Crisis - 9-8-8 (call or text) or 9-1-1 Site web francophone en cours
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assessments - virtual or in person (select dates)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) assessments are comprehensive evaluations performed by trained health professionals to determine if an individual meets the diagnostic criteria for one or both neurodevelopmental conditions.
This type of assessment is often combined because ASD and ADHD frequently co-occur and share overlapping symptoms, making it difficult to distinguish between the two without a thorough, multi-faceted process.
If a person is too young or has an existing diagnosis for one of the two, a singular assessment is then appropriate.
- Participation from an individual who knows you well may be required to provide valuable insight into your daily functioning.
- All phases of any assessment process must be completed within six months of the first appointment.
- All assessments include a comprehensive, personalized report delivered 4-6 weeks after the completion of the assessment process.
- The multi-disciplinary team includes a Nurse Practitioner, a Registered Nurse Psychotherapist and an Occupational Therapist.
Nurse Practitioner
Occupational Therapist
The Nurse Practitioner will conduct the initial assessment and summary appointment. During their initial assessment they will review physical health and medication, review any submitted documentation, speak to any collateral informants (if required) and review the assessment process. At the summary appointment they will gather any additional information required, deliver assessment results and provide an individualized treatment plan.
Scope of Nurse Practitioners as per NPAO:
Nurse Practitioners assess, diagnose, treat and monitor a wide range of health problems using an evidence-based approach to their practice. They consult and collaborate with physicians and other health care professionals to meet the needs of the patient population.
(NPAO, November 2020)
Nurse practitioners in Ontario are currently not able to bill provincial health insurance (OHIP). Please verify private insurance policies prior to booking.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
The role of an Occupational Therapist (OT) in neurodivergent assessments focuses on how an individual engages in their daily activities, or "occupations," which span self-care, productivity (work/school), and leisure. The OT's contribution is holistic and functional, specifically assessing the underlying sensory, motor, and executive functioning skills that impact daily life. They will cover areas such as:
- Functional Assessment
- Sensory Processing Evaluation
- Motor and Coordination Assessment
- Executive Functioning Screening
- Environmental and Task Analysis
Registered Nurse
Registered Nurse
The Registered Nurse Psychotherapist completes an assessment interview focusing primarily on the clients relationships, language, and social life. They will cover areas such as:
- Social Relationships and Social Preferences
- Emotional Management
- Self-Reflection
- Language and Communication
These domains represent the core areas of functioning affected by neurodevelopmental differences and provide the necessary clinical evidence to support a diagnosis and develop personalized support strategies.
The team
Josée Tremblay (NP)
Josée (she/her) is a bilingual Nurse Practitioner (French and English) and a graduate of the Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner Program. Her professional background encompasses mental health, addictions, and primary care, areas that underpin her holistic and compassionate approach to patient care. She is committed to affirming, client-centered care that honours each individual’s unique narrative, strengths, and personal journey. Her objective is to cultivate a secure and collaborative environment where clients feel acknowledged, supported, and empowered to make informed decisions regarding their health and well-being.
Sonia Akhoury (OT)
Sonia is a compassionate, patient-centered Occupational Therapist with over 16 years of diverse clinical experience in Australia and Canada. She is dedicated to providing holistic, strengths-based care that empowers individuals and families. Sonia graduated with a Bachelor of Science, Occupational Therapy from Curtin University in Australia in 2008. and is registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO).
Her previous professional experience includes concussion care, completing initial assessments, developing return to work and return to school plans, and providing education on managing physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. She also has prior experience in the hospital system, where she specialized in high-acuity rehabilitation and intervention such as Acquired Brain Injury Rehabilitation, Acute Neurosurgery, and Major Trauma. In these roles, she developed skills including cognitive skills retraining, power and manual wheelchair prescription, functional transfer retraining, and providing community-based services, including home modification and equipment prescription.
Natalie Castonguay (RN)
Described by peers as a "disruptive innovator," Natalie is driven by a strong passion for improving healthcare accessibility for both clients and providers, challenging conventional boundaries through dynamic, comprehensive, and holistic approaches to wellness. Her extensive educational background is anchored by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, complemented by a graduate degree in Psychotherapy and a graduate certificate in animal-assisted wellness. Currently, she is pursuing a Master of Nursing Science to become a Nurse Practitioner, demonstrating a commitment to evolving alongside the rapidly changing healthcare landscape. This clinical expertise is formalized through certifications in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing and Pediatric Nursing from the Canadian Nurses Association, alongside specialized training and direct experience supporting autistic individuals, fueling their advocacy for bridging gaps within the siloed medical system. Beyond clinical practice, she is a dedicated advocate for patient rights and takes an active role in the supervision and education of professional colleagues. She provides care proficiently in both French and English.