Halton Autism Skills Groups

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Contact Jessica Gallino, Intake Coordinator
Phone: (905) 689-4727 ext. 115
Email:  haltonautismservices@woodview.ca

What are Skills Groups?

Groups are offered in person. Skills groups feature a variety of themes such as developing executive functions skills, engaging in personal independence, and learning to engage in functional play with peers including turn-taking, requesting, sharing, and more.

Skills groups will help to further develop your child’s communication skills and daily living skills by learning and practicing through fun and exciting activities each week.

The ratio for each group changes based on the child’s needs and skills, up to a ratio of 2 staff to 8 children.

Parents and caregivers will be required to attend one mandatory parent session with a Clinical Supervisor at the end of the group block.  Parents will have the opportunity to watch videos to observe the progress and gains of their child in the group, for information sharing from Woodview Staff, and to discuss the next steps for future social and communication goals.

What is the focus of Skills Groups?

The focus of groups is to help and support children to reach their potential in social, communication, daily living and vocational skills.

Groups are offered in small ratios and use Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) principles and evidence-based strategies, plus video modelling, role play, and homework to teach these various skills.

Learn more about the variety of Halton Autism Services that we offer.

What are the pre-requisites to join the Skills Groups?

All children / youth must meet the prerequisites to attend skills group:

  • Can attend in a group model (1:1 is not offered)
  • Can wait appropriately 5 minutes
  • Can tolerate louder environments
  • Can tolerate being with other children
  • Can follow 1-2 step instructions and requests
  • Can participate in activities safely
  • Can participate in some conversation (with device or vocal)
  • Groups do not accommodate toileting protocols.  Children/youth need to toilet independently in order to attend groups in underwear. Participants may attend in a pull-up. 
  • No significant behaviours or safety concerns (bolting, flight risk, aggressive, verbal or physical behaviour, or self-injurious behaviour)

Please see below each group description for more specific criteria. 

Spring 2024

“The Ripple Effect Group” – Ages 13-15

The Ripple Effect welcomes Autistic youth with an opportunity to focus on managing feelings of worry and anxiety in this 11-week group. When a rock is thrown into a pond, the ripple that occurs shows us how a single occurrence can offer a lasting effect.  This group is a unique opportunity to learn about self-esteem, anxiety and physiological body symptoms while combining Applied Behaviour Analysis and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy coping strategies.

Location: 69 Flatt Road, Burlington
Date: Mondays from April 8 to June 24 (no group May 20, 2024)
Time: 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm (Bring a snack)
Ratio: 4 participants to 1 staff (maximum 8 learners)
Cost: $2000
BCBA: Molly Slater-Gibson

Additional pre-requisites to join the Ripple Effect Group: 

  • Able to converse with others
  • Has basic school skills for learning and table work
  • Has some awareness of their worry or anxiety and wants to learn strategies to help
  • No significant problem behaviours or safety concerns (bolting/flight risk/aggressive verbal or physical behaviour/self-injurious behaviour)
“Youth Hangout – North Halton”– Ages 11-14

This 11-week group will use an evidence-based approach to provide an opportunity for Autistic youth to practice social skills and build friendships. Participants will learn to plan social activities with peers and have an opportunity to participate in various leisure activities of their choice, including outings into the community.

Location: Harrison Public School – 59 Rexway Drive, Georgetown
Date: Mondays from April 8 to June 24 (no group May 20, 2024)
Time: 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm (Bring a snack)
Ratio: 3 participants to 1 staff (maximum 6 learners)
Cost: $2000
BCBA: Molly Slater-Gibson

Additional pre-requisites to join Youth Hangout:

  • Able to engage in back-and-forth conversation for 3-4 exchanges
  • Able to stay with a group when out in the community/public spaces without 1:1 support
  • Interest in peers and desire to make friends
“Master Chefs: Brunch” – Ages 13-17

This 11-week group will use evidence-based strategies to teach daily living, personal independence and executive functioning skills. Goals will focus on areas such as following recipes, cooperation with others, community outings, and kitchen safety. Participants will have the opportunity to socialize, eat a meal that they cooked, and build on their cooking skills to become true Master Chefs.

Location: 69 Flatt Road, Burlington
Date: Saturdays from April 6 to June 22, 2024  (no group Sat May 18, 2024)
Time: 9:30 am to 12:00 pm (Bring a snack)
Ratio: 3 participants to 1 staff (maximum 6 learners)
Cost: $2000
BCBA: Molly Slater-Gibson

Additional pre-requisites to join the Master Chefs:

  • Can wait approximately 10 minutes following teacher-led instructions
  • Independently follows 2-3 step instructions
  • Able to stay with a group when out in the community/public spaces without 1:1 support
“Friendship and Beyond”– Ages 5-7  **WAITLIST**

This 11-week group will use evidence-based strategies to teach friendship skills through play. Goals will focus on areas such as conversation skills (starting/ending conversations, staying on topic), flexibility, and personal space. Children will participate in a circle-time type lesson and afterward, they will have the opportunity to practise the skills they have learned through structured play activities.

Location: 69 Flatt Road, Burlington
Date: Saturdays from April 6 to June 22, 2024  (no group May 18, 2024)
Time: 9:30 am to 12:00 pm (Bring a snack)
Ratio: 4 participants to 1 staff (maximum 8 learners)
Cost: $1840
BCBA: Molly Slater-Gibson

Additional pre-requisites to join the “Friendship and Beyond” Group:

  • Able to engage in basic conversation exchange (hello/goodbye, answer 1 simple question)
  • Able to follow group instructions with minimal prompts
  • Able to play appropriately with peers (up to 5 minutes with the same activity)
“Gamer’s Group”– Ages 8-12

This 12-week group will use an evidence-based approach to provide a unique opportunity for Autistic children to learn skills in sportsmanship and friendship while playing video, computer, and board games together. The focus will be on positive sportsmanship skills including winning/losing appropriately, flexibility, and following game instructions.

Location: 69 Flatt Road, Burlington
Date: Tuesdays from April 9 to June 25
Time: 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm (Bring a snack)
Ratio: 4 participants to 1 staff (maximum 8 learners)
Cost: $1770
BCBA: Molly Slater-Gibson

Additional pre-requisites to join the “Gamer’s” group:

  • Can tolerate sitting at a table for 10 minutes
  • Can wait up to 5 minutes for their turn
Autism Webinars

Looking for more resources? We’re pleased to offer free virtual autism workshops for families registered in the Ontario Autism Program.

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