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. 

Summer 2024

“STEM Club” – Ages 8-12

2 Spots Left!
This group will run twice a week throughout the summer and use evidence-based strategies to teach social and executive functioning skills. The group goals will focus on cooperating with others, problem-solving, and communicating with peers. Participants will work together to build structures, perform science experiments, and play group games. 

Location: 69 Flatt Road, Burlington
Date: Mondays and Fridays July 5 to August 30 (no group on July 1, July 29, August 2, or August 5)

July: 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26
August: 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30
Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Ratio: 3 participants to 1 staff (maximum 6 learners)
Cost: $3000
BCBA: Molly Slater-Gibson

Additional pre-requisites to join the STEM Club: 

  • Able to engage in back-and-forth conversation for 2-3 exchanges (Vocal or using AAC device)
  • Can stay on task for 5 to 10 minutes
  • Fine motor skills to manipulate small objects (i.e. lego, scissors, etc.)
“Teen Hangout”– Ages 13-17

2 Spots Left!
This group will use evidence-based strategies to support Autistic teens in making and maintaining friendships with peers. The group will provide opportunities for youth to practice social skills and build friendships. Participants will learn to plan social activities with peers and participate in various leisure activities of their choice, including outings into the community, cooking, and art. 

Location: 69 Flatt Road, Burlington
Date: Mondays and Fridays from July 5 to August 30 (no group on July 1, July 29, August 2, or August 5)

July: 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26
August: 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30
Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Ratio: 3 participants to 1 staff (maximum 6 learners)
Cost: $3000
BCBA: Molly Slater-Gibson

Additional pre-requisites to join the group:

  • 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
Autism Webinars

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