"Dear Fellow Autism Parents,

George's progress at The Portia Learning Centre has been phenomenal! My son had previously lost almost all his words and was refusing affection. We weren't sure what was going on with him. The lines of toy cars littered our apartment. Once the diagnosis came in, I got to work researching on the Internet, then narrowing my search to certain recognized websites. Then I formed a resource list from looking at the book which various organizations offered to their clients. I ordered them, and read as much of them as I could. I went to every free training session I could manage. One common denominator came from all my work: My son needed Intensive Behavioural Intervention. The waitlist was so long for us, there was no way I could stand by for who knows how many more years. At the same time, I could not see how I could afford to pay for therapy. But I knew I had to try.

I scrounged up some money, cashed in my RRSP and enrolled George in 30 sessions of IBI through Portia Learning Centre. I was amazed when he was coming home with new words almost every day. He started “manding” for things with greater frequency. His eye contact improved. He started commenting on everything around him. After several months, he began hugging me when I arrived to drive him home, and greeting all the other children when he arrived to school.
Portia Learning Centre offers the “Jumpstart Program”. I observed the therapist working with George and was able to ask questions, and got a custom program for him at the end. I paid for 30 sessions at first. My family, initially very skeptical, was so astonished by his progress and wanted him to keep going.

Kim, Christy and Karen worked hard to help me receive a grant to keep George going at this wonderful school. The staff at Portia have been amazing to know and work with. They are genuinely interested in helping these children and their parents achieve their maximum potential. Through the team effort of Portia Learning Centre, George has been able to receive services for a full year. They've also launched a community outreach program to help out other families who can't afford therapy, but need to speak to a senior therapist about their child.

The junior and senior therapists we've worked with have also been exceptional. Their concerns have always been my concerns. No matter what I ask for on behalf of my son, they have found ways to help. For example, I asked Theresa, our senior therapist, about George's extreme crankiness in the afternoon after school. She immediately knew it was probably because he was hungry and moved his snack time to later in the morning. It worked! When I requested someone accompany me to a meeting at OCTC and was afraid that they were going to terminate our speech and occupational therapies, Portia sent two staff members to advocate for my son at no cost! When I needed some extra help toilet training at home, they again sent staff to help.

I cannot express in words how grateful I am to everyone who has worked with George. My son is a strong person who is willing to work hard and that has made a difference. Having people working with him who are equally dedicated is the reason for his success."

Marie LaRose
George's Mom
July 2009

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"Our son was diagnosed with PDD-NOS and was considered high functioning and received very limited support from OCTC so we turned to Portia. We met with Karen and Kim and were impressed with their level of professionalism and how they took a genuine interest in our situation and wanted to support us anyway they could. They made it possible for our son to continue full time kindergarten and receive ABA therapy at the school. In the ten months Kieran has attended Portia the results have been outstanding. When he started he was unable to print his name, half way through the school year he was tested by the Ministry of Health and scored in the average category with all other five year olds! His eye contact and ability to carry on a fluid conversation has improved to the point where people who don't know about his diagnosis just think he is a regular five year old boy. In fact we believe he will lose his diagnosis in the next couple of months and Portia played a key role in this remarkable achievement.

In addition their Courtwood centre is well organized, inviting, and has a positive energy. The therapists are very focused and motivated to ensure their clients get maximum value, I would highly recommend Portia to anyone who requires extra support to secure a solid foundation for the rest of their life."

Kimberly M.
July 2009

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Hayward had his appointment with the developmental pediatrician this morning. A year ago at 30 months he was assessed as moderately autistic and at the 12 month level. Now, he no longer meets full diagnostic criteria for autism and is more PDD-NOS. The pediatrician tells us he wouldn't qualify for ABA funding anymore because he is "just too good". He is developmentally on track with all of his milestones except speech and language which she says is only about 4 months behind for his age. What a difference! The pediatrician was absolutely blown away by the change in Hayward. She told us it is a real possibility that continuing with what we are doing now , he might not need any supports for grade 1. Time will tell of course, but she said given his progress in just a year, she fully believes it is possible and SO DO WE!

We are so thankful to Portia and his team for making this happen for him. Words will never be able to describe how grateful we are to the amazing team of therapists that have worked with him over the past 14 months. You have given us back our son. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

Tammy
July 2008

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"Kim and her team at Portia are amazing!

In the four months that our son has been attending, he has shown unbelievable progress. He was initially non-verbal (at 2 ½ years) and spoke his first words within his first month at Portia. He is now communicating meaningfully using phrases and has completely let go of his PECS binder.

Our son also tended to avoid other children and organized activities. He has now become an active and willing participant of circle time and sings songs.

The best part is that our son LOVES going to Portia. They have managed to make this incredibly effective therapy a fun and positive experience for the children, and our son happily goes back for more each day.

Furthermore, Kim and her team keep close contact with the parent with regards to the kids' progress and treatment goals. They are so approachable and always open to our questions and concerns.

I highly recommend The Portia Learning Centre!"

Lucie F.

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"Kim, 6.5 short months ago life seemed bleak, frustrations were high and we were barely coping. Then you, Charlene and Julia came into our lives what a world of difference you have made. I knew from our first meeting at the house that I wanted (our child) to be in your hands with your empathic, knowledgeable and unassuming ways. At that point (our child) was not listening at all, she was speaking in 2-3 words at best when prompted, was not affectionate and seemed to want to be entirely by herself. Now 6.5 months later she does not stop talking, she is using up to 6 word phrases, she wants to be with us all the time, she listens the majority of the time, she answers questions and wants/needs attention and affection. You have no idea the change we have seen in her and we are and will continue to be indebted to all of you. I just wanted to know how we were feeling and that all of your work does not go unnoticed. THANK-YOU!!!"

Angela M.

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"The Portia Learning Centre is a very professional and highly organized centre for ABA. Staff members are very knowledgeable and are flexible and accommodating in meeting the needs of families. Within the first two months of ABA therapy, my autistic daughter has made major improvements in behavior, speech and social skills while attending the Portia Learning Centre."

Tara S.

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"Our son has been attending the Portia Learning Centre for over a year. During this time, he has made outstanding improvements in so many areas particular to kids with autism.

The management team has always been accessible, supportive, and creative in their programming in order to meet our son's needs.

All of the staff I have encountered at Portia are well trained and supervised, responsive, and highly professional.

Daily verbal and written communication, plus regular progress meetings, has meant that we have been able to be involved in our son's progress every step of the way.

Best of all – Portia makes their program fun for the children. I think the Portia Learning Centre really cares about their children! My son still looks forward going to Portia!"

Eleanor Z.

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"My son Christian has been attending the Portia Learning Centre since October 25, 2007. Since then, he's shown remarkable progress in many ways, most notably in speech, social skills, and in becoming independent with toileting skills. Christian is now an outgoing, happy, social little boy who enjoys challenging and is very proud of his achievements. He has learned to deal with his challenges in a more constructive way then throwing tantrums or getting upset. Portia has also helped him develop a taste for new food items and to deal with his sensory difficulties with food. The staff is always courteous and available whenever there is a question or a concern. I would recommend the Portia Learning Centre to whomever would need their services."

Chantal D.