Stop Now And Plan (SNAP®) – Adapted for Autistic Children
Kinark Child and Family Services, in partnership with researchers at Carleton University and Child Development Institute (CDI), is offering a pilot of an adapted Stop Now And Plan (SNAP®) program for Autistic children and their caregivers.
SNAP® is an evidence-based model developed by Child Development Institute that teaches children and their caregivers strategies to support emotional regulation, self-control and problem-solving. The SNAP approach helps children learn to stop and think before acting and to make more effective choices “in the moment.”
SNAP-A adapts the SNAP® model for Autistic children who experience challenging behaviours. Through this pilot, children and their caregivers will learn evidence-based strategies to support emotional regulation, self-control and social problem-solving.
SNAP-A is being offered as a free Foundational Family Service through Kinark Autism Services.
What can families expect?
SNAP-A is a 13-week, group-based program that involves both the child and their caregiver. Sessions provide opportunities for children and caregivers to learn and practise strategies that can be used when navigating challenging situations at home, school and in the community.
The broader SNAP® model focuses on helping children recognize their emotions and body cues, pause before responding, consider different ways of handling a situation and make more effective choices. SNAP® has been studied extensively and has demonstrated positive outcomes related to emotional regulation, self-control, problem-solving, social competency and school functioning among children with disruptive behaviour concerns.
The SNAP-A pilot builds upon this established model while exploring its use with Autistic children and their families.
Who can participate?
The SNAP-A pilot may be appropriate for families where:
- The child has a confirmed autism diagnosis, is 7–11 years old, and is eligible for Foundational Family Services.
- The child consistently engages in challenging behaviours, such as yelling, hitting or kicking, particularly when frustrated.
- The child is able to have conversations about their behaviour with adults and peers.
- The child and caregiver are able to participate in all 13 weekly group sessions.
- The family is interested in participating in the associated research project, including completing questionnaires and participating in a focus group or interview.
The program may be particularly relevant for children who have experienced school absenteeism or contact with police.
Winter 2027 SNAP-A Pilot
- Location: Kinark Markham Office
7271 Warden Avenue, Markham - Orientation: January 13, 2027
- Program dates: January 20 – April 21, 2027
No session during March Break - Time: Wednesdays, 4:30 – 6 p.m.
- Cost: Free to families registered in the Ontario Autism Program (OAP).
SNAP-A Research Project
The SNAP-A program is being offered as part of a research partnership between Carleton University, Child Development Institute and Kinark Child and Family Services to pilot the adapted SNAP® program for Autistic children.
Participating families will be asked to complete questionnaires before and after the program and provide feedback about their experience through a focus group or interview.
The project has been approved by the Carleton University Research Ethics Board (Protocol #125237).