Group-based ABA Services
Our Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)-based Groups provide evidence-informed learning opportunities that help autistic children, youth, adults, and their families build meaningful skills, confidence, and connections. Our groups focus on developing a wide range of everyday skill areas, including social skills, communication, emotional regulation, play, relationships, dating, employment, independent living, and more.
Each group below outlines the recommended age range, learning objectives, participant characteristics for whom the group is designed, and other key information to help families determine whether the group is a good fit.
Families are encouraged to explore the available offerings and register for the group(s) that best meet their needs. Led by experienced clinicians, our groups provide welcoming, supportive environments where participants can learn alongside peers, practice new skills, and build meaningful connections.
Registration now open for fall Groups!
Sign up by September 14, 2026 to secure your spot.
Enroll before August 10, 2026 to receive a 10% early bird discount.
Use coupon code: FALL2026 as you complete your registration.
Search by your child’s age:
Fall Groups by location:
Barrie
Children’s Friendship Training (ages 7-12)
Life Hacks: Fuel Up (ages 13-18)
Etobicoke
Hangout with Friends – Children (ages 7-12)
Hangout with Friends – Teens (ages 13-18)
Markham
Ready, Set, Play! (ages 2-5)
Explorer Club (ages 5-8)
Kids Klub (ages 7-12)
AIM Explorers 1 (ages 7-12)
Children’s Friendship Training (ages 7-12)
Hangout with Friends – Children (ages 7-12)
Bullyproofing Crew (ages 7-12)
AIM 1 (ages 13-18)
Life Hacks: Fuel Up (ages 13-18)
PEERS® Friendship (ages 13-18)
PEERS® Dating (ages 13-18)
Hangout with Friends – Teens (ages 13-18)
Circles® (ages 13-18)
Oak Ridges
Kids Klub (ages 7-12)
Fearless (ages 7-12)
Career Connections (ages 13-18)
Oshawa
Explorer Club (ages 5-8)
Bullyproofing Crew (ages 7-12)
PEERS® Dating (ages 13-18)
Virtual
AIM Explorers 1 (ages 7-12)
AIM 1 (ages 13-18)
Dungeons & Dragons (ages 7-12)
PEERS® Friendship (ages 13-18)
Career Connections (ages 13-18)
Ages 2-5
Ready, Set, Play!
4 weeks | 1 day/week | 1 hour
Ready Set Play is a caregiver-mediated early learning group designed for young children developing foundational communication and social engagement skills. This group focuses on building early play, joint attention, and functional communication through structured, play-based interactions. Sessions incorporate modeling, prompting, and real-time caregiver coaching to support skill development within everyday routines. Caregivers actively participate to learn and apply strategies in the moment. The goal is to strengthen shared engagement and early social communication.
Ratio: 1 clinician to 3 children
Learn More
Pre-Requisite Skills
Your child is a great fit if they:
- Have emerging early language and communication
- Are interested in exploring their environment and engaging with new toys and activities
Barriers
This program is not appropriate for children who:
- Engage in challenging behaviours (e.g., aggression, self-injury, property destruction) that cannot be easily redirected
Program Goals
Participants will learn:
- Exploring new toys, games, and activities
- Sharing
- Turn-taking
- Joint attention
- Parallel play
- Asking for toys and activities
Dates and Locations
Ages 5-8
Explorer Club
5 or 8 weeks | 1 day/week | 1.25 or 2 hours
Explorer Club is a structured, play-based social skills group for children developing early peer interaction skills. This group focuses on helping children join activities, share, take turns, follow group routines, and respond to peers. Sessions incorporate guided play, modeling, and supported practice within a small group setting. The goal is to support the transition from independent or parallel play to active participation with peers.
Ratio: 1 clinician to 3 children
Learn More
Pre-Requisite Skills
Your child is a great fit if they:
- Can speak single words, or two to three phrase sentences, but may need support with extended discussions or reciprocal conversations
- Can learn in a small group 3:1 ratio (3 children to 1 adult)
- Can follow simple instructions in a group with minimal support from adults
- Can sit with a group for a minimum of 5 minutes at a time
- Able to transition away from caregiver and participates in activities in the absence of caregiver
- Tolerate peers in close proximity
- Able to orient toward people’s faces when they are talking
- Can engage in parallel play (next to peers)
- Can imitate simple actions
- Can transition from one activity to another with minimal support from adults
Barriers
This program is not appropriate for children who:
- Engage in challenging behaviours (e.g., aggression, self-injury, property destruction) that cannot be easily redirected
- Require 1:1 support to participate in a group
- Require support with toileting or washroom routines
- Don’t want to be in a group
Program Goals
Participants will learn:
- Requesting to participate in an activity
- Turn-taking and waiting for a turn
- Sharing toys and items with peers
- Joining peers in play and activities
- Transitioning from one activity to another with the group
- Following routines
- Answering adult and peer questions
- Problem solving
- Asking for clarification or additional information
Dates and Locations
Ages 7-12
Kids Klub
8 weeks | 1 day/week | 1.25 hours
Kids Klub is a structured social skills group designed for children who are ready to build foundational social-communication and peer interaction skills. This group focuses on initiating interactions, maintaining conversations, cooperating with peers, and participating in group activities. Sessions incorporate games, role-play, and real-time feedback to support skill development. The goal is to build confidence and independence in navigating social situations.
Ratio: 1 clinician to 3 children
Learn More
Pre-Requisite Skills
Your child is a great fit if they:
- Can speak in full sentences, but may need support with extended discussions or reciprocal conversations
- Can learn in a small group 3:1 ratio (3 children to 1 clinician)
- Can follow simple instructions in a group with minimal support from adults
- Can sit with a group for a minimum of 10-15 minutes at a time
- Are motivated to interact with peers
- Are interested in attending the group
Barriers
This program is not appropriate for children who:
- Engage in challenging behaviours (e.g., elopement, screaming, crying, flopping, aggression, self-injury, property destruction) that cannot be easily redirected
- Require 1:1 support to participate in a group
- Require support with toileting or washroom routines
- Don’t want to be in a group
Program Goals
Participants will learn:
- Meeting and greeting other children
- Asking for help, making, and responding to requests from other children
- Following instructions from other children during play
- Taking turns during play or activities
- Initiating play or conversations with other children
Dates and Locations
Oak Ridges
October 5 – November 30, 2026
- No session October 12
- Mondays, 4:30 to 5:45 p.m.
- 8 weeks
- Cost: $1,350
AIM Explorers 1
8 weeks | 1 day/week | 1.25 hours
AIM Explorers 1 is a structured social-emotional learning group based on the AIM (Accept, Identify, Move) curriculum developed by Dr. Mark Dixon. This group focuses on helping children identify emotions, understand how thoughts influence behaviour, and begin developing coping strategies. Sessions incorporate structured lessons, storytelling, and guided practice. The goal is to build emotional awareness and support more flexible, adaptive responses in everyday situations through storytelling, games, and fun characters like Bidzill the Bear, Tulle the Turtle, and Ophelia the Octopus.
Ratio: 1 clinician to 3 children
Learn More
Pre-Requisite Skills
Your child is a great fit if they:
- Can speak in full sentences
- Can discuss events in the past or future
- Can participate in role play activities
- Can learn in a small group 3:1 ratio (3 children to 1 clinician)
- Can follow complex instructions in a group with minimal support from adults
- Can sit with a group for a minimum of 15-20 minutes at a time
- Are able to participate independently with worksheet activities
- Are motivated to interact with peers
- Are interested in attending the group
Barriers
This program is not appropriate for children who:
- Engage in challenging behaviours (e.g., elopement, screaming, crying, flopping, aggression, self-injury, property destruction) that cannot be easily redirected
- Require 1:1 support to participate in a group
- Require support with toileting or washroom routines
- Don’t want to be in a group
Program Goals
Participants will learn:
- Identifying feelings and thoughts that can affect behaviour at home, school, and relationships with others
- Practicing new ways of thinking that can help persevere through difficult situations children
- Balancing emotions
- Developing personal values
- Understanding and make better choices
Dates and Locations
Markham
October 5 – November 30, 2026
- No session October 12
- Mondays, 4:30 to 5:45 p.m.
- 8 weeks
- Cost: $1,350
Virtual
October 6 – November 24, 2026
- Tuesdays, 4:30 to 5:45 p.m.
- 8 weeks
- Cost: $950
AIM Explorers 2
8 weeks | 1 day/week | 1.25 hours
AIM Explorers 2 is an advanced social-emotional learning group building on foundational AIM skills, based on the AIM (Accept, Identify, Move) curriculum developed by Dr. Mark Dixon. This group focuses on strengthening emotional regulation, flexible thinking, and problem-solving across more complex situations. Sessions will incorporate structured instruction, role-play, and real-life application. The goal is to support greater independence in managing emotions and navigating challenges.
Ratio: 1 clinician to 3 children
Learn More
Pre-Requisite Skills
Your child is a great fit if they:
- Can speak in full sentences
- Can discuss events in the past or future
- Can participate in role play activities
- Can learn in a small group 3:1 ratio (3 children to 1 clinician)
- Can follow complex instructions in a group with minimal support from adults
- Can sit with a group for a minimum of 15-20 minutes at a time
- Are able to participate independently with worksheet activities
- Are motivated to interact with peers
- Are interested in attending the group
Barriers
This program is not appropriate for children who:
- Engage in challenging behaviours (e.g., elopement, screaming, crying, flopping, aggression, self-injury, property destruction) that cannot be easily redirected
- Require 1:1 support to participate in a group
- Require support with toileting or washroom routines
- Don’t want to be in a group
Program Goals
Participants will learn:
- Identifying feelings and thoughts that can affect behaviour at home, school, and relationships with others
- Practicing new ways of thinking that can help persevere through difficult situations children
- Balancing emotions
- Developing personal values
- Understanding and make better choices through hands on activities and practice
Dates and Locations
There are currently no sessions planned this season.
Exploring Feelings
8 weeks | 1 day/week | 1.25 hours
Exploring Feelings is a structured social-emotional group based on the work of Dr. Tony Attwood. This group focuses on helping children recognize and understand emotions such as anxiety, anger, and happiness, and identify the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviour. Sessions incorporate discussion, role-play, and structured tools such as thought records and visual supports. The goal is to build emotional insight and practical regulation strategies.
Ratio: 1 clinician to 3 children
Learn More
Pre-Requisite Skills
Your child is a great fit if they:
- Can speak in full sentences
- Can discuss events in the past or future
- Can participate in role play activities
- Can learn in a small group 3:1 ratio (3 children to 1 clinician)
- Can follow complex instructions in a group with minimal support from adults
- Can sit with a group for a minimum of 15-20 minutes at a time
- Are able to participate independently with worksheet activities
- Are motivated to interact with peers
- Are interested in attending the group
Barriers
This program is not appropriate for children who:
- Engage in challenging behaviours (e.g., elopement, screaming, crying, flopping, aggression, self-injury, property destruction) that cannot be easily redirected
- Require 1:1 support to participate in a group
- Require support with toileting or washroom routines
- Don’t want to be in a group
Program Goals
Participants will learn:
- Developing a better understanding of happiness, relaxation, anger, and anxiety, and identifying when feeling this way
- Demonstrating emotional regulation “tools” during discussions and role plays
- Creating a “Thought Record”
- Creating a “Feelings Story”
- Creating an “Emotional Toolbox”
- Identifying unhelpful thoughts and alternative helpful thoughts
Dates and Locations
There are currently no sessions planned for this season.
Children’s Friendship Training
8 weeks | 1 day/week | 1.25 hours
Children’s Friendship Training is an evidence-based social skills group developed at UCLA by Dr. Fred Frankel and Dr. Robert Myatt. This program combines child sessions with caregiver involvement to support the development of friendship skills. The group focuses on conversation skills, joining peers, handling conflict, and organizing play opportunities. The goal is to help children build and maintain meaningful friendships across settings.
Ratio: 1 clinician to 3 children
Learn More
Pre-Requisite Skills
Your child is a great fit if they:
- Can speak in full sentences
- Can discuss events in the past or future
- Can participate in role play activities
- Can learn in a small group 3:1 ratio (3 children to 1 clinician)
- Can follow complex instructions in a group with minimal support from adults
- Can sit with a group for a minimum of 15-20 minutes at a time
- Are able to participate independently with worksheet activities
- Are motivated to interact with peers
- Are interested in attending the group
Barriers
This program is not appropriate for children who:
- Engage in challenging behaviours (e.g., elopement, screaming, crying, flopping, aggression, self-injury, property destruction) that cannot be easily redirected
- Require 1:1 support to participate in a group
- Require support with toileting or washroom routines
- Don’t want to be in a group
Program Goals
Participants will learn:
- Making a good first impression
- Joining, maintaining, and exiting a conversation
- Finding common interests with other children
- Playing fairly and be gracious when winning or losing
- Resolving conflicts and handling teasing
- Joining other children at play
- Being a good host on a play date
Dates and Locations
Friendship Crew
8 weeks | 1 day/week | 1.25 hours
Friendship Crew is a structured social skills group focused on developing foundational friendship skills in naturalistic peer contexts. This group targets initiating conversations, maintaining interactions, demonstrating good sportsmanship, and navigating peer disagreements. Sessions incorporate role-play, games, and real-time coaching. The goal is to build confidence and competence in everyday peer interactions.
Ratio: 1 clinician to 3 children
Learn More
Pre-Requisite Skills
Your child is a great fit if they:
- Can speak in full sentences
- Can discuss events in the past or future
- Can participate in role play activities
- Can learn in a small group 3:1 ratio (3 children to 1 clinician)
- Can follow complex instructions in a group with minimal support from adults
- Can sit with a group for a minimum of 15-20 minutes at a time
- Are able to participate independently with worksheet activities
- Are motivated to interact with peers
- Are interested in attending the group
Barriers
This program is not appropriate for children who:
- Engage in challenging behaviours (e.g., elopement, screaming, crying, flopping, aggression, self-injury, property destruction) that cannot be easily redirected
- Require 1:1 support to participate in a group
- Require support with toileting or washroom routines
- Don’t want to be in a group
Program Goals
Participants will learn:
- Finding a source of friends
- Starting conversations with other children
- Ending conversations appropriately
- Showing good sportsmanship when losing
- Handling disagreements with peers in a group
Dates and Locations
There are currently no sessions planned for this season.
Friendship Crew: Level Up
8 weeks | 1 day/week | 1.25 hours
Friendship Crew Level Up is an advanced social skills group designed for children ready to navigate more complex peer interactions. This group focuses on sustaining conversations, perspective-taking, using humour effectively, managing conflict, and planning shared social activities. Sessions incorporate role-play, problem-solving, and peer collaboration. The goal is to strengthen deeper social understanding and relationship-building skills.
Ratio: 1 clinician to 3 children
Learn More
Pre-Requisite Skills
Your child is a great fit if they:
- Can speak in full sentences
- Can discuss events in the past or future
- Can participate in role play activities
- Can learn in a small group 3:1 ratio (3 children to 1 clinician)
- Can follow complex instructions in a group with minimal support from adults
- Can sit with a group for a minimum of 15-20 minutes at a time
- Are able to participate independently with worksheet activities
- Are motivated to interact with peers
- Are interested in attending the group
Barriers
This program is not appropriate for children who:
- Engage in challenging behaviours (e.g., elopement, screaming, crying, flopping, aggression, self-injury, property destruction) that cannot be easily redirected
- Require 1:1 support to participate in a group
- Require support with toileting or washroom routines
- Don’t want to be in a group
Program Goals
Participants will learn:
- Keeping conversations going with connected comments and thoughtful questions
- Using humour effectively to build stronger social connections
- Adapting to different social situations with perspective-taking
- Respectfully speaking up and managing peer conflict
- Planning hangouts and solving problems together
Dates and Locations
There are currently no sessions planned for this season.
Hangout with Friends – Children
8 weeks | 1 day/week | 1.25 hours
Hangout with Friends is a naturalistic social practice group where children apply previously learned social skills in a relaxed, interest-based setting. Sessions are guided by participant interests and include games, projects, and group activities. Clinicians provide in-the-moment coaching to support conversation, cooperation, and problem-solving. The goal is to promote generalization of social skills in real-world contexts.
Ratio: 1 clinician to 3 children
Learn More
Pre-Requisite Skills
Your child is a great fit if they:
- Can speak in full sentences
- Can discuss events in the past or future
- Can participate in role play activities
- Can learn in a small group 3:1 ratio (3 children to 1 clinician)
- Can follow complex instructions in a group with minimal support from adults
- Can sit with a group for a minimum of 15-20 minutes at a time
- Are able to participate independently with worksheet activities
- Are motivated to interact with peers
- Are interested in attending the group
Barriers
This program is not appropriate for children who:
- Engage in challenging behaviours (e.g., elopement, screaming, crying, flopping, aggression, self-injury, property destruction) that cannot be easily redirected
- Require 1:1 support to participate in a group
- Require support with toileting or washroom routines
- Don’t want to be in a group
Program Goals
Participants will learn:
- Identifying common interests
- Starting and ending conversations
- Maintaining reciprocal conversations
- Using humour appropriately
- Being a good sport
- Handling disagreements
- Making a compromise
- Solving problems as a group
- Making group decisions
Dates and Locations
Bullyproofing Crew
4 or 8 weeks | 1 day/week | 1.25 or 2 hours
Bullyproofing Crew is a structured social skills group designed to help children respond effectively to teasing, bullying, and challenging peer situations. This group focuses on building confidence, assertiveness, emotional regulation, and problem-solving skills. Sessions incorporate modeling, role-play, and guided feedback. The goal is to help children feel safer, more prepared, and more confident in social environments.
Ratio: 1 clinician to 3 children
Learn More
Pre-Requisite Skills
Your child is a great fit if they:
- Can speak in full sentences
- Can discuss events in the past or future
- Can participate in role play activities
- Can learn in a small group 3:1 ratio (3 children to 1 clinician)
- Can follow complex instructions in a group with minimal support from adults
- Can sit with a group for a minimum of 15-20 minutes at a time
- Are able to participate independently with worksheet activities
- Are motivated to interact with peers
- Are interested in attending the group
Barriers
This program is not appropriate for children who:
- Engage in challenging behaviours (e.g., elopement, screaming, crying, flopping, aggression, self-injury, property destruction) that cannot be easily redirected
- Require 1:1 support to participate in a group
- Require support with toileting or washroom routines
- Don’t want to be in a group
Program Goals
Participants will learn:
- Feeling good about who you are (confidence and self-care)
- Knowing what to do when someone makes fun of you
- Understanding body language
- Staying safe and kind online (internet safety)
- Dealing with gossip, jealousy and peer pressure
- Solving arguments and getting along when you disagree
- What do you when someone is hurting you physically
Dates and Locations
Fearless
5 weeks | 1 day/week | 1 hour
Fearless is a socially-focused group that uses creative, expressive, and interest-based activities to support peer interaction and confidence-building. This group focuses on conversation skills, shared engagement, and positive peer experiences through themed activities like spa nights, hair styling, cupcake decorating, dancing, art nights, or bracelet making. Sessions incorporate structured facilitation within a fun, low-pressure environment. The goal is to build self-esteem and social connection through shared interests.
Ratio: 1 clinician to 3 children
Learn More
Pre-Requisite Skills
Your child is a great fit if they:
- Can speak in full sentences
- Can discuss events in the past or future
- Can participate in role play activities
- Can learn in a small group 3:1 ratio (3 children to 1 clinician)
- Can follow complex instructions in a group with minimal support from adults
- Can sit with a group for a minimum of 15-20 minutes at a time
- Are able to participate independently with worksheet activities
- Are motivated to interact with peers
- Are interested in attending the group
Barriers
This program is not appropriate for children who:
- Engage in challenging behaviours (e.g., elopement, screaming, crying, flopping, aggression, self-injury, property destruction) that cannot be easily redirected
- Require 1:1 support to participate in a group
- Require support with toileting or washroom routines
- Don’t want to be in a group
Program Goals
Participants will learn:
- Identifying common interests
- Starting and ending conversations
- Maintaining reciprocal conversations
- Using humour appropriately
- Being a good sport
- Handling disagreements
- Other skills as opportunities arise
Dates and Locations
Ages 13-18 (+)
AIM 1
8 weeks | 1 day/week | 1.25 hours
AIM 1 is a supportive, structured group that helps teens stay in control during stressful moments, and make choices that reflect who they want to be. Based on the AIM (Accept, Identify, Move) approach developed by Dr. Mark Dixon and Dr. Dana Paliliunas, this group teaches practical skills for managing big feelings, handling challenges, and making decisions that align with what matters most to them. Through discussion, hands-on activities, and real-life practice, teens build confidence, flexibility, and stronger coping skills for everyday life.
Ratio: 1 clinician to 3 participants
Learn More
Pre-Requisite Skills
Participants are a great fit if they:
- Can speak in full sentences using complex language
- Can discuss events in the past or future
- Can discuss abstract concepts like feelings, emotions, and values
- Can participate in role play activities
- Can learn in a small group 3:1 ratio (3 participants to 1 clinician)
- Can follow complex instructions in a group with minimal support from adults
- Can sit with a group for a minimum of 20-30 minutes at a time
- Are able to participate independently with worksheet activities
- Are motivated to interact with peers
- Are interested in attending the group
Barriers
This program is not appropriate for participants who:
- Engage in challenging behaviours (e.g., elopement, screaming, crying, flopping, aggression, self-injury, property destruction) that cannot be easily redirected
- Require 1:1 support to participate in a group
- Require support with toileting or washroom routines
- Don’t want to be in a group
Program Goals
Participants will learn:
- Identifying feelings and thoughts that can affect behaviour at home, school, and relationships with others
- Practicing new ways of thinking that can help children persevere through difficult situations
- Balancing emotions
- Developing personal values
- Understanding and make better choices
Dates and Locations
Markham
October 5 – November 30, 2026
- No session October 12
- Mondays, 6 to 7:15 p.m.
- 8 weeks
- Cost: $1,350
Virtual
October 6 – November 24, 2026
- Tuesdays, 4:30 to 5:45 p.m.
- 8 weeks
- Cost: $950
AIM 2
8 weeks | 1 day/week | 1.25 hours
AIM 2 is a supportive, structured social-emotional group based on the AIM (Accept, Identify, Move) approach developed by Dr. Mark Dixon and Dr. Dana Paliliunas. This group helps teens better understand their thoughts and emotions, stay regulated during stressful moments, and make choices that align with what matters most to them. Through discussion, reflection, hands-on activities, and real-life practice, participants build practical coping strategies, increase flexibility, and strengthen their ability to apply these skills more independently in everyday situations.
Ratio: 1 clinician to 3 participants
Learn More
Pre-Requisite Skills
Participants are a great fit if they:
- Can speak in full sentences using complex language
- Can discuss events in the past or future
- Can discuss abstract concepts like feelings, emotions, and values
- Can participate in role play activities
- Can learn in a small group 3:1 ratio (3 participants to 1 clinician)
- Can follow complex instructions in a group with minimal support from adults
- Can sit with a group for a minimum of 20-30 minutes at a time
- Are able to participate independently with worksheet activities
- Are motivated to interact with peers
- Are interested in attending the group
Barriers
This program is not appropriate for participants who:
- Engage in challenging behaviours (e.g., elopement, screaming, crying, flopping, aggression, self-injury, property destruction) that cannot be easily redirected
- Require 1:1 support to participate in a group
- Require support with toileting or washroom routines
- Don’t want to be in a group
Program Goals
Participants will learn:
- Identifying feelings and thoughts that can affect behaviour at home, school, and relationships with others
- Practicing new ways of thinking that can help children persevere through difficult situations
- Balancing emotions
- Developing personal values
- Understanding and make better choices
Dates and Locations
There are currently no sessions planned for this season.
AIM 3
8 weeks | 1 day/week | 1.25 hours
AIM 3 is a supportive, structured social-emotional group based on the AIM (Accept, Identify, Move) model developed by Dr. Mark Dixon and Dr. Dana Paliliunas. This group helps teens better understand and manage their thoughts and emotions, particularly during real-life challenges such as stress, peer interactions, or school demands. Through guided discussion, interactive activities, and real-world practice, participants build practical coping strategies, increase flexibility, and develop greater independence in making choices that reflect their values and goals.
Ratio: 1 clinician to 3 participants
Learn More
Pre-Requisite Skills
Participants are a great fit if they:
- Can speak in full sentences using complex language
- Can discuss events in the past or future
- Can discuss abstract concepts like feelings, emotions, and values
- Can participate in role play activities
- Can learn in a small group 3:1 ratio (3 participants to 1 clinician)
- Can follow complex instructions in a group with minimal support from adults
- Can sit with a group for a minimum of 20-30 minutes at a time
- Are able to participate independently with worksheet activities
- Are motivated to interact with peers
- Are interested in attending the group
Barriers
This program is not appropriate for participants who:
- Engage in challenging behaviours (e.g., elopement, screaming, crying, flopping, aggression, self-injury, property destruction) that cannot be easily redirected
- Require 1:1 support to participate in a group
- Require support with toileting or washroom routines
- Don’t want to be in a group
Program Goals
Participants will learn:
- Identifying feelings and thoughts that can affect behaviour at home, school, and relationships with others
- Practicing new ways of thinking that can help children persevere through difficult situations
- Balancing emotions
- Developing personal values
- Understanding and make better choices
Dates and Locations
There are currently no sessions planned for this season.
Dungeons & Dragons
5 weeks | 1 day/week | 1.5 hours
Dungeons & Dragons is a clinician-guided, role-playing group that uses collaborative storytelling to develop social communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Participants engage in shared adventures that require cooperation, perspective-taking, and flexible thinking. The goal is to build social confidence and real-world interpersonal skills through structured, engaging gameplay.
Ratio: 1 clinician to 3 participants
Learn More
Pre-Requisite Skills
Participants are a great fit if they:
- Can speak in full sentences using complex language
- Can discuss events in the past or future
- Can discuss abstract concepts like feelings, emotions, and values
- Can participate in role play activities
- Can learn in a small group 3:1 ratio (3 participants to 1 clinician)
- Can follow complex instructions in a group with minimal support from adults
- Can sit with a group for a minimum of 20-30 minutes at a time
- Are able to participate independently with worksheet activities
- Are motivated to interact with peers
- Are interested in attending the group
- Familiarity with Dungeons & Dragons is not required
Barriers
This program is not appropriate for participants who:
- Engage in challenging behaviours (e.g., elopement, screaming, crying, flopping, aggression, self-injury, property destruction) that cannot be easily redirected
- Require 1:1 support to participate in a group
- Require support with toileting or washroom routines
- Don’t want to be in a group
Program Goals
Participants will learn:
- Actively and appropriately beginning social interactions with peers or facilitators
- Recognizing a challenge, considering possible solutions, and takeing appropriate action, either independently or collaboratively
- Working cooperatively with others toward a shared goal, which includes sharing ideas, taking turns, compromising, being flexible, and handling social or emotional challenges (such as disappointment) in constructive ways
Dates and Locations
Virtual
November 4 – December 2, 2026
- Wednesdays, 4:30 to 6 p.m.
- 5 weeks
- Cost: $950
Life Hacks: Fuel Up
8 weeks | 1 day/week | 1.25 hours
Life Hacks: Fuel Up is a practical life skills group focused on building independence in daily living. This group targets skills such as meal planning, budgeting, grocery shopping, and making healthy choices. Sessions incorporate hands-on learning, real-life scenarios (including an in-person or virtual grocery trip), and guided practice. The goal is to support independence and confidence in managing everyday routines.
Ratio: 1 clinician to 3 participants
Learn More
Pre-Requisite Skills
Participants are a great fit if they:
- Can speak in full sentences using complex language
- Can discuss events in the past or future
- Can discuss abstract concepts like feelings, emotions, and values
- Can participate in role play activities
- Can learn in a small group 3:1 ratio (3 participants to 1 clinician)
- Can follow complex instructions in a group with minimal support from adults
- Can sit with a group for a minimum of 20-30 minutes at a time
- Are able to participate independently with worksheet activities
- Are motivated to interact with peers
- Are interested in attending the group
Barriers
This program is not appropriate for participants who:
- Engage in challenging behaviours (e.g., elopement, screaming, crying, flopping, aggression, self-injury, property destruction) that cannot be easily redirected
- Require 1:1 support to participate in a group
- Require support with toileting or washroom routines
- Don’t want to be in a group
Program Goals
Participants will learn:
- Identifying personal health-related values and goals
- Recognizing healthy food choices, balanced meals, and appropriate portion sizes
- Understanding and interpreting food labels
- Developing budgeting and money management skills
- Planning simple meals and creating grocery lists
- Navigating grocery stores and comparing prices
- Practicing appropriate shopping etiquette and problem-solving skills
- Demonstrating safe food preparation and basic cooking skills
Dates and Locations
PEERS® Friendship
8 weeks | 1 day/week | 1.25 hours
PEERS® Friendship is an evidence-based social skills group based on the internationally regognized PEERS® curriculum develoed at UCLA by Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson. This program supports teens and young adults in developing skills for making and maintaining friendships. Sessions focus on conversation skills, social problem-solving, and organizing peer interactions, with caregiver involvement to support generalization. The goal is to build meaningful and lasting peer relationships.
Ratio: 1 clinician to 3 participants
Learn More
Pre-Requisite Skills
Participants are a great fit if they:
- Can speak in full sentences using complex language
- Can discuss events in the past or future
- Can discuss abstract concepts like feelings, emotions, and values
- Can participate in role play activities
- Can learn in a small group 3:1 ratio (3 participants to 1 clinician)
- Can follow complex instructions in a group with minimal support from adults
- Can sit with a group for a minimum of 20-30 minutes at a time
- Are able to participate independently with worksheet activities
- Are motivated to interact with peers
- Are interested in attending the group
Barriers
This program is not appropriate for participants who:
- Engage in challenging behaviours (e.g., elopement, screaming, crying, flopping, aggression, self-injury, property destruction) that cannot be easily redirected
- Require 1:1 support to participate in a group
- Require support with toileting or washroom routines
- Don’t want to be in a group
Program Goals
Participants will learn:
- Starting and entering conversations
- Exiting conversations
- Maintaining reciprocal conversations
- Good sportsmanship
- Organizing get-togethers
- Handling disagreements
Dates and Locations
Virtual
October 8 – November 26, 2026
- Tuesdays, 4:30 to 5:45 p.m.
- 8 weeks
- Cost: $950
PEERS® Bully Proofing
8 weeks | 1 day/week | 1.25 hours
PEERS® Bully Proofing is an evidence-based social skills group based on the internationally regognized PEERS® curriculum develoed at UCLA by Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson. This group that teaches teens how to effectively respond to teasing, bullying, and social conflict with a special focus on strategies for handling feedback, managing reputation, and navigating challenging peer situations. The goal is to build confidence, resilience, and social competence.
Ratio: 1 clinician to 3 participants
Learn More
Pre-Requisite Skills
Participants are a great fit if they:
- Can speak in full sentences using complex language
- Can discuss events in the past or future
- Can discuss abstract concepts like feelings, emotions, and values
- Can participate in role play activities
- Can learn in a small group 3:1 ratio (3 participants to 1 clinician)
- Can follow complex instructions in a group with minimal support from adults
- Can sit with a group for a minimum of 20-30 minutes at a time
- Are able to participate independently with worksheet activities
- Are motivated to interact with peers
- Are interested in attending the group
Barriers
This program is not appropriate for participants who:
- Engage in challenging behaviours (e.g., elopement, screaming, crying, flopping, aggression, self-injury, property destruction) that cannot be easily redirected
- Require 1:1 support to participate in a group
- Require support with toileting or washroom routines
- Don’t want to be in a group
Program Goals
Participants will learn:
- Handling teasing
- Responding to embarrassing feedback
- Minimizing cyberbullying
- Managing rumors and gossip
- Handling physical bullying
- Handling disagreements
- Changing a reputation
Dates and Locations
There are currently no sessions planned for this season.
Hangout with Friends – Teens
8 weeks | 1 day/week | 1.25 hours
Hangout with Friends (Teens) is a naturalistic social practice group where teens apply learned social skills in a relaxed, peer-based environment. Sessions include shared activities, discussions, and cooperative tasks with clinician support. The goal is to strengthen social confidence and generalize skills across real-life interactions.
Ratio: 1 clinician to 3 participants
Learn More
Pre-Requisite Skills
Participants are a great fit if they:
- Can speak in full sentences using complex language
- Can discuss events in the past or future
- Can discuss abstract concepts like feelings, emotions, and values
- Can participate in role play activities
- Can learn in a small group 3:1 ratio (3 participants to 1 clinician)
- Can follow complex instructions in a group with minimal support from adults
- Can sit with a group for a minimum of 20-30 minutes at a time
- Are able to participate independently with worksheet activities
- Are motivated to interact with peers
- Are interested in attending the group
Barriers
This program is not appropriate for participants who:
- Engage in challenging behaviours (e.g., elopement, screaming, crying, flopping, aggression, self-injury, property destruction) that cannot be easily redirected
- Require 1:1 support to participate in a group
- Require support with toileting or washroom routines
- Don’t want to be in a group
Program Goals
Participants will learn:
- Identifying common interests
- Starting and ending conversations
- Maintaining reciprocal conversations
- Using humour appropriately
- Being a good sport
- Handling disagreements
- Making a compromise
- Solving problems as a group
- Making group decisions
Dates and Locations
PEERS® Dating
8 weeks | 1 day/week | 1.25 hours | Can be offered to adults 18+
PEERS® Dating is an evidence-based program based on the internationally regognized PEERS® curriculum develoed at UCLA by Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson. This group is designed to support teens and young adults in developing skills for healthy and respectful romantic relationships with a special focus on dating etiquette, communication, handling rejection, and navigating relationship dynamics. The goal is to build confidence and competence in dating and relationships.
Ratio: 1 clinician to 3 participants
Learn More
Pre-Requisite Skills
Participants are a great fit if they:
- Can speak in full sentences using complex language
- Can discuss events in the past or future
- Can discuss abstract concepts like feelings, emotions, and values
- Can participate in role play activities
- Can learn in a small group 3:1 ratio (3 participants to 1 clinician)
- Can follow complex instructions in a group with minimal support from adults
- Can sit with a group for a minimum of 20-30 minutes at a time
- Are able to participate independently with worksheet activities
- Are motivated to interact with peers
- Are interested in attending the group
Barriers
This program is not appropriate for participants who:
- Engage in challenging behaviours (e.g., elopement, screaming, crying, flopping, aggression, self-injury, property destruction) that cannot be easily redirected
- Require 1:1 support to participate in a group
- Require support with toileting or washroom routines
- Don’t want to be in a group
Program Goals
Participants will learn:
- Showing interest in potential parterns appropriately
- Identifying compatible and healthy dating partners
- Planning and participating in dates
- Using conversation and active listening skills on a date
- Handling rejection
- Dating do’s and don’ts
- Turning someone down respectfully
- Handling pressure from partners
- Understanding boundaries, consent, and staying safe while dating
Dates and Locations
Career Connections
5 or 8 weeks | 1 day/week | 1.25 or 2 hours | Can be offered to adults 18+
Career Connections is a job-readiness group designed to support teens preparing for employment or volunteer opportunities. This group focuses on job search skills, résumé development, interview preparation, workplace communication, and understanding workplace expectations. The goal is to build confidence and practical skills for successful entry into the workforce.
Ratio: 1 clinician to 3 participants
Learn More
Pre-Requisite Skills
Participants are a great fit if they:
- Can speak in full sentences using complex language
- Can discuss events in the past or future
- Can discuss abstract concepts like feelings, emotions, and values
- Can participate in role play activities
- Can learn in a small group 3:1 ratio (3 participants to 1 clinician)
- Can follow complex instructions in a group with minimal support from adults
- Can sit with a group for a minimum of 20-30 minutes at a time
- Are able to participate independently with worksheet activities
- Are motivated to interact with peers
- Are interested in attending the group
Barriers
This program is not appropriate for participants who:
- Engage in challenging behaviours (e.g., elopement, screaming, crying, flopping, aggression, self-injury, property destruction) that cannot be easily redirected
- Require 1:1 support to participate in a group
- Require support with toileting or washroom routines
- Don’t want to be in a group
Program Goals
Participants will learn:
- Searching for a job that matches your interests, strengths, and skills
- Writing a resumé
- Interviewing for a job
- Advocating for yourself in a job
- Understanding unwritten social “rules” of the workplace
Dates and Locations
Virtual
October 10 – November 7, 2026
- Saturdays, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
- 5 weeks
- Cost: $950
Circles®
8 weeks | 1 day/week | 1.25 hours
Circles® is a structured social understanding group based on the evidence-informed Circles® curriculum, which teaches individuals how to recognize and navigate different types of relationships using a clear, visual framework. This group focuses on understanding levels of familiarity (e.g., self, family, friends, acquaintances, strangers), personal boundaries, expected behaviours, and social safety across contexts. Sessions incorporate visual supports, discussion, role-play, and real-life application to help participants learn how to adjust their behaviour based on who they are interacting with. The goal is to support safe, respectful, and socially appropriate interactions across home, school, community, and online environments.
Ratio: 1 clinician to 3 participants
Learn More
Pre-Requisite Skills
Participants are a great fit if they:
- Can speak in full sentences using complex language
- Can discuss events in the past or future
- Can discuss abstract concepts like feelings, emotions, and values
- Can participate in role play activities
- Can learn in a small group 3:1 ratio (3 participants to 1 clinician)
- Can follow complex instructions in a group with minimal support from adults
- Can sit with a group for a minimum of 20-30 minutes at a time
- Are able to participate independently with worksheet activities
- Are motivated to interact with peers
- Are interested in attending the group
Barriers
This program is not appropriate for participants who:
- Engage in challenging behaviours (e.g., elopement, screaming, crying, flopping, aggression, self-injury, property destruction) that cannot be easily redirected
- Require 1:1 support to participate in a group
- Require support with toileting or washroom routines
- Don’t want to be in a group
Program Goals
Participants will learn:
- Identifying different types of relationships (e.g., self, family, friends, acquaintances, strangers)
- Understanding personal boundaries across relationship types
- Adjusting behaviour and communication based on the person and setting
- Recognizing safe and unsafe situations
- Responding appropriately to unfamiliar people
- Staying safe in community and online environments
- Respecting personal space, privacy, and consent