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Halton Autism Skills Groups

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Contact our Intake Coordinator
Phone: 289-208-2336
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. 

Winter 2026

“Navigating Friendships, Feelings, & the Future” – Ages 12 to 16

This 12-week group uses an evidence-based approach to teach teens about different types of relationships, how to appropriately manage crushes, consent, and social boundaries. This group is LGBTQ+ inclusive. Caregivers are encouraged to attend three in-service workshops on how to support their teens as they navigate puberty, mental health, and transitions to adulthood.  

Location: 69 Flatt Road, Burlington
Date: Wednesday evenings from January 7 to March 25, 2026
Time: 5:15 pm to 7:45 pm
Ratio: 4 participants to 1 staff (maximum 8 participants)
Cost: $2,200
RBA: Kimberley Reich, OAP eligible expense

Additional pre-requisites to join the group:

  • Conversation skills (3 to 5 exchanges)
  • Can answer wh-questions
  • Does not have a history of inappropriate sexual behaviours in community settings (i.e. school, community)
“Keeping it Cool”– Ages 8 to 12

This 12-week group will use evidence-based strategies to teach participants how to identify their emotions and triggers, as well as calming tools and mindfulness activities that work for them. 

Location: 69 Flatt Road, Burlington
Date: Wednesday evenings from January 7 to March 25, 2026
Time: 5:15 pm to 7:45 pm
Ratio: 4 participants to 1 staff (maximum 8 participants)
Cost: $2,200
RBA: Kimberley Reich, OAP eligible expense

Additional pre-requisites to join the group:

  • Basic understanding of emotions in others (can identify happy, sad, mad, worried)
  • Has interest in learning and talking about their emotions
“Friendship and Beyond: Superheroes”– Ages 5 to 7

This 11-week group uses evidence-based strategies to teach social skills, focusing on perspective taking, flexibility, and recognizing emotions in others through the fun theme of superheroes. Participants will learn how to use their superpowers of flexibility, “mind reading” and more to support developing friendships. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in group games, activities, and free play each session.

Location: 69 Flatt Road, Burlington
Date: Saturdays from January 10 to March 28, 2026 (no group on February 14, 2026)
Time: 9:30 am to 12:00 pm
Ratio: 4 participants to 1 staff (maximum 8 participants)
Cost: $2,025
RBA: Saskia Van Arragon, OAP eligible expense

“Teen Hangout” – Ages 13 to 17

This 11-week group uses evidence-based strategies to support Autistic teens in making and maintaining friendships with peers. This group will provide opportunities to practice social skills and build friendships. Participants will be involved in choosing what social skills they would like to improve and tracking their own progress. They will also participate in various leisure activities including cooking, crafts, and outings in the community. The cost of materials and outings are included in the price of the group. 

Location: 69 Flatt Road, Burlington
Date: Saturdays from January 10 to March 28, 2026 (no group on February 14, 2026)
Time: 9:30 am to 12:00 pm
Ratio: 4 participants to 1 staff (maximum 8 participants)
Cost: $2,085
RBA: Saskia Van Arragon, OAP eligible expense

Additional pre-requisites to join the group:

  • Conversation skills (4 to 5 exchanges)
  • Has interest in social opportunities
  • Self-awareness of own behaviours, some perspective taking
  • Previous experience with social skill programs
  • Safe in community without 1:1
“I believe in ME, Not OCB!”, Evidence-Based Manualized Group Treatment to Address Obsessive-Compulsive Behaviours in Children and Youth with Autism – Ages 6 to 12

Does your child engage in one or more of the following?

  • frequent cleaning or washing  
  • a need to complete daily activities/routines, play activities, or schoolwork in a certain way
  • repeatedly asking for reassurance  
  • engaging in daily rituals (e.g., sitting in the same seat)
  • counting/checking things or having to do things a certain number of times
  • a need to rearrange or have things “just so”  
  • resistant to throw things away even if they are no longer of use

If any of these behaviours sound familiar, your child may benefit from this 9 week, evidence-based treatment that blends Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Applied Behaviour Analysis into a comprehensive treatment to address obsessive compulsive behaviour, with fun, engaging activities to build on social skills. Each session includes a caregiver coaching component, and at least one parent is required to attend each session 

Each child or youth will get their own personalized workbook to go through each session, with visuals, fun exercises, and worksheets to facilitate success and be proud of themselves for their accomplishments! 

Location: 69 Flatt Road, Burlington
Date: Thursdays from January 15 to March 12, 2026
Time: 5:15 pm to 7:45 pm
Ratio: Maximum 4 families
Cost: $1,935
RBA: Kim Reich, OAP eligible expense

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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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