Program Profile: Pan-tastic Chefs

March 10, 2025

By Rosa Stanlake, Clinical Supervisor, Brantford Autism Services

What’s better than a home-cooked meal? One you’ve made yourself, alongside friends, while learning valuable life skills! That’s exactly what Pan-tastic Chefs is all about—a hands-on, skill-building experience for autistic youth aged 11 to 17 that serves up confidence, independence, and social connection.

Originally launched in summer 2024 as a fee-for-service group, Pan-tastic Chefs is now generously funded by Unity for Autism, allowing us to offer the program free of charge. This means youth who may not have been able to participate before can now gain these valuable skills in a supportive and engaging environment.

A Recipe for Success

Each week, six participants take on the full culinary experience—from planning a recipe and creating a grocery list to navigating the store and preparing a meal together. With the support of two dedicated staff, the group not only hones cooking and baking skills but also works on important social and community safety skills, like initiating conversations, staying on topic, and traveling safely in the community.

What does a day-in-the-life of the program look like?

A typical day at Pan-tastic Chefs looks something like this:

  • Group check-in and social conversation practice
  • Planning a meal and preparing a grocery list
  • Visiting the grocery store—participants take turns locating ingredients
  • Cooking together and learning kitchen safety
  • Enjoying the meal as a group
  • Cleaning up and reflecting on the experience

Beyond the cooking, the program uses reinforcement-based teaching, modeling, and hands-on instruction to help youth build independence naturally in a supportive and engaging way.

Cooking Up Confidence & Connection

This program is more than just a cooking class. What makes it special is the growth in skills and friendships that happens along the way. Watching participants gain confidence, work as a team, and genuinely enjoy their time together has been incredibly heartwarming. The excitement and enthusiasm they bring each week—whether tackling a tricky recipe or celebrating a successful grocery run—makes this group a true standout.

If you know a youth who would love to be a part of Pan-tastic Chefs, reach out to us today!  Call at 519-752-5308 and press ‘0’ or text 226-920-4427. You can also email us at general@woodview.ca

Learn more about our current skills groups offerings for autistic kids and youth at Brantford Autism Services!