Transitioning to adulthood is an important juncture that often presents challenges for autistic youth and adults. Yet it is a different experience for everyone.
As is the case for many government-funded services, once a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) reaches a certain age, the support available to them changes. In most Canadian provinces, children transition into the adult service program on their 18th birthday, some on their 19th birthday.
Transition planning typically begins between the ages of 12 and 16 years old. Entering adulthood can be stressful, and needing to understand a brand new set of government-funded supports and services can be overwhelming.
This page provides information about the government-funded services and supports available to adults living with ASD. It is organized by province and territory. We are hopeful that a robust understanding of what resources are available – in the transition period and beyond – is helpful to individuals and families.
Please note that the age at which a child becomes eligible for adult resources is different across the country. You will find one separate toolkit for each province and territory.
QUEBEC
This page outlines government-funded supports and services available to adults (18 years or older) with autism living in the province of Quebec.
These supports are delivered through the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux.
SERVICES FOR PERSONS WITH A PHYSICAL OR INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY OR AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD)
The Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux provides numerous services to assist persons with a physical or intellectual disability or an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These services assist with social independence.
Eligibility
Physical disability programs and services as well as intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) programs and services are for people of all ages (children, adults and seniors) as well as their families and loved ones.
To learn about services provided in your region, contact your integrated health and social services centre (CISSS) or your integrated university health and social services centre (CIUSSS). To find their contact information, go to Finding Your CISSS or Your CIUSSS page.
SOCIAL ASSISTANCE AND SOCIAL SOLIDARITY
When the child becomes of age, the family loses the federal and provincial government financial benefits, but the child becomes eligible for sécurité du revenu (welfare). Forms can be accessed at the local sécurité du revenu office 1 to 2 months before the child turns 18.
Application
To apply for benefits under the Social Assistance Program, proceed as follows:
● Complete the following forms:
○ Application for Service – General Information
○ Appendix 1 – Information about Education and Employment Services
○ Appendix 2 – Application for Last-Resort Financial Assistance
● Bring the forms and required pieces of identification (below) to a local employment centre (CLE) or a Services Québec office that provides social solidarity services. Your spouse and dependent children, if any, will also have to present the required pieces of identification.
Required Identification Documents
You are generally required to provide one piece of identification and your birth certificate. In all cases, you (as an adult) and your spouse must provide a signed photo ID issued by a public body such as:
● a health insurance card issued by Québec or another Canadian province
● a driver’s licence issued by Québec or another Canadian province
● a passport.
Documents Required after the Application is Reviewed
Additional documents relating to you, your spouse and your dependent children, if any, may be required after the application is reviewed. These include:
● documents attesting to the declarations made in your application (paycheque stubs, proof of Québec Parental Insurance Plan benefit income, medical certificate or report)
● any judgment or agreement for support payments.
A complete list of the other documents that may be required is found in the form entitled Appendix 2 – Application for Last-Resort Financial Assistance form.
SHELTER ALLOWANCE PROGRAM
The Shelter Allowance Program provides financial aid to low-income families who spend too great a proportion of their income on lodging. The maximum amount allotted is $80 per month.
The following people are eligible:
● Families with at least one child
● People of 55 and over.
You must file your income tax report to receive this subsidy.
For more information, please visit the Société d’habitation du Québec site or contact them at 514-864-7020.
ASSISTIVE DEVICE PROGRAMS
Assistive devices programs are reserved for people with a physical or intellectual disability or an ASD. These programs allow them to obtain specialized assistive devices.
Persons with a temporary handicap are not eligible for assistive devices programs.
Assistance covered
Assistive devices are lent and provided by institutions in the health and social services network.
They are covered by various assistive devices programs and are selected according to pre-established allocation rules. Assistive devices are recommended by a healthcare professional according to the user’s needs.
Procedure
If you would like more information about assistive devices or want to apply:
● Talk with your doctor or a social worker at your integrated health and social services centre (CISSS) or your integrated university health and social services centre (CIUSSS).
● Contact your local CISSS or CIUSSS directly. To find their contact information, go to Finding Your CISSS or Your CIUSSS page.
HELP AND RESOURCES
To learn about services provided in your region, contact your integrated health and social services centre (CISSS) or your integrated university health and social services centre (CIUSSS). To find their contact information, go to Finding Your CISSS or Your CIUSSS page.
Photo by andrew welch on Unsplash
