Call (905) 265-0050 info@crystalladder.com
Text size
Home › Your first visit

Your first visit

A social story you can read with your child before you come, so that nothing about the day is a surprise.

How to use this

This is the same kind of social story our therapists write. Reading it with your child several times before the visit gives them a clear picture of what will happen, which for many children removes most of the worry.

  • Fill in the names and the date below. They will appear in the story.
  • Read it together, out loud, a few days before and again on the morning.
  • Print it and bring it with you if that helps. Some children like to hold it.
  • If your child uses pictures rather than words, switch to Fewer words below.

Make it about your child

Show
Step 1

On the day we choose, I will go to the Crystal Ladder.

Good to know: The Crystal Ladder is a place where children go to learn and play with grown-ups who help them.
Step 2

We will travel there together. A grown-up I know will come with me.

Good to know: You will not be dropped off on your own. Your grown-up stays with you.
Step 3

We will arrive at the centre. It is a building with a door we walk through.

Good to know: The door may be heavy. Your grown-up can open it for you.
Step 4

Somebody will say hello to me. I can say hello back, or I can wave, or I can stay quiet.

Good to know: You do not have to talk if you do not want to. That is completely okay here.
Step 5

Sometimes I will wait for a short time. There are chairs to sit on and things to hold.

Good to know: Waiting can feel long. You can bring something from home to hold while you wait.
Step 6

I will meet the person who will work with me. We will go into a room together.

Good to know: The room has a table, chairs, and toys. Your grown-up can come in with you.
Step 7

We will play and do some activities. It will last about one hour.

Good to know: You will be told when there are five minutes left, so the ending is not a surprise.
Step 8

If it gets too loud or too busy, I can ask for a break. Somebody will help me find a quiet place.

Good to know: Asking for a break is always allowed. Nobody will be cross about it.
Step 9

When we are finished, I will go home. I can come back another day.

Good to know: The first visit is just to meet everybody and look around. Nothing difficult happens on the first day.

What the centre is like

Written for parents, and for anyone who wants to know about the space before they arrive.

SoundOther children are usually here, so there is talking, playing and sometimes crying. Ear defenders are welcome and we have some to lend.
LightOverhead lighting in the main rooms, with natural light from the windows. Tell us if your child needs the lights dimmed.
SpaceThere is a waiting area, therapy rooms, a music room and an outdoor sensory playground. You can look around before anything starts.
QuietA quiet space is always available. Your child can use it at any point, without asking a specific person or explaining why.
SmellCleaning products are used between sessions. Tell us in advance if your child is sensitive to particular smells.
TouchNobody will touch your child without telling them first. If your child does not like being touched, say so and we will work another way.

If there is anything else you would like to know before you come, call us on (905) 265-0050. No question is too small.