Group-based Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) Services

All our groups:   

• Are eligible for purchase through Ontario Autism Program (OAP) Core Clinical services funding, Interim One Time Funding (IOTF), and some private insurance providers  
• Provide engaging activities in a supportive environment, where participants can learn and practice skills   
• Include access to our online parent training library to support the practice of skills at home and in the community  
• Use evidence-based strategies based on Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)  
• Are supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)  
• Include a summary report of goals and progress during the group  

Learn more about our groups by scrolling down or clicking on the links below:

• Ready, Set, Play!
• Explorer Club
• Children’s Friendship Training
• Friendship Crew
• AIM (Accept – Identify – Move)
• PEERS® for Adolescents
• Dungeons & Dragons
• Career Connections

March Break Groups:

• Friendship Crew Boot Camp
• Bully Proofing Crew Boot Camp
• PEERS® Friendship Boot Camp
• PEERS® Bully Proofing Boot Camp
• PEERS® Dating Boot Camp

Reading Week Groups:

• PEERS® Dating – NEW!
• PEERS® Friendship – NEW!

Please complete the interest form to meet our team and find the best fit group for your child!

To learn more about What to Expect and for FAQs about Group services, click below.

MARCH BREAK 2024

Join is this March Break for a fun-filled week of group programming!

Available programs:

Friendship Crew Boot Camp
Bully Proofing Crew Boot Camp
PEERS® Friendship Boot Camp
PEERS® Bully Proofing Boot Camp
PEERS® Dating Boot Camp

READING WEEK 2024

Are you between the ages of 18 – 25 and looking to practice your dating and social skills this Winter?

Join us in a supportive environment where participants can learn and practice skills with like-minded individuals.

Available programs:

PEERS® Dating
PEERS® Friendship

Ready, Set, Play!

Recommended ages: 2 to 4

Learn how to help your child enhance their social and play skills through fun activities with Ready, Set, Play! 

This program offers parents/caregivers the opportunity to:

• Play with their child in an interactive, play-based, small group format 
• Receive coaching and learn specific strategies to support their child’s play
• Explore new toys and ways to play with their child
• Participate in fun and interactive group activities

Markham

7271 Warden Ave,
Markham ON L3R 5X5

• May 24 – June 14, 2024 
• Fridays, 10 to 11 a.m.
• 4 sessions x 1 hour each

Oshawa

1521 Simcoe Street North,
Oshawa, ON, L1G 4X8

• April 18 – May 9, 2024
• Thursdays, 10 to 11 a.m.
• 4 sessions x 1 hour each

Explorer Club 1, 2, 3 – NEW!

Recommended ages: 4 to 12

Explorer Club is offered in a multi-part series. Each program session builds upon the skills developed in previous sessions. Specific goals for the group will be determined based on the group participants’ skills and needs.

Goals targeted in Explorer Club 1, 2 and 3 include: 

• Join in play with others 
• Take turns, share responsibility, and problem-solve through play  
• Self advocate by asking to continue or saying “no” to an activity 
• Answer simple questions 
• Request help or additional information when needed 

Barrie

10 Murray Street,
Barrie, ON, L4N 2X2

• April 11 – June 13, 2024
• Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
• 10 sessions x 1 hour each
• Cost: $750

Oshawa

1521 Simcoe Street North,
Oshawa, ON, L1G 4X8

• April 10 – June 12, 2024
• Wednesdays, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
• 10 sessions x 1 hour each
• Cost: $750

Markham

7271 Warden Ave,
Markham ON L3R 5X5

• April 8 – June 17, 2024
• (no class May 20)
• Thursdays, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
• 10 sessions x 1 hour each
• Cost: $750

Help increase your child’s social and friendship skills with Children’s Friendship Training!

In this group, children will learn the skills needed to:

• Make a good first impression
• Converse with other children
• Find common interests with other children
• Play fairly and be gracious when winning or losing
• Resolve conflicts
• Join other children at play
• Be a good host on a playdate

Markham

7271 Warden Ave,
Markham ON L3R 5X5

• April 11 – June 13, 2024
• Thursdays, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
• 10 sessions x 1 hour each
• 3 parent sessions x 1 hour each
• Cost: $850

Etobicoke

5399 Eglinton Ave West, Suite 101
Etobicoke ON M9C 5K6

• April 10 – June 12, 2024
• Wednesdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
• 10 sessions x 1 hour each
• 3 parent sessions x 1 hour each
• Cost: $850

Friendship Crew – NEW!

Recommended ages: 7 to 12

Friendship Crew builds on skills learned in Children’s Friendship Training. Completion of Children’s Friendship Training is recommended but not required.

In this group, the topics covered will include:

• Starting and entering conversations
• Maintaining reciprocal conversations
• Choosing appropriate friends
• Good sportsmanship
• Handling disagreements

AIM (Accept – Identify – Move; 1, 2, 3)

Recommended ages: 7 to 18

Kinark’s AIM program is based on curriculum developed by Dr. Mark Dixon and Dr. Dana Paliliunas. AIM helps participants develop social-emotional skills by combining three evidence-based practices: Mindfulness Training, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). 

PEERS® for Adolescents

Recommended ages: 12 to 18

The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) for teens is internationally acclaimed and used in over 35 countries.  

PEERS® at Kinark is offered in a 2-part series. Based on evidence in literature, it is clinically recommended that teens attend both parts in this series. 

Dungeons & Dragons

Recommended ages: 12 to 18

Dungeons & Dragons is a role-playing game that uses storytelling to create an interactive and engaging environment where participants can practice problem solving and social skills.

Career Connections – NEW!

Recommended Ages: 12 to 18

Level up your job-hunting skills and be prepared for the workplace!

In this group, participants will learn:

• How to look for a job that matches their interests, strengths, and skills
• To write a resumé
• Job interview skills
• Social skills, self-advocacy skills and unwritten social “rules” of the workplace

Virtual

Delivered via secure video conferencing
platform

• April 2 – May 14, 2024
• Tuesdays, 4:30 to 6pm
• 7 sessions x 1.5 hours each
• Cost: $650

Markham

7271 Warden Ave,
Markham ON L3R 5X5

• April 2 – May 14, 2024
• (no class March break)
• Tuesdays, 4:30 to 6 p.m.
• 7 sessions x 1.5 hours each
• Cost: $750

Friendship Crew Boot Camp

Recommended ages: 7 to 12

Help increase your child’s social and friendship skills with the Friendship Crew!

In this group, the topics covered will include:

• Starting and entering conversations
• Maintaining reciprocal conversations
• Choosing appropriate friends
• Good sportsmanship
• Handling disagreements

Bully Proofing Crew Boot Camp

Recommended ages: 7 to 12

In this program, the topics covered include:

• Handling teasing
• Responding to embarrassing feedback
• Minimizing cyberbullying
• Managing rumours and gossip
• Handling physical bullying
• Handling disagreements
• Changing a reputation

Virtual

Delivered via secure video conferencing
platform

• March 11 – March 14, 2024
• Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• 4 sessions x 2 hours each
• Cost: $480

Richmond Hill

12960 Yonge Street, Unit 10 & 11,
Richmond Hill, ON, L4E 1A8

• April 10 – June 12, 2024 
• Wednesdays, 5:30 to 6:30 pm
• 10 sessions x 1 hour each
• Cost: $750

Oshawa 

1521 Simcoe Street North,
Oshawa, ON, L1G 4X8

• April 16 – June 4, 2024
• Tuesdays, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
• 8 sessions x 1 hour each
• Cost: $600

PEERS® Friendship Boot Camp

Recommended ages: 12 to 18

The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) is internationally acclaimed and used in over 35 countries.  

In this program, the topics covered include:

• Starting and entering conversations
• Maintaining reciprocal conversations
• Choosing appropriate friends
• Finding a source of friends
• Good sportsmanship
• Organizing get-togethers
• Handling disagreements
• Changing a reputation

PEERS® Bully Proofing Boot Camp

Recommended ages: 12 to 18

The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) is internationally acclaimed and used in over 35 countries.  

PEERS® Boot Camps teach skills in different areas, including Friendship, Bully Proofing, and Dating.

In this program, the topics covered will include:

• Handling teasing
• Responding to embarrassing feedback
• Minimizing cyberbullying
• Managing rumours and gossip
• Handling physical bullying
• Handling disagreements
• Changing a reputation

PEERS® Dating Boot Camp

Recommended ages: 12 to 18

The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) is internationally acclaimed and used in over 35 countries.  

PEERS® Boot Camps teach skills in different areas, including Friendship, Bully Proofing, and Dating.

In this program, the topics covered will include:

• Flirting with potential partners
• Letting someone know you like them
• Choosing appropriate people to date
• Asking someone on a date
• Handling rejection
• Turning someone down
• Planning and going on dates
• Dating do’s and don’ts
• Handling pressure from partners

PEERS® Dating and Friendship – Virtual

Recommended ages: 18 to 25

The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) is internationally acclaimed and used in over 35 countries.  

Our PEERS® Groups:   

• Are open to all individuals who may benefit from coaching in these areas  
• Provide a supportive environment where participants can learn and practice dating and social skills   
• Use evidence-based strategies  
• Are facilitated by a PEERS® certified instructor and supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)  
• Include helpful resources and a summary report for reference