Diagnostic Assessment Funding Testimonials
From parents who have received funding for early diagnostic assessments:
The Quickstart for Autism program helped us tremendously in obtaining an assessment for our son in a timely manner. They guided us and supported us every step of the way, even after the assessment, offering us guidance and resources. We want to extend our upmost gratitude toward them for helping us in a time where both my son, and us as parents needed it the most(- AM, 2026)
It's hard to put into words just how big an impact Quickstart Autism has had on our family. When you have not 1, but 2 children on the spectrum, the emotional toll that goes into planning and researching the next steps, programs, therapies, and supports that are best for your child, not to mention the financial toll it all takes, is indescribable to someone who's never had to go through it. Quickstart, gave us the gift of time. They not only funded the cost of our boys' assessments, (which would have been out of reach for us privately) but because they were each diagnosed before the age of two, we were able to start intervention so early. Our oldest is now 5, he's just finished his first year of school, in a class with his peers. He's made friends, he tells us stories, he's thriving. Something we wouldn't have thought possible just 3 years ago. Our youngest is only 20 months and will soon be starting intervention himself. We only hope it's as beneficial to him as it's been for our oldest. More than funding the cost though, it was the emotional support that the staff provided along the way that helped more than they'll ever know. Thank you QuickStart team!
(- SW, 2026)
QuickStart was an invaluable service to a new parent thrown into the uncharted world of Autism. As a new mom with her child's well being and interventions being on my mind, but not knowing where to start, I was truly blessed to have made connection with this organization. QuickStart was able to help me navigate services and get a diagnosis for my young daughter that I would have otherwise have had to wait years to access. The team was knowledgeable, supportive and extremely professional in their delivery and comprehensive services. (- TB, 2025)
"Our family has been fortunate to benefit from the Sensory Santa program for the past two years. The experience, as well as the incredible work you and your team do to support families and little ones during the holidays, has truly made a difference for us.” (-YB, 2025)
...because of QuickStart Autism, my boys had their diagnoses before their second birthdays. That early diagnosis opened the door to so much support. We were able to access parent coaching, the entry-to-school program, speech therapy, occupational therapy – all at the exact time when early intervention is most critical. To all the sponsors and donors in [the] room – I want you to know that your generosity isn’t just helping families get a diagnosis. You’re giving kids like mine the chance to thrive. You’re giving parents like me the tools and the hope we need in those very first steps.” (- HW, 2025)
Thank you…Quick Start for making this all happen we truly appreciate you and everything quick start does.” (-KP, 2024)
Thank you so much for helping us with our autism journey! S was officially diagnosed today and as stressful and overwhelming it all is also such a weight off my shoulders because now we know for sure. We thank everyone from QuickStart...for helping us through it... we are so appreciative, your huge part of having her diagnosed. (- AK, 2024)
Immensely grateful to QuickStart for equipping us as a family to deal with an unexpected and challenging diagnosis. Their advice and support allowed us to proactively address concerns and obtain some answers for our son by age 2, enabling us access to early intervention and to feel some sense of control as we move forward. (-M & J, 2023)
We are so grateful QuickStart for all that they have done and continue to do for families with Autistic children. Our two children are thriving having been given the gift of early intervention. F now speaks in full sentenecs, loves to play with friends and family, and attends preschool full time. M is not far behind speaking well, interacting socially, engaging in pretend play, and excelling on her soccer team. (-J & S, 2023)
I am so grateful to you and QuickStart for giving us this opportunity to have her diagnosed so quickly so that she can get the help she needs sooner. Thank you again so much. For everything!. (-JR, 2022)
Parent REspite program Testimonials
From parents who enjoyed a weekend break at a local hotel through our Parent Respite Program:
It is hard to put into words what this break meant to us. We stayed at the Westin, bused to the Casino for supper and betting then bused back to Ottawa for a Comedy Show on the Market. The Westin was perfectly situated so we could grab lunch without our coats (nice on a cold winter day), came back to a treat from the Westin waiting for us, loved how close to the market it was.
Being the parents of an adult with autism keeps us on our toes. We spend much of our time keeping our son happy, organized, and busy leaving little time to spend time as a couple. We usually do things on our own and not together as one stays home with [our son]. This overnight helps recharge our batteries and gave us a much-needed chance to catch up. We can't thank you enough. (–B & Y, 2023)
Thank you so much for offering us a weekend at the Westin Hotel. The panoramic view from our room was beautiful and relaxing; it gave us a peaceful night and uninterrupted sleep.
Your thoughtfulness and generosity made a big difference, and we really appreciate your contribution to helping parents of children with special needs. We can't thank you enough. (-C & A, 2023)
You've put a little spring my step. I'm not even going to tell my husband that I applied until we find out. So exciting even if we don't get it! Little things like this go along way in the daily struggles with funding, appointments, care, stress, worry etc.
We cannot thank you enough for the wonderful opportunity of spending a night in a beautiful hotel. We feel very fortunate to have been part of this great program. Thank you very much [...] and everyone involved in this fantastic initiative including the generous support of the [...] Hotel for giving us the chance to reconnect and recharge in a most wonderful setting.
We are back on track and strengthened by our weekend together. We realize as a result of this weekend that we need more opportunities to re-group and take care of ourselves. We have to stay healthy for our children — and each other. From the bottom of our hearts — thank you, and all of your generous sponsors.
Thank you again for this wonderful opportunity and please extend my sincere appreciation to the hotels who are partners in this.
I am so excited and can’t wait, please tell me what I shall do next. I feel like I have won the lottery. Thank you once again.
Thank you so much for the great weekend away.
Opinion piece Ottawa Citizen April 2, 2011 - Senator Jim Munson
We have all witnessed the scene. The shrill cries of a young child at the mall. Arms and legs flailing. The mother, powerless against her child's fervour.
An intense scene like this triggers all sorts of responses in onlookers -from amusement to sharp judgment: "That woman can't control her own child!"
I wonder how many of us might wonder: "Could that child be autistic?" A temper tantrum is only one of a collection of symptoms of autism.Autistic children and their families need our compassion -and this begins with awareness. Today is World Autism Awareness Day, a United Nations resolution in honour of people affected by autism.
[...]It was early in my career as a senator when my own eyes were opened to the plight of autistic children and their families. I met a man demonstrating on the Hill. He told me his son was autistic, and described the challenges he faced every day. I have since travelled from coast to coast, meeting with family members and advocates involved with autism issues. They also describe their fears and desperation for treatment and guidance. I do what I can to advise them and keep them connected and hopeful.
In the absence of strong federal commitment, autism organizations at the local, provincial and national levels are carrying the weight. Here in Ottawa, a shining example is Quick Start, which raises money to provide support and counselling and promotes early screening to determine children's needs. This is the creation of the grandmother of two autistic children, Suzanne Jacobson, who knows first-hand that the wait for treatment can be harrowing, especially since early intervention is key.
The Ottawa Children's Treatment Centre
[...] We have been in a unique partnership with QuickStart — Early Intervention for Autism since 2007.
This partnership led to the development of an innovative early intervention program designed to provide critical support to parents of children identified at risk (between 18 months and 6 years) who were on a waiting list for a diagnosis. Since 2008 this new service has provided access to multidisciplinary therapist specializing in children with exceptionalities. Parents are provided with key supports and information along with professional specific strategies for their children while they are waiting for the diagnostic assessment. We have seen first hand how this early intervention model has been having a significant impact on the families and children. A high percentage of the children served have gone on to be diagnosed with autism.
Each year we develop new approaches to increase capacity to meet the growing needs. Our partnership with QuickStart has been much more than a source of charitable revenue to offer this service: it has been a partnership at each step of the way: program design and implementation, evaluation and identification of future vision.~ Anne Huot, Director of Client Programs and Information