Home > Halton Autism Services > Halton Autism Skills Groups

Halton Autism Skills Groups

Register Today

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. 

Spring 2026

“Growing Independence”– Ages 8 to 12

This 12-week group uses evidence-based strategies to help autistic youth build practical life skills, confidence, and real-world readiness. Through structured teaching, guided practice, and real-life application, participants develop greater independence at home and in the community in areas such as money management, self-care, grocery shopping, meal preparation, and household responsibilities. Sessions may include collaborative meal preparation and community-based activities to support skill generalization, safety awareness, decision-making, and peer interaction.

Materials and community outing costs are included in the program fee.

Location: 69 Flatt Road, Burlington
Date: Wednesdays, April 8th to June 24th
Time: 5:15 pm to 7:45 pm
Ratio: 4 participants to 1 staff (maximum 8 participants)
Cost: $ 2,820
RBA: Kimberley Reich, OAP eligible expense

Additional pre-requisites to join the group:

• Conversation skills (3-4 exchanges)
• Interested in social opportunities
• Ability to participate with a 1:4 ratio
• Self-awareness of own behaviour and emotions

“Gamers Group”– Ages 10 to 13

Back by popular demand! This 12-week group uses evidence-based strategies to build peer interaction and self-regulation skills through interactive activities such as board games and video games. Through structured gameplay and guided coaching, youth work to develop positive peer relationships, sportsmanship, confidence, and cognitive flexibility while strengthening skills such as turn-taking, flexible thinking, frustration tolerance, communication, and winning and losing with appropriate responses.

Location: 69 Flatt Road, Burlington
Date: Wednesdays, April 8th to June 24th
Time: 5:15 pm to 7:45 pm
Ratio: 4 participants to 1 staff (maximum 8 participants)
Cost: $2,760
RBA: Kimberley Reich, OAP eligible expense

Additional pre-requisites to join:
• Conversation skills (3-4 exchanges)
• Interested in social opportunities
• Ability to participate with a 1:4 ratio
• Self-awareness of own behaviour and emotions

“Teen Hangout” – Ages 14 to 18 — SOLD OUT —

This 11-week group is designed for Autistic teens to build meaningful friendships in a supportive, welcoming environment. Using evidence-based strategies, participants will learn practical skills for starting conversations, maintaining friendships, navigating social challenges, and growing confidence with peers.

Every Friday evening, teens will plan outings together, participate in interactive activities, and practice social skills in real-life situations. The group may head out for activities like mini putt, ‘Activate’, escape rooms, or other community outings chosen with the group’s interests in mind. These shared experiences create natural opportunities to connect, collaborate, and have fun. Facilitators provide guidance, structure, and support throughout, helping participants reflect on experiences and build strategies they can use outside of the group.

The cost of all materials and outings is included in the program fee.

Location: 69 Flatt Road, Burlington
Date: Fridays, April 10th to June 26th (no session May 15)
Time: 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Ratio: 4 participants to 1 staff (maximum 8 participants)
Cost: $3,190
RBA: Saskia van Arragon, OAP eligible expense

Additional pre-requisites to join the group:

• Conversation skills (4 to 5 exchanges)
• Interested in social opportunities
• Safe in the community on a 1:3 ratio
• Self-awareness of own behaviour and emotions

“Junior Gamers” – Ages 8 to 10

This 11-week group uses evidence-based strategies to teach sportsmanship skills through playing games. Participants will practice taking turns, sharing gameplay, handling wins and tolerating losses, as well as co-operating and playing fairly with others. Participants will engage in video games, computer games, board games, card games, and gross motor activities to strengthen their skills in a fun and supportive environment.

Location: 69 Flatt Road, Burlington
Date: Saturday, April 11th to June 27th, 2026 (no session May 16)
Time: 9:30 am to 12:00 pm
Ratio: 4 participants to 1 staff (maximum 8 participants)
Cost: $2,530
RBA: Saskia van Arragon, OAP eligible expense

Additional pre-requisites to join the group:

• Conversation skills (3 to 4 exchanges)
• Interested in social opportunities
• Safe in the community on a 1:4 ratio
• Self-awareness of own behaviour and emotions

“Friendship Club: Create and Share” – Ages 5 to 7

This 11-week group uses evidence-based strategies to support social skill development, focusing on sharing, collaborative play, and peer conversations. Participants will engage in a variety of hands-on activities, including painting, drawing, and baking, while practicing conversation skills to encourage connections between peers. Additionally, participants will have opportunities to play in our gym, sensory room, or outside space.

Location: 69 Flatt Road, Burlington
Date: Saturday, April 11th to June 27th, 2026 (no session May 16)
Time: 9:30 am to 12:00 pm
Ratio: 4 participants to 1 staff (maximum 8 participants)
Cost: $2,530
RBA: Saskia van Arragon, OAP eligible expense

Additional pre-requisites to join the group:

• Conversation skills (2 to 3 exchanges)
• Interested in social opportunities
• Safe in the community on a 1:4 ratio
• Self-awareness of own behaviour and emotions

Autism Webinars

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

View Webinars