Children's Developmental Assessment Services

Bethesda's Children's Developmental Assessment Services (CDAS) provides family-centred, comprehensive developmental assessments for children/youth for whom a developmental disability and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder is diagnosed or is suspected. Referrals to CDAS for children under the age of 18, who live in the Niagara Region, can be initiated through Contact Niagara.

The CDAS multi-disciplinary team includes a Developmental Pediatrician, Child Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Psychometrist, Occupational Therapist, and an Autism Resource Consultant. The team offers a variety of assessment options, including:

Multi-Disciplinary Full Team Assessments conducted in coordination with the family and other community partners. Referrals must be supported by a physician.
Psychological Assessments which provide a comprehensive evaluation of cognitive functioning looking at early developmental needs and specific cognitive deficits, as well as measures of adaptive behaviour, academic achievement, behaviour and social-emotional development.
Occupational Therapy Assessments which may assist in understanding motor, perceptual, sensory and visual difficulties. These assessments can provide strategies to foster self-help, play and communication, social and coping skills.

How are these services accessed?

Referrals can be initiated through Contact Niagara.