Group-based Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) Services

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Group-based ABA Services

Spring groups are open for registration until February 16, 2025!

Groups at Kinark help support participants and their families in developing skills in play, social-emotional regulation, dating, careers, and more! Our group participants are matched based on their age, skills, and goals to make the group as fun and successful as possible for everyone.

Start by meeting our team and let us find the right group for you!

Our groups:

  • Are eligible for purchase through OAP Core Clinical services funding, Interim One-Time Funding, and some private insurance providers
  • Use evidence-based strategies of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) in a fun and supportive environment
  • Are supervised by a Registered Behaviour Analyst, R.B.A. (Ont.)
  • Include a manual or workbook and summary report to support the practice of skills at home and in the community

Spring Groups by Location:

Barrie: Explorer Club, Exploring Feelings, Hangout with Friends, PEERS® for Adolescents, Ready Set Play
Etobicoke: Bully Proofing Crew
Markham: AIM, Bully Proofing Crew, Hangout with Friends, PEERS® for Adolescents, Ready Set Play
Oak Ridges: Explorer Club, Hangout with Friends
Oshawa: AIM Explorers, Bully Proofing Crew, Explorer Club, PEERS® for Adolescents
Thornhill: Exploring Feelings
Virtual: AIM, Exploring Feelings, PEERS® for Adolescents


Recommended Ages 2-4

Ready, Set, Play! – Play Skills – Free for OAP Families

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

Barrie

10 Murray Street,
Barrie, ON L4N 2X2

  • May 26 – June 16, 2025
  • Mondays, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
  • 4 sessions x 1 hour each
  • Cost: Free for OAP families

Markham

7271 Warden Ave,
Markham, ON L3R 5X5

  • May 29 – June 19, 2025
  • Thursdays, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
  • 4 sessions x 1 hour each
  • Cost: Free for OAP families

Recommended Ages 4-12

Explorer Club – Play and Social Skills

There are four levels within Explorer Club. Each level focuses on a set of play and social skills so that the program can be tailored to your child as they learn and grow. In this way, your child can progress through the levels within Explorer Club at their own pace. Our group participants are matched based on their age, skills, and goals to make the group as fun and successful as possible for everyone.

Depending on your child’s skills, their Explorer Club goals may include: 

  • Join in play with others 
  • Take turns, share responsibility, and problem-solve through play  
  • Self advocate by asking to continue, saying “no”, or seeking clarification  
  • Answer questions from adults and peers
  • Classroom skills such as transitioning with the group, waiting for their turn, and following group instructions

Oshawa

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

  • April 8 – June 10, 2025
  • Tuesdays, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
  • 10 sessions x 1 hour each
  • Cost: $800

Barrie

10 Murray Street,
Barrie, ON L4N 2X2

  • May 24 – June 21, 2025
  • Saturdays, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
  • 5 sessions x 2 hours each
  • Cost: $800

Oak Ridges

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

  • May 24 – June 21, 2025
  • Saturdays, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
  • 5 sessions x 2 hours each
  • Cost: $800

Recommended Ages 7-12

AIM Explorers – Social-Emotional Skills

Calling all young adventurers! Embark on a journey of self-discovery and social-emotional growth with the AIM Explorers. Based on curriculum developed by Dr. Mark Dixon, this group teaches kids socio-emotional skills through storytelling, games, and fun characters like Bidzill the Bear, Tulle the Turtle, and Ophelia the Octopus.

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

Oshawa

1521 Simcoe Street North,
Oshawa, ON L1G 4X8

  • April 10 – June 12, 2025
  • Thursdays, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
  • 10 sessions x 1 hour each
  • Cost: $800

Bully Proofing Crew

In Bully Proofing Crew, children are taught skills to handle and respond to teasing and bullying.

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

Markham

7271 Warden Ave, Markham, ON L3R 5X5

  • April 9 – May 28, 2025
  • Wednesdays, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m.
  • 8 sessions x 1 hour each
  • Cost: $650

Oshawa

1521 Simcoe Street North,
Oshawa, ON L1G 4X8

  • April 10 – May 29, 2025
  • Thursdays, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m.
  • 8 sessions x 1 hour each
  • Cost: $650

Etobicoke

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

  • May 24 – June 15, 2025
  • Saturdays, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
  • 4 sessions x 2 hours each
  • Cost: $650

Children’s Friendship Training

Children’s Friendship Training combines child and parent sessions to support children in making and keeping friends.

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

There are no spring sessions currently planned. If you’re interested in this group, please complete the interest form and a member of our team will get in touch with you.

Exploring Feelings

Strong feelings can be confusing to anyone, and especially to a child. Kinark’s Exploring Feelings program is based on curriculum developed by world-renowned Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Tony Attwood, and helps children recognize connections between the way they’re thinking and feeling.

In this group, children will learn to:

  • Recognize and understand their emotions
  • Understand how emotions can affect their body, thoughts, behaviour, and speech
  • Identify situations that may provoke certain feelings and begin to build their “Emotional Toolbox” with tools they can use during difficult situations

Barrie

10 Murray Street, Barrie, ON L4N 2X2

  • April 10 – June 12, 2025
  • Thursdays, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
  • 10 sessions x 1 hour each
  • Cost: $800

Thornhill

1600 Steeles Ave W, Unit 18, Concord, ON L4K 4M2

  • May 24 – June 21, 2025
  • Saturdays, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
  • 5 sessions x 2 hours each
  • Cost: $800

Virtual

Delivered via secure video conferencing platform

  • April 5 – May 10, 2025 (no class April 19)
  • Saturdays, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
  • 5 sessions x 2 hours each
  • Cost: $650

Friendship Crew

In Friendship Crew, children are taught social skills that support friendship building and are given the opportunity to practice these skills.

Friendship Crew goals include:

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

There are no spring sessions currently planned. If you’re interested in this group, please complete the interest form and a member of our team will get in touch with you.

Hangout with Friends

Meet up with old friends and make some new ones!

Hangout with Friends is designed for children and teens who are currently in or have participated in our social skill groups. Led by the interests of the group, participants may prepare a lunch or snack together, share lunches, play board games, or engage in group activities in a safe and supportive environment.

Together with our experienced clinicians and overseen by an R.B.A. (Ont.), participants will have a chance to practice skills they learned in groups, including:

  • Identifying common interests
  • Starting and ending conversations
  • Maintaining reciprocal conversations
  • Using humour appropriately
  • Being a good sport
  • Handling disagreements
  • Any other skills as opportunities arise

Barrie

10 Murray Street,
Barrie, ON L4N 2X2

  • April 10 – June 12, 2025
  • Thursdays, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m.
  • 10 sessions x 1 hour each
  • Cost: $800

Markham

7271 Warden Ave,
Markham ON L3R 5X5

  • April 15 – May 27, 2025
  • Tuesdays, 4:30 – 6 p.m.
  • 7 sessions x 1.5 hours each
  • Cost: $800

Oak Ridges

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

  • April 16 – May 28, 2025
  • Wednesdays, 4:30 to 6 p.m.
  • 7 sessions x 1.5 hours each
  • Cost: $800

Recommended Ages 10-14

Fearless – Social Group – Free for OAP Families

The goal of our Fearless Social Group is to create a supportive environment for participants to have fun and make friends. We strive to build self-esteem, encourage peer support, and foster the development of social conversations and relationships.

Our Fearless themes are:

  • RED. Nail Painting and DIY Spa Night.
  • WILDEST DREAMS. Learn how to braid or create fun styles with your hair!
  • SPARKS FLY. Cupcake baking.
  • BAD BLOOD. Board Game Night.
  • SHAKE IT OFF. Learn how to dance while enjoying your favourite music!
  • BLANK SPACE. Paint night.
  • LOVER. Make your own friendship bracelet!

There are no spring sessions currently planned. If you’re interested in this group, please complete the interest form and a member of our team will get in touch with you.


Recommended Ages 12-18

AIM – Social-Emotional Skills

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

Markham

7271 Warden Ave,
Markham ON L3R 5X5

  • April 9 – June 11, 2025
  • Wednesdays, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
  • 10 sessions x 1 hour each
  • Cost: $800

Virtual

Delivered via secure video conferencing
platform

  • April 9 – June 11, 2025
  • Wednesdays, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
  • 10 sessions x 1 hour each
  • Cost: $650

Career Connections

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

In Career Connections, 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

  • February 6 – March 27, 2025
  • Thursdays, 4:30 to 6 p.m.
  • 7 sessions x 1.5 hours each
  • Cost: $650

Dungeons & Dragons – Social Group – Free for OAP Families

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

There are no spring sessions currently planned. If you’re interested in this group, please complete the interest form and a member of our team will get in touch with you.

Hangout with Friends

Meet up with old friends and make some new ones!

Hangout with Friends is designed for children and teens who are currently in or have participated in our social skill groups. Led by the interests of the group, participants may prepare a lunch or snack together, share lunches, play board games, or engage in group activities in a safe and supportive environment.

Together with our experienced clinicians and overseen by an R.B.A. (Ont.), participants will have a chance to practice skills they learned in groups, including:

  • Identifying common interests
  • Starting and ending conversations
  • Maintaining reciprocal conversations
  • Using humour appropriately
  • Being a good sport
  • Handling disagreements
  • Any other skills as opportunities arise

Barrie

10 Murray Street,
Barrie, ON L4N 2X2

  • April 10 – June 12, 2025
  • Thursdays, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m.
  • 10 sessions x 1 hour each
  • Cost: $800

Markham

7271 Warden Ave,
Markham ON L3R 5X5

  • April 15 – May 27, 2025
  • Tuesdays, 4:30 – 6 p.m.
  • 7 sessions x 1.5 hours each
  • Cost: $800

Oak Ridges

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

  • April 16 – May 28, 2025
  • Wednesdays, 4:30 to 6 p.m.
  • 7 sessions x 1.5 hours each
  • Cost: $800

PEERS® for Adolescents – Social Skills

The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®) is internationally acclaimed and used in over 35 countries. Parent participation is a vital component of PEERS® and allows for the concepts and strategies learned in the group to be implemented in the community. Parent sessions will run concurrently with teen sessions.

In this full 14-week program, participants 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
  • 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

Barrie

10 Murray Street, Barrie, ON L4N 2X2

  • February 4 – May 13, 2025 (no class March Break)
  • Tuesdays, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
  • 14 sessions x 1.5 hours each
  • 6 parent sessions x 1.5 hours each
  • Cost: $1900

Markham

7271 Warden Ave,
Markham, ON L3R 5X5

  • February 6 – May 15, 2025 (no class March Break)
  • Thursdays, 4:30 to 6 p.m.
  • 14 sessions x 1.5 hours each
  • 6 parent sessions x 1.5 hours each
  • Cost: $1900

Oshawa

1521 Simcoe Street North,
Oshawa, ON L1G 4X8

  • February 12 – May 21, 2025 (no class March Break)
  • Wednesdays, 4:30 to 6 p.m.
  • 14 sessions x 1.5 hours each
  • 6 parent sessions x 1.5 hours each
  • Cost: $1900

Virtual

Delivered via secure video conferencing platform

  • February 18 – May 27, 2025 (no class March Break)
  • Tuesdays, 4:30 to 6 p.m.
  • 14 sessions x 1.5 hours each
  • 6 parent sessions x 1.5 hours each
  • Cost $1500

PEERS® Bully Proofing

PEERS® Bully Proofing is an evidence-based social skills group for motivated teens and young adults who are interested in learning skills to handle and respond to teasing and bullying.

In PEERS® Bully Proofing, 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

There are no spring sessions currently planned. If you’re interested in this group, please complete the interest form and a member of our team will get in touch with you.

PEERS® Dating

PEERS® Dating is an evidence-based social skills group for motivated teens and young adults who are interested in learning skills to be successful in the dating world. 

In PEERS® Dating, 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

There are no spring sessions currently planned. If you’re interested in this group, please complete the interest form and a member of our team will get in touch with you.

PEERS® Friendship

PEERS® Friendship is an evidence-based social skills group for motivated teens and young adults who are interested in learning new ways of making and keeping friends. 

In PEERS® Friendship, 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

There are no spring sessions currently planned. If you’re interested in this group, please complete the interest form and a member of our team will get in touch with you.


Recommended Ages 18+

Career Connections

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

In Career Connections, 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

  • February 6 – March 27, 2025 (no class March 13)
  • Thursdays, 4:30 to 6 p.m.
  • 7 sessions x 1.5 hours each
  • Cost: $650

PEERS® Dating

PEERS® Dating is an evidence-based social skills group for motivated teens and young adults who are interested in learning skills to be successful in the dating world.

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’t’s
  • Handling pressure from partners

There are no spring sessions currently planned. If you’re interested in this group, please complete the interest form and a member of our team will get in touch with you.

PEERS® Friendship 

PEERS® Friendship is an evidence-based social skills group for motivated teens and young adults who are interested in learning new ways of making and keeping friends.

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 

There are no spring sessions currently planned. If you’re interested in this group, please complete the interest form and a member of our team will get in touch with you.

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