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Autism Treatment Network

The Autism Treatment Network (ATN) is the first bi-national network of hospitals, physicians, researchers, and families at 12 centres across the United States and Canada. Funded by Autism Speaks, we are collectively working to develop the most effective approach to medical care for children and adolescents affected by autism. The ATN also functions as the Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health.

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital is the lead site of the ATN in Toronto. Other sites in Toronto include SickKids Hospital and Surrey Place.

All ATN sites including Holland Bloorview provide autism-related information, services and support from nationally renowned clinicians, researchers, specialists, hospitals and academic institutions.

Current projects

Several projects are currently underway through the Autism Treatment Network.

Autism Learning Health Network

The ATN is creating a Learning Network Database to look at general healthcare in children and youth with autism spectrum disorders in order to identify what works from a treatment perspective and areas for improvement.

ECHO Autism

Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) Ontario Autism is a new distance-learning program that trains primary care providers in best-practice care for autism. Initially piloted within the ATN, ECHO Ontario Autism is now fully funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. ECHO Ontario Autism seeks to build province-wide community capacity and ability to screen, diagnose, and manage children and youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Ontario. Learn More.

Dissemination & training for health professionals

It is critical that the work of the ATN be collaboratively shared with autism spectrum disorder centres, physicians, and therapists to improve medical care for all children with autism spectrum disorder. This includes, but is not limited to, clinical and health-related research outcomes and training for health professionals.

Several paediatrician resources have been developed to disseminate up-to-date best practice information on healthcare of persons with ASD.

Outreach and Education

Outreach to the community and educational programs are integral to the ATN and with the inspiration and hard work of the ATN's Family Advisory Board.

Through the support of ATN and AIRP, and through the inspiration of the ATN's family advisory board, information nights were piloted in 2014 entitled ASD Parent Talks.

ASD Parent Talks are now a monthly, highly-sought after parent support and education session, hosted at Holland Bloorview. 

The ATN team also offers education and training in the community, including information sessions for school bus drivers, camp directors and staff, and many community organizations.

Resources, Publications and Toolkits

ATN-AIRP Resources

Toolkits have been developed to help address real-life challenges and issues related to children with autism spectrum disorder, including sleep, medication, toilet training, feeding and more. Toolkits are developed for professionals and families. In June 2018, Holland Bloorview, in collaboration with ATN and AIRP, published an Advocacy Toolkit for parents of children and youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs).

ATN-AIRP Publications

Click here to see the latest research publications out of the ATN.

Blogs

Scientists, clinicians and staff in the Autism Research Centre have contributed to the following blogs.