British Columbia
1 800 431 7206 (9am – 5pm )
Ontario
1 877 849 3637
Saskatchewan
1 888 333 0222
When booking please indicate:
We understand that having blood drawn can sometimes be a source of anxiety for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which can result in delayed diagnosis and treatment. This is why LifeLabs developed specific blood collection practices as part of our Serving Patients with Autism program to deliver a safe and positive experience that increases the likelihood of a successful procedure.
Serving Patients with Autism is specially designed to provide a caring and compassionate experience for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Canada’s first specific and comprehensive guidelines for specimen collection for patients with ASD, it focuses on delivering a safe and worry-free blood collection experience. Developed in consultation with our community partners at the Pacific Autism Family Network in B.C. and Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital in Ontario, hallmarks of this innovative program include:
These guidelines, combined with the effective training of staff, increases the likelihood of successful specimen collection and can reduce potential delays and extra costs to our healthcare system. Since the program started in 2017, we have been able to provide this service to over 1,000 patients.
The program is now available at all LifeLabs Patient Service Centres in British Columbia and Ontario and at select locations in Regina and Saskatoon. Please visit the Location Finder and click on ‘Serving Patients with Autism’ to search for a location near you.
We are also proud to have opened a Patient Service Center at the Pacific Autism Family Center Foundation (PAFCF) Hub site in Richmond, BC. This location has been designed with input from experts in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to best support a positive healthcare experience for patients with ASD. This location is open on Tuesdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm by appointment only.
Because the needs of every patient may vary, appointments are required. Once you determine the most convenient location, please call us to request an Autism Program Appointment and we’ll take care of the rest! Book an appointment.
British Columbia 1 800 431 7206 (9am – 5pm )
Ontario 1 877 849 3637
Saskatchewan 1 888 333 0222
When booking please indicate:
In advance of your visit, we suggest discussing what will happen during the appointment without focusing on the unpleasant or painful aspects of the procedure. We have prepared some visual supports to help you in these conversations and also encourage you to bring tools and toys to your visit.
Visually demonstrating what will happen during a lab visit can help clarify the procedure, establish predictability to reduce anxiety, decrease frustration and help the patient cope more effectively during the experience.
You can use the following printable storyboards to demonstrate what to expect during a visit to one of our Patient Service Centres. You can also request these resources when working with a member of our Client Services Team to tailor your experience.
Bringing distraction tools and toys can help comfort and entertain the patient during the procedure. We encourage you to bring the following items to your visit:
We are committed to making sure your visit to our Patient Service Centre is a positive experience. Please complete the questionnaire below and bring it to your visit to help us customize to your individual needs.
To make sure your visit with us is a positive experience, we have created a check list to help you plan your visit and ensure a successful collection.
In 2015 we launched a multiyear relationship with the Pacific Autism Foundation Network to help build a state-of-the-art facility committed to supporting patients and families with ASD while developing new best practices that would transform the patient experience for children with ASD. The LifeLabs Patient Service Centre at the Pacific Autism Family Center Foundation Hub is a dedicated space specifically designed to accommodate individuals with autism.
The combination of fully trained staff, soothing light options, the ability to play videos, and the use of many other calming tools and techniques make for a stress-free experience. The combination of fully trained staff, soothing light options, the ability to play videos, and the use of many other calming tools and techniques make for a stress-free experience.
As recommended by Public Health Agency of Canada, we're asking all customers who can to wear a non-medical mask or face covering as an added safety precaution while in our patient service centres.
Thank you for your cooperation!
