Autism Connections

Autism Connections at The Arc Ontario

Autism Connections at The Arc Ontario are a compilation of services and supports available to people with autism spectrum disorder and their families, caregivers, staff, and community members to assist in increasing awareness, education, and personal development. From initial assessment and diagnosis to treatment recommendations and planning, our experienced staff will be there to guide you and your family through your possibilities and options.

Our Autism Connections offer a wide range of services including autism assessment and diagnosis, behavior support, nutrition, play therapy, psychology, psychiatry, social skills groups, social work, speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Some services are offered in partnership with Mozaic in the convenience of our main facility in Canandaigua.

For more information, please contact JoEllen Schaefer, Family Support and Intake Coordinator, at (585) 919-2118 or jschaefer@thearcontario.org.


Supports & Services include:

  • Social Skills Groups that offer children, teens, and young adults on the spectrum a variety of group gatherings designed to enhance their social and communication skills while building their self-esteem, confidence, and independence. We also offer Individual and Group Counseling including nutritional, behavioral intervention, and play therapy.

  • Sensory-friendly Special Events including Sensitive Santa, Sensitive Spring Egg Hunts, sensory friendly movies, and sensory-integrated birthday parties with a virtual reality system.

  • Summer Day Camp at Bristol Hills: Summer Day Camp offers a unique and fun summer activity for children with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, including autism. The Summer Day Camp gives children with unique needs the ability to create lasting memories and build new friendships within a supportive environment. Campers will improve their social, communication and physical skills and will have access to fun and educational activities including archery, cooking, arts & crafts, swimming and more! Trained staff from The Arc Ontario provide on-site support to campers. For eligibility requirements, or for more information, click here.

  • ADOS-2 Testing: The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) is a standardized assessment of communication, social interaction, play, and restricted and repetitive behaviors in children. During an ADOS assessment, a specialist interacts directly with the child in play and social activities. This assessment will aid in the diagnosis of Autism in people over the age of 18 months. If a diagnosis of Autism is found, we will connect you with resources to pursue OPWDD eligibility through the “front door ” and care coordination agencies for assistance.

  • Customized Training & Presentations for direct care professionals, families, law enforcement agencies, attorneys, educators, schools, and other interested parties. Topics include employing people with autism, challenging behaviors, social skill development, emergency responder sensitivity training, and environmental modifications.

  • Intensive Behavior Services designed for people who live in non-certified settings who present with challenging behaviors that is designed to reduce imminent risk of the need for a more restrictive home environment. Components of this service include a functional behavioral assessment, creation of behavior support plan, as well as implementation training and monitoring of the plan. This HCBS Waiver Service requires OPWDD eligibility and is provided over a 12-month period.

  • The Snoezelen Room at The Arc Ontario’s Main Facility offers a controlled multisensory environment that promotes a soothing and stimulating atmosphere. The room features massage chairs, low but visually stimulating lighting, a crash pad, VR system, smart tv and more! Another Snoezelen Room is located at our agency's Eberhardt Center. Both rooms are available during Day Habilitation programming, as well as during other agency programming and activities.

  • An Autism Advisory Board made up of community members and people with Autism who have a special interest in activities, advocacy, fundraising and services surrounding all things Autism. Between the months of May & November, the Board meets every other month from 530 - 630pm. This meeting is virtual and we are always looking for new members. Please contact Ryan Burba at rburba@thearcontario.org or Jessica Cooper at jessicacooper@thearcontario.org if you are interested in joining.

  • The Resource Library is a resource for families to research ASD with relaxed lighting, a computer with Internet access, and a television with a DVD player. Books are available to borrow for two weeks and DVDs are available for a one-week period.

  • Collections: Special Children, Challenged Parents: The Struggles and Rewards of Raising a Child with a Disability by Robert A. Naseef, Ph.D., The Game of My Life: A True Story of Challenge, Triumph and Growing Up Autistic by Jason “J-Mac” McElwain, Temple Grandin – the HBO biopic featuring Claire Danes as renowned Dr. Temple Grandin and her challenges growing up with autism, House Rules by Jodi Picoult, a fictional account of a teenager with Asperger’s Syndrome and his experience with the legal system.

The Arc Ontario offers a variety of Children & Family Services year round. Descriptions can be found here.