Our CanCHECK-T1D team has put together these resources to help you along your screening journey. This screening program is part of a research study, and taking part is completely voluntary. There are two pathways in the program:
- 1
Genetic Risk Score (GRS)
- 2
Autoantibody Testing (AB)
On this page, you will find helpful information for your pathway, including what your results mean and what happens next. If you have any questions, we are here to help.
On this page
Genetic Risk Score (GRS) Pathway
For babies up to 6 months old when they started participating in CanCHECK-T1D
Deciding to Take Part in the GRS Pathway
- Participation Decision Aid: This online tool walks you through what type 1 diabetes is, how screening works, and what it could mean for your child. It is designed to help you and your family decide if joining the program feels right for you.
- GRS Pathway Journey Map: A simple visual overview of the main steps in the program, so you can see what to expect at a glance.
Getting Your GRS Results
- Increased Risk Result Report: This is a sample report showing what you would receive if your child’s Genetic Risk Score shows that they are at an increased risk.
- Lower Risk Result Report: This is a sample report showing what you would receive if your child’s Genetic Risk Score shows that they are not at an increased risk.
Understanding What Your GRS Results Mean
- Webinar Presentation: Parents with babies at increased genetic risk will be invited to join a session with a genetic counsellor. This presentation walks you through what the genetic risk score means, explains autoantibody testing, and gives an overview of type 1 diabetes. It is there to help you better understand your child’s results and what they might mean and gives you a chance to connect with the genetic counsellor who can answer your questions.
Deciding to Continue with Autoantibody Testing
- Pre-autoantibody Leaflet (GRS Pathway): A handout that explains what autoantibody testing is and what to expect. This resource is for families in the Genetic Risk Score pathway who are preparing for this next step.
- Autoantibody Testing Decision Aid: This online tool explains what autoantibody testing is and what it could mean for your child after an increased genetic risk result. It is designed to help you and your family understand this next step.
Please note: If you move forward with autoantibody testing, you will remain in the Genetic Risk Score (GRS) pathway since that is where you started. This helps our team make sure you continue to receive the support you need at each step.
Understanding Your Autoantibody Results
- Zero Autoantibody Result Report: A sample of the results parents receive when zero autoantibodies are found, including what this means and next steps.
- Post-autoantibody Testing Leaflet: A simple guide to understanding results (0, 1, or 2+ autoantibodies), what they might mean for your child’s risk, and symptoms of type 1 diabetes to watch for.
Deciding About Follow-Up Monitoring for Type 1 Diabetes
- Monitoring Decision Aid: This online tool explains how monitoring works for children with 2 or more autoantibodies and the support available through the program. It helps you decide if ongoing monitoring feels right for your family.
Autoantibody Testing (AB) Pathway
For children between the ages of 18 months up to 11 years 9 months when they started participating in CanCHECK-T1D
Deciding to Take Part in the AB Pathway
- Participation Decision Aid: This easy-to-use online tool walks you through what type 1 diabetes is, how screening works, and what it could mean for your child. It’s designed to help you and your family decide if joining the program feels right for you.
- AB Pathway Journey Map: A simple visual overview of the main steps in the program, so you can see what to expect at a glance.
- Pre-autoantibody Leaflet (AB Pathway): A handout that explains what autoantibody testing is and what to expect.
Doing the Finger Poke on Your Child At Home
- Instruction Sheet: Written step-by-step instructions, with images, to guide you in collecting a dried blood spot sample at home.
- Instruction Video: A video demonstration showing how to perform the finger poke at home, featuring both an adult and a child.
Deciding About Follow-Up Monitoring for Type 1 Diabetes
- Monitoring Decision Aid: This online tool explains how monitoring works for children with 2 or more autoantibodies and the support available through the program. It helps you decide if ongoing monitoring feels right for your family.
Do You Still Have Questions?
You can call us for free at +1‑xxx‑xxx‑xxxx to speak with a member of our team between Monday to Friday, from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. ET. You can also email us at cancheckt1d@cheo.on.ca.
If you are not comfortable speaking or reading in English, we offer interpretation services in many languages. Please contact us and we will be happy to speak with you or help you complete any of our materials.
