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Halton Autism Skills Groups

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Contact Jessica Gallino, 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 2025

“Toileting Foundations” – Ages 3-18

This 12-week session package (January 15-April 11, 2025) offers evidence-based strategies to support both caregivers and their child through the toilet training process. The package includes six 2-hour virtual group workshops and six, 2-hour individual in-person practice sessions, alternating each week. During the practice sessions, caregivers will have the opportunity to apply and tailor the strategies learned in the workshops with guidance from an instructor therapist. Each session builds progressively on skills from previous weeks to support steady progress.

Participants are required to attend and engage in all workshop and practice sessions. Children/youth (ages 3-18) must be medically cleared for toileting (no medical reasons for incontinence) and do not display high-risk behaviors (e.g., aggression, self-injury, or elopement) in the home environment.

Location: Virtual
Date: Bi-weekly on Wednesdays, January 15 to March 26, 2025 (January 15 & 29, February 12 & 26, March 12 & 26)
Time: 9:30 am to 11:30 am
In Person Location: Instructor Therapist comes to your home
Date & Time: Six, 2-hour sessions are dedicated with the caregiver and the Instructor Therapist (opposite weeks of the group)
Cost: $2,250
RBA: Molly Slater-Gibson, OAP eligible expense

“Navigating Friendships, Feelings, and the Future”– Ages 12-16

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. Parents 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 8 to March 26, 2025
Time: 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Ratio: 4 participants to 1 staff (maximum 8 participants)
Cost: $1,790
RBA: Molly Slater-Gibson, OAP eligible expense

Additional pre-requisites to join the group:

  • Conversation skills (3-5 exchanges) and can answer questions
  • Does not have a history of inappropriate sexual behaviours in community settings (i.e. school, community)
“Teen Hangout”– Ages 13-17 **FULL** – Waitlist

This 10-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: Saturday mornings from January 11 to March 29, 2025 (no session on February 15)
Time: 9:30 am to 12:00 pm
Ratio: 4 participants to 1 staff (maximum 8 participants)
Cost: $1,900
RBA: Molly Slater-Gibson, OAP eligible expense

Additional pre-requisites to join the group:

  • Able to engage in back-and-forth conversation for 4 to 5 exchanges
  • Has interest in social opportunities
  • Self-awareness of own behaviours and some perspective taking
  • Previous experience with social skill programs
  • Safe in the community without 1:1 support
“Friendship & Beyond”– Ages 6-8

This 10-week group uses evidence-based strategies to teach social skills, focusing on perspective taking, flexibility, and recognizing emotions in others. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in group games, activities, and free play each session.

Location: 69 Flatt Road, Burlington
Date: Saturday mornings from January 11 to March 29, 2025 (no session on February 15)
Time: 9:30 am to 12:00 pm
Ratio: 4 participants to 1 staff (maximum 8 participants)
Cost: $1,850
RBA: Molly Slater-Gibson, OAP eligible expense

“Keeping it Cool”– Ages 8-12

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.

Location: 69 Flatt Road, Burlington
Date: Wednesday evenings from January 8 to March 26, 2025
Time: 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Ratio: 4 participants to 1 staff (maximum 8 participants)
Cost: $1,790
RBA: Molly Slater-Gibson, OAP eligible expense

Additional pre-requisites to join the group:

  • Basic understanding of emotions in others
  • Has interest in learning and talking about their emotions
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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