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. 

Fall 2025

“Growing Independence” – Ages 13 to 17

This 15-week group focuses on building essential life skills for independent living through evidence-based strategies. Participants will learn and practice skills such as money management, home and personal care, food preparation, and safety. New topics will be introduced every few weeks to support gradual skill development. At the end of the program, families are invited to a celebratory dinner where participants can showcase what they’ve learned. The cost of all outings and materials is included in the group fee. 

Location: 69 Flatt Road, Burlington
Date: Wednesday evenings from September 10 to December 17, 2025
Time: 5:15 pm to 7:45 pm
Ratio: 3 participants to 1 staff (maximum 6 participants)
Cost: $2,800
RBA: Kimberley Reich, OAP eligible expense

Additional pre-requisites to join the group:

  • No high-risk behaviours (eloping, aggression, self-injurious behaviour)
  • Safe in the community without 1:1 support
  • Cooperate with prompts to complete tasks
  • Interest in increasing their independence
“Afterschool Hub”– Ages 9 to 12   **WAITLIST**

This 15-week group uses evidence-based strategies to teach executive functioning skills, including planning and time management, as well as social skills to support cooperating with peers. Participants will engage in fun activities such as baking, board games, and science experiments. 

Location: 69 Flatt Road, Burlington
Date: Wednesday evenings from September 10 to December 17, 2025
Time: 5:15 pm to 7:45 pm
Ratio: 4 participants to 1 staff (maximum 8 participants)
Cost: $2,800
RBA: Kimberley Reich, OAP eligible expense

Additional pre-requisites to join the group:

  • No high-risk behaviours (eloping, aggression, self-injurious behaviour)
  • Cooperate with prompts to complete tasks
“Teen Hangout”– Ages 13 to 17

This 14-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 planning various leisure activities, including cooking, crafts, and outings in the community. The focus will be on collaborating, communicating, and having fun with peers. The cost of materials and outings is included in the price of the group.

Location: 69 Flatt Road, Burlington
Date: Saturdays from September 6 to December 13, 2025 (no group on October 11, 2025)
Time: 9:30 am to 12:00 pm
Ratio: 4 participants to 1 staff (maximum 8 participants)
Cost: $2,615
RBA: Saskia Van Arragon, OAP eligible expense

“Friendship and Beyond: Games and Sports”– Ages 6 to 8   **WAITLIST**

This 14-week group program uses evidence-based strategies to support the development of sportsmanship skills such as basic gameplay, winning and losing gracefully, following the rules, and cooperative play. Participants will learn and practice skills through structured sports and gross motor games like soccer, relay races, tag, foursquare, and basketball. Each session includes opportunities for group games, guided activities, and free play in a supportive, inclusive environment. 

Location: 69 Flatt Road, Burlington
Date: Saturdays from September 6 to December 13, 2025 (no group on October 11, 2025)
Time: 9:30 am to 12:00 pm
Ratio: 4 participants to 1 staff (maximum 8 participants)
Cost: $2,545
RBA: Saskia Van Arragon, OAP eligible expense

Caregiver Workshops

Caregiver Workshops are offered by Halton Autism Services Clinical Supervisors and Instructor Therapists. Workshops are included with all group registrations.

Cost: FREE with any group registration

Using Behaviour Contracts to Increase Independence
Location: 69 Flatt Road, Burlington
Date: September 17, 2025

Time: 5:30 pm to 7:15 pm

Mental Health for Autistic Teens
Location: 
69 Flatt Road, Burlington

Date: October 15, 2025
Time: 5:30 pm to 7:15 pm

Transition to Adulthood
Location: 
69 Flatt Road, Burlington

Date: November 19, 2025
Time: 5:30 pm to 7:15 pm

Autism Webinars

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