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Empowering people on the autism spectrum and their families exceed their potential.
 

Children’s Education Groups

 

Our educational and social skills programs for children with autism spectrum disorder and/or intellectual disabilities focus on broad social skills. Groups are divided into ages 4 to 6 years old, 7 to 9 years old, 9 to 11 years old and 8 to 12 years old.

Sessions in each group are catered to the age, theme and assessments of participants. Each group has an individualized curriculum that is based on the assessment of each child participating. Curriculums are built using the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). Groups are designed to help children learn skills needed to make and keep friendships, understand and regulate their emotions, deal with challenges like bullying and develop confidence in a variety of social situations. Children participate through a variety of fun activities & engaging lessons, use of tip sheets and homework. Parents and caregivers will have opportunities to observe their children during group sessions and progress updates will be provided throughout each group.

Every group includes:

  • Complimentary initial assessment to determine eligibility   

  • Individualized assessment and behaviour plans

  • Child only sessions

  • Parent/caregiver training

  • Parent & child sessions  

Children participating will receive expert professional instruction as every group receives oversight by a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA)/Clinical Supervisor and groups are facilitated by Registered Behaviour Technicians (RBTs).

Topics covered will be based on the individual assessments and goals of youth in each group.

 

Children’s Social Skills

Learn play & communication skills needed to build friendships.

 

These parent-assisted programs for children with autism spectrum disorder and/or intellectual disability are designed to help them learn skills needed to build friendships. Each group has an individualized curriculum that is based on the assessment of each child participating. Curriculums are built using the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). Children participate through a variety of fun activities and engaging lessons, use of tip sheets and homework. Parents and caregivers will have opportunities to observe their child during group sessions and progress updates will be provided throughout the group.

Each social skills group includes:

  • Complimentary initial assessment to determine eligibility   

  • Individualized assessment and behaviour plans

  • Child only sessions

  • Parent training

  • Parent & child sessions  

Your child will receive expert professional care as every group receives oversight by a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA)/Clinical Supervisor and groups are facilitated by Registered Behaviour Technicians.

Topics covered will be based on the individual assessments and goals of children in each group and can include:

  • Initiating conversation

  • Maintaining conversations

  • Bullying

  • Greetings

  • Sharing

  • Joining in play

  • Sportsmanship

  • Identifying non-verbal cues

 
 

CHILDREN’S SOCIAL SKILLS (AGES 5-6)

12-week program for children aged 5-6 years old with autism spectrum disorder and/or intellectual disability to learn skills needed to build friendships.

Topics include

  • Initiating conversation

  • Maintaining conversations

  • Greetings • Sharing

  • Joining in play

  • Sportsmanship

  • Identifying non-verbal cues

Session Dates

Session Dates: Next sessions Fall 2024
In-Person Participant Sessions: TBD
When: TBD
Where: TBD
Cost: $TBD per participant

REGISTER

Stay tuned for the next group happening in Fall 2024. Join our newsletter.

To register call our Service Navigator Amanda Kennedy at (905) 666 9688 EXT. 640 OR email akennedy@lrcss.com

 

CHILDREN’S SOCIAL SKILLS (AGES 7-8)

11-week program for children aged 7-8 years old with autism spectrum disorder and/or intellectual disability to learn skills needed to build friendships.

Topics include

  • Starting conversation

  • Maintaining conversations

  • Greetings • Sharing

  • Joining in play

  • Sportsmanship

  • Identifying non-verbal cues

Session Dates

Session Dates: April 24, 2024 to July 10, 2024
In-Person Participant Sessions: 11 weeks including 2 Parent Sessions
When: Weekly on Wednesdays from 5:00 pm to 6:00 p.m.
Where: 900 Hopkins St. Unit 8, Whitby, L1N 6A9
Cost: $1,762.00

REGISTER

To register call our Service Navigator Amanda Kennedy at (905) 666 9688 EXT. 640 OR email akennedy@lrcss.com

 

CHILDREN’S SOCIAL SKILLS (AGES 9-10)

12-week program for children aged 9-10 years old with autism spectrum disorder and/or intellectual disability to learn skills needed to build friendships.

Topics include

  • Initiating conversation

  • Maintaining conversations

  • Greetings • Sharing

  • Joining in play

  • Sportsmanship

  • Identifying non-verbal cues

Session Dates:

Session Dates: Next Groups begin in Fall 2024 and Winter 2025
In-Person Participant Sessions: 12 weeks including 2 Parent Sessions
When: TBD
Where: TBD
Cost: $TBD

REGISTER

Stay tuned for the next group happening in Fall 2024. Join our newsletter.

To register call our Service Navigator Amanda Kennedy at (905) 666 9688 EXT. 640 OR email akennedy@lrcss.com

 

CHILDREN’S SOCIAL SKILLS (AGES 11-12)

11-week program for children aged 11-12 years old with autism spectrum disorder and/or intellectual disability to learn skills needed to build friendships.

Topics include

  • Starting conversation

  • Maintaining conversations

  • Greetings • Sharing

  • Joining in play

  • Sportsmanship

  • Identifying non-verbal cues

Session Dates

Session Dates: April 10, 2024 to June 19, 2024
In-Person Participant Sessions: 11 weeks including 2 Parent Sessions
When: Weekly on Wednesdays from 6:30 pm to 7:30 p.m.
Where: 900 Hopkins St. Unit 8, Whitby, L1N 6A9
Cost: $1,762.00

LEARN MORE

To register call our Service Navigator Amanda Kennedy at (905) 666 9688 EXT. 640 OR email akennedy@lrcss.com

 
 

SECRET AGENT SOCIETY®

Secret Agent Society: Solving the mystery of social encounters.

Secret Agent Society® (SAS) is a small group program that helps children (cadets) ages 8 to 12 crack the code of emotions and friendships. SAS features an upgraded SAS Digital Headquarters (SAS Digital HQ) where children will access their club meetings and activities such as Helpful Thought Missile Zapper Game and Challenger Board Game, complete levels of their animated “secret agent” computer game, access their SAS Gadget Packs and much more.

At the end of this program, your ”cadet” will graduate as a “secret agent,” provided with the social and emotional tools they need to continue their work in the real world. It includes Cadet Club Meetings, Mentor (parent/caregiver) education, teacher tip sheets, home missions and a system to reward and monitor progress at home and school. This group includes assessments and treatment plans for each participant.

Cadets will learn how to:

  • recognize emotions in themselves and others

  • express feelings in appropriate ways

  • talk and play with others

  • solve friendship problems

  • cope with change, making mistakes and deal with bullying

Upcoming Programs

Spring 2024

Introductory Session (virtual): Tuesday, April 23, 2024, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Sessions: April 30, 2024, to July 4, 2024, with 1 follow-up session

Virtual Parent (mentor) Sessions: Weekly on Tuesdays from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm

In-Person Participant Sessions: Weekly on Thursdays from 5:00 pm to 6:30 p.m.

Follow-up Sessions: September 17th (virtual) and 19th (in-person), 2024

Cost: $3,400 per participant (SAS Kit Included)

Download the flyer for the complete schedule.

Register

To register call our Service Navigator Amanda Kennedy at (905) 666 9688 EXT. 640 OR email akennedy@lrcss.com

 
Image of animated boys hi-fiving with statement SAS Small Group Program holds the highest clinical change published for a program of its kind in the world.
 

SAS Computer Game Pack

All cadets and mentors will have access to the new digital platform for 12 months (with the option to extend) to continue spy training even after the sessions have ended. All aspects of the SAS program will be accessible online, and some parts offline from various devices (e.g., laptop, tablets/iPads and phones). The flexibility of this new platform allows for delivery both in-person and virtually where appropriate. Features include:

The SAS Computer Game reinforces learned in sessions through virtual training as a cadet. It also provides an electronic platform for debriefing social situations and computer-based home mission recording.

  • Access to SAS Digital Headquarters 

  • Access to scheduled Cadet Club and Parent Group Meetings

  • Access to Mentor Portal

  • Club Journals 

  • SAS Gadget Pack 

  • SAS Leveled Computer Game

  • Teacher Tip Sheets

  • Questionnaires

 
 
 

Mentor Education & Training

In order to reinforce skills your cadet learns in sessions, mentors participate in a number of sessions focused on their needs. Lake Ridge Community Support Services clinicians provide key program information and steps for mentors to reinforce the skills their cadet learns in club meetings.

During these Mentor Meetings, the discussion will centre around progress cadets are making, overcoming challenges and review of program materials and how to use them at home and in the community.

 

Graduation Ceremony

In the final session for Secret Agent Society mentors review a final progress report while their cadet is reviewing what was learned and testing critical skills they gained throughout the program. Cadet’s then work on a final project in the form of artwork or a performance called SAS Stars. Mentors are invited to see a presentation by the cadets of what they’ve learned in a fun and encouraging setting. At the conclusion of the presentations, we hold a graduation ceremony where each cadet is presented with their medal and certificate having graduated from cadet to official Secret Agent.

 
 
 

FACING YOUR FEARS (ages 8-14) VIRTUAL

Facing Your Fears is a 14-week program for children and parents that uses a cognitive-behavioural group therapy (CBT) approach for the reduction of anxiety symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorders.

Parents will learn about anxiety and common CBT principles used to help their children with anxiety. Children learn how to recognize the symptoms of anxiety and develop coping strategies using the principles of CBT through fun and engaging activities, lessons and home practice.

SESSION DATES

Session Dates: Starting May 1, 2024
Participant Sessions: 14 weeks
When: Weekly on Wednesdays
Where: Delivered Virtually via Video Conference
Cost: $2,704.00

Register

To get more information or register call our Service Navigator at 905-666-9688 ext. 640 or via email at akennedy@lrcss.com.

 

GROUP REQUIREMENTS

  • Applicants must have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and reside in Durham Region. Download the flyer for the full eligibility requirements.

  • Access to an internet connection

  • Electronic device with camera and microphone

  • Private space for learning

 

INDIVIDUAL SKILL REQUIREMENTS

Must provide documentation supporting Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis • Strong verbal communication skills • Significant anxiety, worry, fears, social phobia, specific phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, or separation anxiety disorder • Average or above-average intellectual ability • 2nd-grade reading level or above • Safety concerns and challenging behaviour are low and/or caregivers are able to safely manage any challenging behaviour • Commitment of both parent and child to attend weekly sessions • Ability to attend to a lesson up to 45 minutes • Basic keyboard/typing skills an asset

 

PUBERTY FOR YOUTH (GENERAL perspective)

In this 7-week interactive group for youth with autism or intellectual disabilities aged 9-14, youth gain a comprehensive guide to puberty for any gender in a safe and supportive group format.

Topics covered can include: What is puberty and when does it start? • Different body changes for both females and males • Anatomy and Reproductive Systems • How to Manage Hygiene (would include menstruation, ejaculation, shaving)

SESSION DATES

Session Dates: TBD
When: TBD
Where: TBD
Cost: $TBD

 

REGISTER

To Register call our Service Navigator Amanda Kennedy at (905) 666 9688 EXT. 640 OR email akennedy@lrcss.com.

 

A comprehensive guide to puberty through the female physiological perspective.

GIrl Talk: PUBERTY FOR YOUTH (Female Physiological perspective)

"Girl Talk" equips neurodivergent youth with the knowledge and skills to navigate puberty with confidence.

Led by experienced facilitators, this group provides a comprehensive guide to puberty tailored to the unique needs of group. Through engaging activities and discussions, participants will explore topics related to emotional, physiological and social change, in a format that promotes understanding and empowerment

Topics

Physical changes during puberty • Hygiene practices, including managing menstruation and using feminine hygiene products • Emotional changes and coping strategies • Building positive body image and self-esteem • Understanding sexual identity and gender • Exploring social norms and media portrayal • Learning about sex safety, including the importance of consent

Sessions

Session Dates: May 7, 2024 to June 11, 2024
When: Weekly on Tuesdays 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Where: 900 Hopkins, Unit 8 Whitby, ON L1N 6A9
Cost: $1,117.18

Register

Call Amanda Kennedy at (905) 666 9688 EXT. 640 OR email akennedy@lrcss.com.

 
Adolescent boy with braces smiling. Puberty for Youth logo.

This group explores puberty through the male physiological perspective.

PUBERTY FOR YOUTH (Male physiological perspective)

In this 6-week interactive group for youth with autism or intellectual disabilities aged 9-14, youth gain a comprehensive guide to puberty through the male physiological perspective in a safe and supportive group format.

Topics

Physical changes • Hygiene • Emotional changes • Feelings of attraction and relationships • Body-image & self-esteem • Sexual identity and gender • Sex Safety including consent

Sessions

Session Dates: TBD
When: TBD
Where: TBD
Cost: $TBD

Register

Have a question about a group? Call Amanda Kennedy at (905) 666 9688 EXT. 640 OR email akennedy@lrcss.com.

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