Trauma-informed care · Edmonton & Leduc

SIMTIAR CONNECTIONS · EDMONTON & LEDUC

Autism & Developmental Delay Support.

A place to feel understood and a space to learn and grow.

Simtiar supports children, youth and adults with autism, developmental delays and developmental disabilities in Edmonton and Leduc, Alberta. Our child and youth respite pathway and adult supported housing pathway provide trauma-informed care shaped around the person’s strengths, communication, sensory preferences, routines and support needs.

An adult and child sharing an activity at a table

TWO PATHWAYS · ONE PERSON-CENTRED APPROACH

Find the right support.

Illustrative scene of a child choosing a drawing activity with a support worker

Children & youth · Ages 0–18

24-hour respite & out-of-home care

A safe, structured and nurturing environment for autistic children and youth with developmental disabilities or complex support needs who are no longer able to live at home. Planned respite, emergency respite and immediate out-of-home placement needs can be discussed.

Explore child & youth support
Illustrative scene of an adult receiving the key to a supported apartment

Adults · Ages 18+

24/7 inclusive supported housing

Long-term, stable supported living for adults with autism and developmental disabilities who are unable to live at home. Family-managed arrangements place the individual’s safety, dignity and community connections at the centre of daily life.

Explore adult support

CHILD & YOUTH PATHWAY · AGES 0–18

24-hour autism respite care.

Simtiar provides 24-hour respite care for children with autism and developmental disabilities who are no longer able to live at home because of complex behavioural, developmental or safety needs. Consistent, high-level support from trained staff offers a safe, structured and nurturing environment where each child can grow at their own pace.

Illustrative scene of a child wearing headphones and shaping clay with an adult

Planned respite & individualized care

We get to know each child’s strengths, interests, routines and communication before care begins. Support is built around what helps them feel safe, understood and comfortable.

  • Predictable routines, personal care, meals and everyday activities
  • Individual care and safety plans, with support for emotional regulation
  • Family communication, school participation and approved community activities
  • Clear handovers and regular reviews with families, guardians and care teams
Illustrative scene of a young person arriving at a welcoming home with support

Emergency respite & out-of-home placement

We also support youth requiring emergency respite care or immediate out-of-home respite placement, including those in government care. The referring team and Simtiar work together to review needs and plan a safe arrival.

  • Prompt discussion of the reason for referral and immediate support needs
  • Review of suitability, available capacity, staffing and required approvals
  • A coordinated care plan with the guardian or authorized referring agency
  • Planning for the next appropriate step from the start

ADULT PATHWAY · AGES 18+

24/7 inclusive supported housing.

Simtiar also offers a 24/7 inclusive housing program for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities who are unable to live at home. The program provides long-term, stable supported living through family-managed arrangements in a structured, person-centred environment that prioritizes safety, community connection and dignity in daily living.

Illustrative scene of an adult practising a familiar laundry routine with support

A stable home with consistent support

Daily care follows the individual’s communication, sensory preferences, abilities and goals. Trained staff provide support that helps the person feel secure, respected and included.

  • Personal care, meals, household routines and everyday skills
  • Support for communication, emotional regulation and safe participation
  • Appointments, meaningful activities and community connection
  • Privacy, personal choice and dignity in daily living
Illustrative scene of an adult leading a planning conversation with family and a support professional

Family-managed, person-centred planning

The individual remains at the centre of decisions, with families involved in managing the support arrangement. Simtiar provides the agreed day-to-day care, with roles, responsibilities and communication clearly defined.

  • An individual plan reflecting strengths, preferences and support needs
  • Agreed family, caregiver and service-provider responsibilities
  • Continuity of important relationships and cultural connections
  • Regular review as goals, needs or circumstances change
Illustrative scene of a young adult unpacking books in a new bedroom

A supported transition after age 18

This pathway is suited to individuals transitioning into adulthood who need an autism adult program or disability supported living in Edmonton and Leduc, Alberta. Planning considers readiness, communication, daily routines and the supports needed for a successful move.

  • Prepare with the individual, family and authorized support team
  • Carry forward familiar routines and effective support strategies
  • Agree on housing, staffing, funding and transition arrangements before the move
Illustrative scene of an adult preparing breakfast with support available nearby

Independence at the person’s pace

Support creates opportunities to make choices, practise everyday tasks and take part in community life. Goals reflect the person’s abilities and wishes, while maintaining the level of care they need.

  • Self-care, home routines and practical life skills
  • Recreation, relationships and meaningful participation
  • Personal goals reviewed without pressure to progress at a fixed pace
Illustrative sensory room with bubble tubes, fibre-optic lighting and padded seating
Illustrative sensory room, not a Simtiar home. Photo: Daniel Forest, CC0.

SENSORY-AWARE SUPPORT

Comfort, choice and time to settle.

Sensory rooms and quiet spaces support relaxation, breaks and sensory activities. Staff follow the person’s preferences and individual plan.

Some people may prefer less light or sound. Others may enjoy movement or a particular activity. We listen, observe and adjust, offering choices without rushing participation.

A person can ask for a break, choose another activity or communicate discomfort in their own way. Their preferences guide the support.

OUR TRAUMA-INFORMED APPROACH

Understanding comes before the plan.

We ask what helps each person feel safe and understood. Accessible choices, familiar routines, personal space and time to respond guide support, with communication and sensory preferences considered individually.

Start with the person

Learn what brings enjoyment, what feels difficult and how the person shows comfort or distress. Simtiar’s founder is the parent of an autistic child, bringing personal understanding to our commitment to thoughtful care.

Make communication accessible

Use agreed speech, gestures, pictures or established communication devices, with time to respond and participate.

Respect sensory preferences

Consider lighting, noise, movement and personal space. Quiet breaks and adjustments are guided by the individual.

Learn through everyday life

For children, individualized programming can include child-led play with 1:1 or 1:2 staffing, according to assessed needs. Older youth and adults practise meaningful everyday skills at their own pace.

Respond calmly to distress

Look for discomfort, overload, changes or unmet needs. Staff respond calmly, offer reassurance and follow agreed support and safety strategies, with space and time to settle.

Plan with the right people

Families, guardians, schools, authorized agencies and involved professionals contribute as appropriate and with consent. Progress is reviewed with the individual and their support network.

AUTISM SUPPORT · QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Your questions, answered.

Information for individuals, families and referring teams exploring autism and developmental support.

AUTISM & DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY REFERRALS

Start with the pathway that fits.

We welcome enquiries from individuals, families, caregivers and authorized referring agencies. Services are discussed for Edmonton and Leduc; the living arrangement, care plan, staffing and funding are confirmed individually.

Child & youth respite enquiry

Tell us the age range, broad autism or developmental support needs, whether the request is planned or urgent, and the preferred timeline. For emergency respite discussions, please call our team.

Begin a child & youth enquiry

Adult supported housing enquiry

Tell us about the person’s broad support needs, the proposed transition and the family-managed arrangement being explored. We review suitability, support responsibilities, availability and funding together.

Begin an adult enquiry

Please ask our team for a secure way to share detailed personal records. A website enquiry begins a discussion; placement and service arrangements are confirmed with the individual and authorized team before care starts.