directory) is a great website to search for private services by keyword and city.

  • Always check credentials and ask about whether they direct-bill FSCD or health insurance.

• CASA Mental Health: Mentioned previously, CASA is the primary children’s mental health provider in Edmonton.

  • In addition to their preschool program, they offer programs like “Circle of Security” parenting courses, individual therapy, and psychiatric services for young kids with significant mental health or behavioral issues.

  • If your neurodivergent child also has anxiety, sleep problems, or other mental health concerns beyond the developmental domain, CASA can be a crucial support.

  • Referrals can be made through your doctor or by calling Alberta Health Services’ mental health intake line.

• Respite and Family Support Charities: Beyond government respite (FSCD), some non-profits help families get a break or find supportive child care.

  • Kids Kottage in Edmonton, while not disability-specific, is a crisis nursery that can take in children for a few days during family emergencies (they do accept children with special needs on a case-by-case basis).

  • Caregivers Alberta offers workshops for caregivers (including parents) to prevent burnout.

  • Also, the Ben Stelter Foundation and Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation sometimes have programs or grants that neurodivergent kids might access if there are medical components (e.g. complex health needs along with neurodiversity).

• Equipment and Therapy Funding Charities: Two notable charities help fund needs that might fall outside of government programs.

• 1) Children’s Ability Fund (based in Edmonton) provides grants for specialized equipment for children with disabilities throughout Northern Alberta. For instance, if your child needs an adaptive bike or a home accessibility modification not covered elsewhere, this charity might assist (or visit youcanride2.ca)

• 2) President’s Choice Children’s Charity is a national charity (by Loblaw) that gives grants for both equipment and therapy for children with special needs.

  • Families can apply directly on their website; many Alberta families have received funding for things like intensive therapy programs or home therapy equipment. Keep these in mind if you face large expenses.

Indigenous families (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) have access to all the programs mentioned above, and there are additional supports designed to meet their needs in culturally appropriate ways.

Jordan’s Principle: This is a federal commitment ensuring First Nations children can access the health, social, and educational services they need without delays or jurisdictional disputes.

• Under Jordan’s Principle, a First Nations child (on or off reserve) can receive funding for almost any service that would help their well-being if it’s not otherwise provided quickly by existing programs. This includes therapies (speech, occupational, behavioral, etc.), medical equipment, respite care, transportation for medical appointments, specialized educational supports, and more. For example, if a First Nations toddler is awaiting a publicly funded autism therapy but faces a long wait, a request can be made through Jordan’s Principle to cover interim private therapy.

  • How to access: You can contact the Jordan’s Principle Call Centre at 1-855-JP-CHILD (1-855-572-4453) which is available 24/7. In Alberta, the First Nations Health Consortium (FNHC) helps families apply for Jordan’s Principle; they have regional coordinators who will guide you through the paperwork and gather necessary documents. Generally, you’ll need proof of the child’s status (Registered/Treaty First Nation) and a letter or assessment supporting the request.

• Inuit children have a parallel program called the Inuit Child First Initiative. Inuit families can reach out to Indigenous Services Canada for that.

• Jordan’s Principle has approved hundreds of thousands of products and services nationally since 2016, so do not hesitate to apply if your First Nations child requires something for their development or care.

Aboriginal Head Start Programs: These are free early childhood programs for Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) children that incorporate Indigenous culture, language, and family involvement.

• In Edmonton, the Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society runs White Cloud Aboriginal Head Start, a preschool for Indigenous children ages 3–5 that operates September to June. The program’s goal is to give children a strong sense of identity and culture, while developing skills to succeed in the school system. Indigenous kids attend a regular preschool routine enriched with cultural teachings, elders’ involvement, and often a mix of Western and traditional approaches. White Cloud Head Start, for example, is located within an Edmonton public school and helps children “walk proudly in two worlds” as they get ready for kindergarten.

• There are other Indigenous Head Start initiatives as well, including some on-reserve programs and urban programs (some Métis organizations also host Head Starts). These typically provide nutrition (snacks/meals), parent liaison support, and sometimes transportation.

  • How to enroll: Contact the organization directly (e.g., Bent Arrow) early in the year. Spots are often prioritized for families who might not otherwise have access to preschool. No fees are charged.

Indigenous Family Resource Networks & Services: Alberta’s Family Resource Networks (FRNs) include Indigenous-specific hubs that support parenting, early childhood development, and cultural connections.

• Bent Arrow’s Kikosewin FRN offers Indigenous parenting programs, early childhood playgroups, and support workers who understand cultural context. They can help Indigenous parents navigate FSCD, find assessment services, or just provide encouragement and traditional parenting approaches.

• Some First Nations or Métis organizations have Jordan’s Principle Service Coordinators on staff to assist with applications and referrals.

• If you reside on-reserve, the local health centre or education authority might have early intervention programs or funding through federal streams (for example, some reserves have their own infant development workers or access to specific therapy funding). It’s worth inquiring with your band’s health or social development office.

First Nations & Inuit Health Benefits: In addition to AADL, children with Indian Status or Inuit coverage have access to Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) through Indigenous Services Canada.

• NIHB can cover certain medical travel costs, prescriptions, some medical supplies/equipment, and vision/dental care.

• For neurodivergent children, this might mean coverage for things like prescription formula, specialized footwear/orthotics, or extra dental care due to sensory issues.

• Coordinate between AADL and NIHB – typically AADL is primary for equipment, but NIHB may cover items AADL doesn’t. An example is hearing aids: AADL covers one set every 5 years for children, while NIHB might cover additional needs.

Cultural and Community Supports: A strong cultural foundation can be healing and empowering for neurodivergent Indigenous children.

• Edmonton has groups like the Ben Calf Robe Society and Native Counselling Services that, while not disability-specific, provide cultural programming and family support which can complement formal therapies. Inclusion of elders, smudging, traditional music or art can be very engaging for young children.

• Some programs (like the Edmonton Public Schools Amiskwaciy Academy for older students) integrate cultural support; at the early childhood level, ask if your child’s therapists or teachers can incorporate cultural elements (such as using Cree or Dene words for routines, or having an elder visit the classroom). Many providers are open to learning and inclusion.

• Also, Indigenous parents may consider connecting with wider support networks – for example, Facebook groups or the annual Wicihitowin Indigenous disability conferences (if available). These forums can share success stories and strategies that resonate with Indigenous values.