Newly Arrived in Canada: How to Navigate Services
Step-by-step support for accessing health, education, and community services as a newcomer family.
Newly Arrived in Canada — How to Navigate Services
A Guide for Immigrant Families (With a Focus on Autism & Child Development)
Arriving in a new country is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming, especially when navigating new systems in a different language while advocating for your child’s developmental, emotional, or educational needs.
This guide was created to help HISEN families understand the essential supports available in Canada and Alberta, and how to access them with confidence.
Health Services
Understanding the Canadian health system is the most important first step—especially if your child needs developmental, psychological, or autism-related supports.
Register for Your Provincial Health Card (AHCIP)
You need this card to access:
- doctors
- pediatricians
- specialists
- developmental clinics
- emergency care
- autism assessment services
Apply as soon as possible after arriving.
Accessing Medical Care
If you don’t have a family doctor yet:
- Visit a walk-in clinic
- Call Health Link 811 (language interpretation available)
- Ask clinics if they accept new patients
Pediatric & Developmental Assessments
Most specialists require a referral. You can request:
- Pediatricians (for ages 0–18)
- Child/Adolescent Psychiatrists
- Speech-Language Pathologists
- Occupational Therapists
- Developmental Pediatricians
- Autism assessment teams
For Developmental Concerns (Autism, ADHD, etc.) HISEN Actionable Guidance
- Ask clearly for referrals Example: “I am concerned about autism/ADHD/learning differences. I need a referral for a Pediatrician or developmental specialist.”
- Bring documentation from your home country Even if it’s not in English, translated reports help speed up assessments.
- Explore Alberta Health Services (AHS) Programs These include developmental clinics, autism evaluations, and therapy supports.
- Be persistent If wait times are long, ask the clinic to: add your child to the cancellation list, notify you of earlier openings
Education System (The Teenage Years)
In Alberta, schools must support each student according to their learning, cultural, and developmental needs.
Your Child Has the Right To
- Free public schooling until age 20 (or 21 in some cases)
- English Language Learning (ELL) supports
- Special education services
- Accommodations for disabilities, learning differences, or developmental challenges
Supports Schools Can Provide
- IEPs/ISPs (Individualized Education Plans / Supports)
- Modified or adapted assignments
- Extended time and quiet testing spaces
- Assistive technology (laptops, software, communication supports)
- Breaks for emotional or sensory regulation
- Culturally appropriate support
For Teens with Autism
- The school should address: Executive functioning (organization, planning, completing tasks), Social-emotional regulation, Anxiety triggers (crowded hallways, noise, transitions), Sensory needs (quiet spaces, flexible seating, headphones)
HISEN Recommendations
- Request a “Go-To Adult” A teacher or EA your teen can check in with daily.
- Ask for interpretation for all formal meetings Schools must provide it when needed.
- Attend all IEP meetings Your voice matters in deciding your child’s goals and supports.
Child & Family Development Supports
These supports exist outside of school and are crucial for families raising children with developmental differences.
Key Programs in Alberta
- FSCD (Family Support for Children with Disabilities) Most important program for families with autistic or developmentally delayed children. It can fund: respite care, behavioral/therapy supports, specialized services, parent coaching, some private assessments
- PUF (Program Unit Funding) For ages 2.5–6 (not applicable for teens, but useful for younger siblings).
- Family Resource Networks (FRNs) Offer culturally informed programs, parent workshops, home visits, and referrals. Many have Spanish-speaking staff.
Autism Evaluations Can be accessed through
- AHS
- private clinics (FSCD may cover a portion if needed)
Community Settlement Supports
Newcomers do not need to navigate Canada alone. Many organizations help with settlement, culture, and connection.
Helpful Organizations in Alberta
- Multicultural Health Brokers (MCHB) Support families through health, culture, and system navigation.
- Settlement Agencies Help with housing, jobs, ESL classes, government forms, and sometimes FSCD applications.
- Parent Support Groups Connect with families who share similar journeys.
- Community Resource Centers Provide programs, early learning activities, and family events.
Why Community Support Matters
These organizations help families:
- reduce isolation
- understand Canadian systems
- access culturally safe supports
- build confidence
Tips for New Families
Stay Organized
- Keep school reports, medical documents, and ID in one folder
- Save digital copies
- Note dates of referrals and meetings
Use Interpretation
- You have the right to understand everything related to your child. Ask for interpretation at:
- hospitals
- schools
- government agencies
- therapy centers
Prepare for Appointments
- Write questions beforehand
- Bring reports or examples of concerns
- Request written summaries
Advocate Calmly but Clearly
- You are your child’s voice. Persistence—not aggression—is the most effective strategy in Canada.
Explore Your Community
- Local centers often offer:
- free playgroups
- youth activities
- newcomer workshops
- mental health support
Final Reminder
Canada has many supports for families—especially those navigating autism, trauma, developmental needs, and school transitions. You do not need to figure everything out alone.
HISEN is here to guide you step by step with culturally respectful, Spanish-language, immigrant-centered support. We walk with you, advocate with you, and help your family build a strong foundation in Alberta.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional, medical, or legal advice.