Group-based ABA Services
Registration for Reading Week groups are open until January 21, 2024!
March Break and Spring groups are open for registration until February 18, 2024! Applications submitted after this date will be considered for our Summer programs.
Kinark Autism Services offers group programs for children and teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. These groups support skill development in areas such as social skills, play skills, emotional regulation, communication, and more!
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
Participants for our groups are matched based on their age, skills, and goals to make the group as fun and successful as possible for everyone.
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:
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:

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
Cost: This group is a FREE Foundational Family Services for eligible families registered in the Ontario Autism Program. Additional times, schedules and locations may be available. Please complete the interest form and specify your preferences.

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
Fill out an interest form for our groups today!

Children’s Friendship Training
Recommended ages: 7 to 12
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
Parent participation is a vital component of Children’s Friendship Training and allows for the concepts and strategies learned in the group to be implemented in the community. When offered, parent sessions will run every other week at the same time as the child sessions.
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
Complete an interest form for this group today!

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
Barrie
10 Murray Street,
Barrie, ON, L4N 2X2
- April 10 – June 12, 2024
- Wednesdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
- 10 sessions x 1 hour each
- Cost: $750
Complete an interest form for this group today!

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).
In this group, participants will learn to:
- identify the feelings and thoughts that can affect their behaviour at home, school, and in their relationships with others
- learn new ways of thinking that can help them persevere through difficult situations
- important tools to help them balance their own emotions, develop their personal values, and make better choices
AIM 3 – Ages 7 – 12
Richmond Hill
12960 Yonge Street, Unit 10 & 11,
Richmond Hill, ON, L4E 1A8
- April 10 – June 12, 2024
- Wednesdays, 4:30 to 5:30 pm
- 10 sessions x 1 hour each
- Cost: $750
Etobicoke
5399 Eglinton Ave West, Suite 101
Etobicoke ON M9C 5K6
- April 10 – June 12, 2024
- Wednesdays, 5:45 – 6:45 p.m.
- 10 sessions x 1 hour each
- 3 parent sessions x 1 hour each
- Cost: $750
AIM 3 – Ages 12 – 18
Virtual
Delivered via secure video conferencing
platform
- April 9 – June 11, 2024 (no class March break)
- Tuesdays, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
- 10 sessions x 1 hour each
- Cost: $600
Markham
7271 Warden Ave,
Markham ON L3R 5X5
- April 11 – June 13, 2024
- Thursdays, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m.
- 10 sessions x 1 hour each
- Cost: $750
Oshawa
1521 Simcoe Street North,
Oshawa, ON, L1G 4X8
- April 10 – June 12, 2024 (no class May 20)
- Wednesdays from 5:45 to 6:45 pm
- 10 sessions x 1 hour each
- Cost: $750
AIM is offered in a multi-part series. Each program session builds upon the skills developed in previous sessions. Participation in previous sessions is recommended but not required.
Complete an interest form for this group today!

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.
Participation of parents/social coaches is a vital component of PEERS® and allows for the concepts and strategies learned in the group to be implemented in the community. When offered, parent/social coach sessions will run every other week concurrently with the teen sessions.
In Part 1, teens will learn to:
- Use appropriate conversation skills
- Use electronic communication in a safe way
- Choose appropriate friends
- Use humour appropriately
- Start, join, and exit conversations
In Part 2, teens will learn to:
- Be a good host during get-togethers
- Be a good sport
- Handle arguments and disagreements
- Handle rejection, teasing, and bullying
- Change a bad reputation
- Handle rumors and gossip
Part 2 – Oshawa
1521 Simcoe Street North,
Oshawa, ON, L1G 4X8
- April 8 – May 27, 2024 (no class May 20)
- Mondays from 4:30 to 6 pm
- 7 sessions x 1.5 hours each
- 3 parent sessions x 1.5 hours each
- Cost: $925
PEERS® Dating
Virtual
Delivered via secure video conferencing
platform
- April 4 – June 6, 2024
- Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30pm
- 10 sessions x 1 hour each
- Cost: $600
Complete an interest form for a PEERS® group today!

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.
In this group, participants have opportunities to:
- Work collaboratively with others
- Practice problem-solving
- Engage in conversations
Virtual
Delivered via secure video conferencing platform
- April 2 – May 14, 2024
- Tuesdays from 4:30 to 6 pm
- 7 sessions x 1.5 hours each
Cost: This group is a FREE Foundational Family Services for eligible families registered in the Ontario Autism Program. Please complete the interest form and specify your preferences.

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
Fill out an interest form for our groups today!
MARCH BREAK PROGRAMS

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
Virtual
Delivered via secure video conferencing
platform
- March 11 – March 15, 2024
- Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- 5 sessions x 2 hours each
- Cost: $600
Interested in participating? Fill out an interest form for this group program today!

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
Interested in participating? Fill out an interest form for this group program today!

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
Virtual
Delivered via secure video conferencing
platform
- April 4 – May 2, 2024
- Tuesdays, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- 5 sessions x 2 hours each
- Cost: $600
Interested in participating? Fill out an interest form for this group program today!

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
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
Interested in participating? Fill out an interest form for this group program today!

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
Virtual
Delivered via secure video conferencing
platform
- March 11 – March 15, 2024
- Monday – Friday 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- 5 sessions x 2 hours each
- Cost: $600
Interested in participating? Fill out an interest form for this group program today!
GROUP PROGRAMS FOR INDIVIDUALS AGED 18+

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
PEERS® 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 dont’s
- Handling pressure from partners
WEEK ONE
- February 19 – February 23, 2024
- Monday to Friday
- 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- 5 sessions, 2 hours each
- Cost: $600
WEEK TWO
- February 26 – March 1, 2024
- Monday to Friday,
- 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- 5 sessions, 2 hours each
- Cost: $600
SPRING SESSION
- April 4 – June 6, 2024
- Thursdays, 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- 10 sessions x 1 hour each
- Cost: $600
PEERS® Friendship
In this program, the topics covered will 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
WEEK ONE
- February 19 – February 23, 2024
- Monday to Friday
- 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- 5 sessions, 2 hours each
- Cost: $600
WEEK TWO
- February 26 – March 1, 2024
- Monday to Friday,
- 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- 5 sessions, 2 hours each
- Cost: $600
SPRING SESSION
- April 4 – May 2, 2024
- Tuesdays, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- 5 sessions x 2 hours each
- Cost: $600
Interested in participating? Fill out an interest form for these groups today!