Programs & Services by Service Provider

This service is intended to provide the parents/caregivers of children with an Autism diagnosis to learn skills and strategies on how to appropriately incorporate effective tools and strategies for developing communication skills with youth. Families will have the opportunity to connect with a Speech Language Pathologist, ask questions, and come out with appropriate methods for promoting language. A variety of activities will be available for the youth who attend. Meal and refreshments provided.

This service is an opportunity for youth aged 12-16 to socialize with other youth in the surrounding district, make new connections, and participate in a variety of activities and games. Youth will work on skill building, communication and play skills.

Youth Dungeons and Dragons Virtual Youth Group is an opportunity for youth aged 12-16 with an Autism diagnosis to socialize and participate in imaginative play associated with Dungeons and Dragons. Will consist of guided play encouraging teamwork, communication, social play, along with building confidence. Youth will be encouraged to facilitate independently, with the support of a facilitator when needed.

Youth Dungeons and Dragons Virtual Youth Group is an opportunity for youth aged 12-16 with an Autism diagnosis to socialize and participate in imaginative play associated with Dungeons and Dragons. Will consist of guided play encouraging teamwork, communication, social play, along with building confidence. Youth will be encouraged to facilitate independently, with the support of a facilitator when needed.

Using strategies grounded in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), the workshop focuses on helping caregivers gradually expand their child’s acceptance of new foods while reducing stress and challenging behaviours during mealtimes. Topics include creating positive mealtime routines, introducing new foods gradually, reducing mealtime pressure, and using reinforcement to support progress. Caregivers will practice strategies at home between sessions and collect simple information about their child’s responses to new foods in order to guide coaching and adjustments to the plan.

Using strategies grounded in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) this workshop is designed to support caregivers in teaching toileting skills to their child. The program begins with a group information session where caregivers learn the foundational steps involved in toilet training, including building readiness skills, establishing consistent routines, using visual supports, and applying reinforcement strategies to support success. Caregivers will receive a pre-readiness skills checklist to help determine whether their child is ready to begin active toilet training or whether early steps such as pairing the bathroom environment and increasing sitting tolerance should be prioritized. Caregivers will implement strategies at home and participate in a series of individual consultation sessions with the facilitator to review their child’s progress, problem-solve challenges, and receive individualized guidance.

This workshop is designed to provide caregivers with a supportive introduction to autism and how it may influence their child’s everyday experiences. Caregivers will learn about common characteristics of autism, including differences in communication, social interaction, and behaviour, while emphasizing a strengths-based perspective that recognizes each child’s unique abilities, interests, and ways of engaging with the world. Caregivers will also be introduced to the idea that behaviour communicates important information about a child’s needs. By the end of the webinar, caregivers will have a clearer understanding of common characteristics of autism and will feel more confident observing their child’s behaviour, recognizing that behaviour can communicate needs, and beginning to notice patterns that may help them better support their child.

This workshop provides caregivers with an introduction to the foundational principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and how these strategies can support their child’s learning and development in everyday life. In a group-based session, caregivers will learn key ABA concepts including reinforcement, prompting, breaking skills into smaller steps, and the ABCs of behaviour (Antecedent, Behaviour, Consequence). Caregivers will also learn about the characteristics of quality ABA services and discuss questions to consider when seeking support from service providers. By the end of the program, caregivers will have an increased understanding of ABA principles and will feel more confident identifying patterns in behaviour and opportunities to support their child’s learning and positive behaviour at home.

This workshop provides caregivers with strategies to strengthen connection and engagement with their child through positive interactions. Participants will explore the concept of pairing, which involves building trust by associating caregivers with enjoyable activities and experiences. Families will learn how to follow their child’s lead in play, identify preferred activities, and create fun, motivating interactions that encourage participation and cooperation. Through discussion and guided examples, caregivers will explore ways to increase shared attention, reduce power struggles, and build positive routines. This workshop focuses on creating meaningful, enjoyable moments that strengthen relationships and make learning easier. By the end of the program, families will have practical strategies for increasing engagement, encouraging interaction, and building a positive foundation for communication and skill development.

This two-part workshop provides caregivers with practical strategies to help their child learn new skills and participate more successfully in everyday routines. Participants will explore how clear communication, motivation, and supportive teaching strategies can create more effective learning opportunities at home. Caregivers will learn how to give clear and effective instructions by gaining their child’s attention, using simple language, and breaking tasks into manageable steps. The workshop will also introduce how reinforcement can increase motivation and encourage cooperation during learning activities. In addition, caregivers will explore how prompts and supports can help children practice new skills while reducing frustration. Strategies for gradually fading prompts to support independence will also be discussed. Through discussion and practical examples, caregivers will learn how these strategies can be incorporated into daily routines, play, and everyday activities. By the end of the program, caregivers will have practical tools to support learning, increase cooperation, and promote skill development in natural home and community settings.

This two-part workshop provides caregivers with better understanding why behaviours occur and how to respond in supportive and effective ways. Participants will explore the idea that behaviour often communicates a need and that understanding the reasons behind behaviour can help guide helpful responses. Caregivers will learn about how behaviours can serve different functions, such as gaining attention, accessing preferred items or activities, avoiding difficult tasks, or meeting sensory needs and how patterns may develop across different situations. Caregivers will also learn simple ways to observe behaviour and identify possible triggers and patterns, preventive strategies to help prevent challenging behaviour, and ways to promote positive skill development to teach their children alternate ways to meet their needs. By the end of the program, families will have practical tools to better understand behaviour patterns and support positive behaviour and skill development at home.

This two-part workshop provides caregivers with better understanding why behaviours occur and how to respond in supportive and effective ways. Participants will explore the idea that behaviour often communicates a need and that understanding the reasons behind behaviour can help guide helpful responses. Caregivers will learn about how behaviours can serve different functions, such as gaining attention, accessing preferred items or activities, avoiding difficult tasks, or meeting sensory needs and how patterns may develop across different situations. Caregivers will also learn simple ways to observe behaviour and identify possible triggers and patterns, preventive strategies to help prevent challenging behaviour, and ways to promote positive skill development to teach their children alternate ways to meet their needs. By the end of the program, families will have practical tools to better understand behaviour patterns and support positive behaviour and skill development at home.

This two-part workshop provides caregivers with strategies to support the development of play, leisure, and social skills across childhood and adolescence. Participants will explore how these skills support relationship building, shared enjoyment, and participation in home, school, and community activities. Caregivers will learn about early play and social development, including strategies to support shared attention, imitation, turn-taking, and simple interactive play. The workshop will also explore social and leisure skills for older children and youth, such as cooperative play, shared hobbies, structured games, and participation in community or recreational activities. Caregivers will learn how following their child’s interests, creating motivating activities, and providing supportive guidance can help increase engagement and social interaction. By the end of the program, families will have practical tools to support play, leisure, and social engagement that match their child’s interests, developmental level, and daily routines.

Following a 1-hour consultation meeting with our on-site BCBA/R.B.A., your child will receive 6 hours of 1:1 follow up service/caregiver coaching with our clinical team, at our center, for up to 4 weeks. Session dates and times will be arranged with each individual family.

Following a 1-hour consultation meeting with our on-site BCBA/R.B.A., your child will receive 6 hours of 1:1 follow up service/caregiver coaching with our clinical team, at our center, for up to 4 weeks. Session dates and times will be arranged with each individual family.

Following a 1-hour consultation meeting with our on-site BCBA/R.B.A., your child will receive 6 hours of 1:1 follow up service/caregiver coaching with our clinical team, at our center, for up to 4 weeks. Session dates and times will be arranged with each individual family.

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND. This service is intended for caregivers, children (8-12), and adolescents (age 13+) to receive direct individual support from a psychologist, psychotherapist, or clinical associate working under the supervision of Dr. Matias Mariani to address challenges related to a range of issues (e.g., family problems, parenting stress, bullying at school, worries, low mood, social difficulties, etc.). The goal is to provide time-limited counselling to better manage emotions, improve problem-solving, and learn various coping skills.

This Social Resilience Builder Group for Teens is intended for adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder, aged 13 to 18 years. This group is adapted from The Resilience Builder Program (Alvord, Zucker, & Grados, 2011) that is designed to support individuals to bounce back from stress by developing resilience and protective factors, such as self-awareness, self-regulation, flexible thinking, and social competence. All materials will be provided.

Note: All applicants must undergo an intake interview to determine eligibility.

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND. The Resilience Builder Program (Alvord, Zucker, & Grados, 2011) is designed to support ages 9 to 12 to bounce back from stress by developing resilience and protective factors, such as self-awareness, self-regulation, flexible thinking, and social competence.
All materials will be provided.
Note: All applicants must undergo an intake interview to determine eligibility.

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND. This caregiver group involves participation in a Parent Management
Training (Kazdin, 2008) program that aims to enhance parenting skills to manage challenging behaviours in children, such as aggression, hyperactivity, and non-compliance. The training will take place virtually in a group session. Handouts will be emailed to participants prior to each scheduled session.

Friendship Builders is an in-person social skills group designed to help children learn and practice the foundational skills needed to interact positively with peers. The group is based on the evidence-based Children’s Friendship Training curriculum, which teaches practical strategies for navigating common social situations and developing stronger peer interactions.

During each small-group session, children are introduced to a new social skill and have opportunities to practice it through guided activities, role-play, and interaction with other group members. The group environment provides a supportive space for children to learn, rehearse, and build confidence using these skills.

Caregivers receive weekly updates on their child’s progress in the group, including information about the skills being practiced and suggestions for how these strategies can be reinforced at home and in community settings.

Children will learn and practice skills such as:
• Making a good first impression
• Conversing with other children
• Finding common interests with peers
• Playing fairly and being gracious when winning or losing
• Resolving conflicts
• Handling rejection, teasing, and bullying
• Joining other children at play
• Being a good host during playdates
• Showing respect to other children and adults

Friendship Builders is an in-person social skills group designed to help children learn and practice the foundational skills needed to interact positively with peers. The group is based on the evidence-based Children’s Friendship Training curriculum, which teaches practical strategies for navigating common social situations and developing stronger peer interactions.

During each small-group session, children are introduced to a new social skill and have opportunities to practice it through guided activities, role-play, and interaction with other group members. The group environment provides a supportive space for children to learn, rehearse, and build confidence using these skills.

Caregivers receive weekly updates on their child’s progress in the group, including information about the skills being practiced and suggestions for how these strategies can be reinforced at home and in community settings.

Children will learn and practice skills such as:
• Making a good first impression
• Conversing with other children
• Finding common interests with peers
• Playing fairly and being gracious when winning or losing
• Resolving conflicts
• Handling rejection, teasing, and bullying
• Joining other children at play
• Being a good host during playdates
• Showing respect to other children and adults

Mind Shift is a small-group program designed to support children who experience challenges with executive functioning skills such as flexible thinking, emotional regulation, organization, and planning. Through engaging activities, discussion, and guided practice, children learn practical strategies to help them adapt to changes, manage frustration, follow through with tasks, and approach challenges with effective problem-solving skills.

This group is based on the evidence-informed Unstuck and On Target! curriculum, which focuses on helping children develop flexible thinking strategies and self-regulation skills that can be applied across a variety of settings.

Caregivers receive weekly updates on their child’s progress in the group, including information about the strategies and concepts being practiced. These updates also include suggestions for how the skills can be reinforced and applied in everyday situations at home, school, and in the community to support generalization and continued skill development.

PEERS® for Preschoolers is an evidence-based social skills program designed for children ages 4 to 6 who struggle with making and keeping friends. Developed at UCLA, this program provides a fun and supportive environment where children learn essential social and play skills. To participate, children should be able to use basic words to express themselves, follow simple directions, sit for short periods, and manage mild frustration. They should also show some interest in playing with others. Parent involvement is a key part of the program. While children learn social skills in their own small group sessions, parents attend concurrent coaching sessions. These sessions teach parents how to reinforce social skills at home and in everyday situations, helping children practice and apply what they learn. The program runs for 12 weeks in small group sessions, using role-playing, social coaching, play-based learning, and behavioral modeling. Families also receive homework assignments to support continued practice outside of class. Children develop skills such as starting conversations, taking turns, sharing, playing cooperatively, managing emotions, reading social cues, and responding to teasing or exclusion. By combining structured lessons, play, and active parent participation, PEERS® for Preschoolers helps children build confidence in social interactions and form meaningful friendships.

PEERS® School-Based Training is a proven social skills program designed for middle and high school students (ages 13-18) who have difficulty making and maintaining friendships. The program helps students develop important social skills to build confidence and improve their relationships with peers. The program teaches key skills, including how to start and maintain conversations, join group activities, make and keep friends, understand social cues like body language and tone of voice, and handle rejection or conflict. It also focuses on self-regulation, helping students manage their emotions in social situations. The program runs for 12 weeks with weekly sessions that last 1 hour. Each session introduces a new social skill, which students practice through role-playing and real-life scenarios. There is also a homework component, encouraging students to practice these skills at home with the support of their parents. This helps reinforce learning and build real-world confidence. To participate, students should be able to follow basic instructions, engage in simple conversations, and show some interest in socializing with others. The program works best for students who are motivated to improve their social skills and are ready to learn. By the end of the program, students typically see improved peer relationships, greater social confidence, and better emotional regulation. These skills help students feel more comfortable in social situations and build stronger, lasting friendships.