Hello.
Welcome to Monarch House, Canada’s largest independent provider of autism services. Since opening in 2009, our goal has been to accept, engage, and support those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other diagnoses, helping families adapt and thrive in a world where you should feel like you truly belong.
Our journey spans over 14 years, servicing diverse regions across Canada. Notably, since 2017, Monarch House has been a certified service provider in the Calgary vicinity, aiding over 350 families in the area. We are also Canada’s largest independent provider of autism services. Monarch House has established itself as an industry leader and is the only national service provider in Canada.
Recognized as a centre of excellence in supporting families and children with disabilities to thrive, we have expanded our network to include 7 locations in BC, 1 in Alberta and 6 in Ontario. We will continue to expand our network throughout Canada to ensure families can access the support and services they deserve.
Our purpose was and remains to provide a safe and welcoming environment where families navigating the autism journey can access quality services for their child and family all under one roof. Our promise is to create a world that works for families, a place where they can access timely services all along their journey without waitlists and ensure continuous services throughout different life stages and needs.
Family First.
The most optimal service model is selected through collaborative consultation with the family/individual to ensure the best possible outcomes are achieved. We have a wide variety of service models that can be delivered in person in our purpose-built facilities/centre-based; outbound/in-home or community; virtually (in real-time through Teams), remote through video feedback (for families who have complex schedules or do not have access to Wi-Fi daily).
We have experience offering all programs, including groups, screenings, and assessments, virtually and in person. Monarch House is aligned and well-versed in the Family Support for Children with Disabilities Act. Respecting the dignity of children with disabilities, acknowledging families' caregiving roles, endorsing family-centred support, advocating for an integrated approach, and promoting inclusion in community life are all evidenced in our approach and service delivery. We strive to empower and build capacity in families to possess the skills, resources, and support to nurture their children's development and integration at home and within their communities.
Funding
In Alberta, if a child is diagnosed with autism, they may be eligible for FSCD-funded Specialized Service Contracts, Developmental/Behavioural Aide agreements, PDD (Pervasive Developmental Disorder), along with various funding sources like Jordan's Principle, charitable contributions, insurance, and private funds.
The population we serve ranges in age from 6 months to 19 years and presents with a diverse range of abilities. Our experience supports individuals who have social and communication, language, complex behavioural, learning, motor delays, play and independence skills, emotional regulation, and mental health concerns.
Our Alberta team has worked with some of the region’s most complex children, providing consultation and support to group home providers, including support with children with Prader-Willi Syndrome, West Syndrome, Cri du Chat, and other hereditary and hormonal conditions.
Developmental Screening Clinics
A no-cost appointment with our professional clinicians is available to assess your child’s overall development. This appointment will provide you with information on your child’s development across domain areas (communication, motor skills, social, and problem-solving skills) and recommendations for the next steps.
We provide assessments for Autism Diagnosis for children ages 12 months - 5 years and 11 months of age. Our assessment service answers the question “does my child have autism”?
Our assessments are designed to meet the Alberta funding eligibility criteria and help you access funding for your child’s ongoing services.
We understand the urgency parents feel to get the support and services they need for their child and how complex and overwhelming the process can be knowing which services your child needs, what available funding sources there are and how the funding works.
Monarch House services and service delivery methods are detailed in the table below.
More in Centre:
- A well-equipped kids' gym to facilitate gross motor development, play skills and social interactions
- Meeting rooms for group therapy and meetings with families
- Spacious therapy rooms where individuals can access therapy in a distraction-free environment
- A large toys area, where children have access to a variety of toys to offer an enriching environment to learn
- A child-friendly toilet for individuals needing to learn self-care skills
- A staff office for staff to conveniently collaborate in providing the best comprehensive and timely support for your child
Calgary Staff can communicate in: English, French, Cantonese and Punjabi
Our Approach
At Monarch House, we believe in evidence-based therapy. All service is based on best practices and a family-centred approach; this means you are involved in every decision in your child’s unique service and support plan.
At Monarch House, we improve access to required autism services in Alberta, coordinate treatment, and focus on results for individuals of all abilities, understanding and responding to their changing needs throughout their lives.
Our Board-Certified Behaviour Analysts®, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and mental health professionals work collaboratively to deliver evidence-based support and services in our centres, your home, or your child's school. We collaborate with each individual and specifically tailor services to their needs.
The earlier the intervention, the better
The earlier your child capitalizes on their brain’s plasticity, the more skills and pathways they develop for building essential skills like communication, social skills, and adaptive behaviours - all crucial for later success.
Studies consistently show that children who receive early intervention have better developmental outcomes, including improved language, social skills, and academic performance. They are also more likely to gain independence and lead fulfilling lives.
Conversely, the longer your child goes without focused support, the more likely they are to experience regression in skills they've already acquired. As a leading early intervention autism service provider, Monarch House Alberta helps your child maintain and build upon their existing strengths, and it allows the entire family to engage and learn the ideal approaches so your child thrives as they mature.
For more details, download our Parent Handbook.
The Importance of Early Diagnosis*
The research shows that the earlier your child starts receiving services, the better their outcomes will be. Every day matters. We understand the urgency and are committed to making your experience as simple and quick as possible. Our expert intake team will help you navigate available funding sources and understand which of our following services would work best for your family:
Behaviour Therapy
These are the various types of therapy that focus on changing behaviours. For autistic children, it's a common and practical approach to address specific challenges they may face, such as:
- Communication difficulties: Helping children learn to communicate effectively, whether through speech, sign language, or alternative communication systems.
- Social skills: Teaching children how to interact with others, understand social cues, and build friendships.
- Repetitive behaviors: Managing repetitive behaviors like rocking, flapping, or stimming in a way that's less disruptive and more adaptive.
- Self-care skills: Helping children develop daily living skills like eating, dressing, and using the bathroom independently.
Speech Therapy
The role of the Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) is to enable individuals to communicate to the best of their ability, thereby enhancing their social relationships and maximizing their quality of life.
The SLP will have expertise in several key areas including Expressive Language, Receptive Language, Assistive and Augmentative Communication, Social Pragmatics, Neuro-Motor Development, Articulation and Fluency. The SLP examines the client’s individual skills and development, and the environment in which those skills are being used.
Occupational Therapy
The role of the Occupational Therapist is to enable individuals to participate, to their fullest level, in activities that occupy their daily lives. This generally encompasses six key areas: Sensory Integration, Fine and Gross motor skills, self-care skills, Occupational/Vocational/Educational activities, Social/Emotional Wellness, and Play/Leisure Skills.
The Occupational Therapist looks at the client’s skills and development and the environment in which those skills are being used. Motor skills are acts that lead to complex body movements. Gross motor movements include actions such as crawling, sitting, and jumping and involve larger muscles and body parts. Fine motor skills involve smaller muscles (e.g., hands) and are important in dressing, eating, writing, etc.
Social Skills, Life skills, and Motor Skills Groups
Group programs are designed to normalize children’s experience by being around peers with similar developmental skills. A group format also allows children to practice interaction and learning skills in a natural environment amongst their peers.
Location friendly
Monarch House's headquarters is strategically positioned to facilitate convenient foot or public transport access for Calgary families. Our premises are appropriately equipped to fulfill contract requirements, ensuring a safe, inclusive environment for those opting for in-clinic services.
Though our autism clinic is in central Calgary, our catchment area (past and current experience) extends as far west as Canmore, as far north as Airdrie, as far east as Chestermere, and as far south as Calgary. We have additionally provided combined telehealth and in-person services to the communities of Okotoks and Medicine Hat.
Address
1010 - 1st Ave NE
Suite 300
Calgary, AB
T2E 7W7
Contact
403-313-0345
587-387-2919(Fax)
Book an appointment
The most effective way to get started with Monarch house is to book an appointment. We will answer your questions in terms of treatment, funding, and how to navigate the various programs available.
Every inquiry is completely confidential.
Not sure where to start?
Reach out to us directly info@monarchhouse.ca