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

 Adult Education Groups

Group programs for adults with autism or intellectual disabilities.

In-person & virtual educational group programs provide autistic adults and those with intellectual disabilities a supportive and collaborative environment to develop beneficial life skills and connect with their peers. Groups run for 8-10 weeks at a time, once a week for 1.5 hours per session.

Eligibility

Individuals must be 18 years and older with intellectual/developmental disabilities or a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.

Adult Social Skills Groups
Building Lasting Friendships for Adults
Building Lasting Friendships for Adults

Building Lasting Friendships is an 9-week group program that teaches adults with autism and/or intellectual disabilities social and communication skills needed to build friendships.

Internet Safety for Adults
Internet Safety for Adults

A 9-week group program teaching safe and secure internet usage for adults with autism or intellectual disabilities.

Healthy Relationships Group
Healthy Relationships Group

An 9-week program that shows adults with autism and/or intellectual disabilities how to build safe, healthy relationships.

Anger Management for Adults
Anger Management for Adults

An 9-week program providing coping strategies for adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or intellectual disabilities (ID) to deal with anger and emotional regulation.

Dating101 for Adults
Dating101 for Adults

An 8-week program that prepares adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or intellectual disability (ID) for dating and relationships beyond being “just friends”.

Healthy Sexuality for Adults
Healthy Sexuality for Adults

A 10-week program for adults with autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disabilities to gain knowledge about healthy sexuality and relationships.

Adapted-Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
Adapted-Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

An educational group for adults with autism or intellectual disabilities that aims to enhance skills in the areas of mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. The learning environment will include role-playing, written activities, and group discussions.

 
 

Building Lasting Friendships for Adults

 

Contact Natalie Driscoll for more information:

(905) 666-9688 ext. 246 or email adultgoups@lrcss.com

A 9-week group program that teaches adults with autism and/or intellectual disabilities social and communication skills needed to build friendships.

Topics can include:

  • Greeting others

  • Initiating, and maintaining conversations

  • Nonverbal cues/reading body language

  • Levels of friendship

  • Good vs. bad friends

  • Assertiveness

  • Conflict resolution

Session Dates

  • 1 Mediator Training Session (Virtual)

  • 8 Client Teaching Sessions (In Person)

  • Starting the week of June 6, 2024

  • Weekly Thursdays from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm

  • In-Person at 900 Hopkins St. Unit 8, Whitby ON. L1N 6A9

Eligibility

Eligible Adults will be 18 years and older and have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or intellectual disabilities (ID). For virtual groups click here to view Virtual Participation Requirements.

INDIVIDUAL SKILL REQUIREMENTS

Joint attention skills • Discrimination skills • Echoic skills • Motor imitation skills • Ability to follow common 1- step instructions • Participate in session with limited caregiver assistance • Safety concerns and challenging behaviour are low and/or caregivers are able to safely manage any challenging behaviour.

TO REGISTER

For DSO-eligible clients residing in Durham make a referral through Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) at 1-855-277-2121.

Deadline for Registration: May 31, 2024

DSO FEE: FREE

Due to capacity limits, making a referral through the DSO does not guarantee a spot until Lake Ridge has confirmed your registration.

For non-DSO eligible clients or those residing outside of the Durham Region a group fee applies. Contact 905-666-9688, ext. 640, or email akennedy@lrcss.com.

Deadline for Registration: May 6, 2024

NON-DSO FEE: $845.11

For more information on the group: Email Natalie Driscoll via adultgroups@lrcss.com

 
 

Internet Safety for Adults

A 9-week group program teaching safe and secure internet usage for adults with autism or intellectual disabilities.

 
 

Topics can include:

  • Phishing and Scams

  • Trading personal information online

  • Talking with people online

  • Recognizing unsafe people online

  • Online Bullying

Session Dates

  • 9 Week Program

  • Starting the week of July 15, 2024 (exact day TBD)

  • 1.5 hours weekly

  • In-person or virtual TBD

Need more information?

Contact Natalie Driscoll for more information: (905) 666-9688 ext. 246 or email adultgoups@lrcss.com

Eligibility

Individuals must be 18 years and older with intellectual/developmental disabilities or a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.

INDIVIDUAL SKILL REQUIREMENTS

  • Joint attention skills

  • Discrimination skills

  • Participate in sessions with limited caregiver assistance

  • Safety concerns and challenging behaviour are low and/or caregivers are able to safely manage any challenging behaviour

Registration

For DSO-eligible clients residing in Durham please contact Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) at 1-855-277-2121.

Deadline for Registration: July 1, 2024.

Fee: FREE

Due to capacity limits, making a referral through the DSO does not guarantee a spot until Lake Ridge has confirmed your registration.

For non-DSO eligible clients or those residing outside of the Durham Region a group fee applies. Please contact Amanda Kennedy at 905-666-9688, ext. 640.

Deadline for Registration: June 17, 2024.

Fee: $845.11

Stay in the Know

Join our email list or follow us on social media to keep up to speed on programming and more.

 
 

Healthy Relationships for Adults

 

Contact Natalie Driscoll for more information about the group: (905) 666-9688 ext. 246 or email adultgoups@lrcss.com

skills for building safe, healthy, and mutually beneficial relationships in all aspects of life

A 9-week group for adults with autism or intellectual disabilities on understanding and developing relationship skills.

Topics can include:

  • Types of relationships

  • Public vs Private

  • Unhealthy vs healthy relationships

  • Conflict Resolution

  • Self-Esteem

  • Assertiveness in relationships

  • Consent

  • Rights and Responsibilities

Session Dates

  • Starting the week of August 26, 2024 (exact day TBD)

  • 1.5 hours weekly

  • In-person or virtual TBD

Eligibility

Eligible Adults will be 18 years and older, have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or intellectual disabilities (ID) and reside in the Durham Region. Click here to view Virtual Participation Requirements.

INDIVIDUAL SKILL REQUIREMENTS

Joint attention skills • Discrimination skills • Echoic skills • Motor imitation skills • Ability to follow common 1-step instructions • Participate in session with limited caregiver assistance • Safety concerns and challenging behaviour are low and/or caregivers are able to safely manage any challenging behaviour

To Register

For DSO-eligible clients residing in Durham make a referral through Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) at 1-855-277-2121.

Register by week of August 12, 2024.

Fee: FREE

For non-DSO eligible clients or those residing outside of the Durham Region a group fee of $566.00 applies. Contact 905-666-9688, ext. 700 or email mcormier@lrcss.com.

Register by July 29, 2024.

Fee: $845.11

Due to capacity limits, making a referral through the DSO does not guarantee a spot until Lake Ridge has confirmed your registration.

STAY IN THE KNOW

Join our email list or follow us on social media to keep up to speed on programming and more.

 
 

Anger Management for Adults

 

Contact Natalie Driscoll for more information:

(905) 666-9688 ext. 246 or email adultgroups@lrcss.com

Developing practical skills to cope with anger

A 9-week group program delivered virtually over video conference providing coping strategies for adults with autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disabilities.

Topics can include:

  • Identify and communicate feelings

  • Types of anger

  • Helpful and unhelpful ways of dealing with anger

  • Coping strategies

  • Problem-solving

  • Assertiveness skills

Session Dates

  • Starting the week of October 7, 2024

  • 1.5 hours weekly

  • In-person or virtual TBD

Eligibility

Participants must be 18 years and older with intellectual/developmental disabilities (ID) or a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Click here to view Virtual Participation Requirements (for virtual sessions only).

INDIVIDUAL SKILL REQUIREMENTS

Joint attention skills • Discrimination skills • Echoic skills • Motor imitation skills • Ability to follow common 1-step instructions • Participate in session with limited caregiver assistance • Safety concerns and challenging behaviour are low and/or caregivers are able to safely manage any challenging behaviour

TO REGISTER

For DSO-eligible clients residing in the Durham Region make a referral through Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) at 1-855-277-2121.

Register by September 29, 2024.

Fee: FREE

Due to capacity limits, making a referral through the DSO does not guarantee a spot until Lake Ridge has confirmed your registration.

For non-DSO eligible clients or those residing outside of the Durham Region a group fee applies. 905-666-9688, ext. 640, or email akennedy@lrcss.com.

Register by September 23, 2024.

Fee: $845.11

Stay in the Know

Follow us on social media or sign up for our email list to be notified when groups are accepting enrollment.

 
 

Adapted-Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

 

An educational group that aims to enhance skills in the areas of mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. The learning environment will include role-playing, written activities, and group discussions.

The group welcomes participants who may be struggling with the following:

  • Managing emotions (e.g. anger, jealousy, sadness, etc.)

  • Managing situations in which one feels distressed

  • Getting along with others

  • Have negative thoughts, suicidal ideation or engage in self-harm

  • Have difficulty self-soothing

Session Dates

Get notified the next time this group registration opens up.

ELIGIBILITY

Individuals must be 18 years and older with intellectual/developmental disabilities or a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.

INDIVIDUAL SKILL REQUIREMENTS

  • Joint attention skills

  • Discrimination skills

  • Participate in sessions with limited caregiver assistance

  • Safety concerns and challenging behaviour are low and/or caregivers are able to safely manage any challenging behaviour

REGISTRATION

For DSO-eligible clients residing in Durham please contact Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) at 1-855-277-2121. Deadline for Registration: Stay Tuned.

Fee: FREE

For non-DSO eligible clients or those residing outside of the Durham Region please contact 905-666-9688, ext. 640. Deadline for Registration: Stay Tuned.

Fee: TBD

Stay in the Know

Follow us on social media or sign-up for our email list to stay up to speed on programming and more.

 
 
 

Dating 101 for Adults

 

Contact Natalie Driscoll for more information:

(905) 666-9688 ext. 246 or email adultgoups@lrcss.com

PRACTICAL GUIDANCE FOR dating and relationships beyond being “just friends”.

A 9-week group program that prepares adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or intellectual disabilities (ID) for dating and relationships.

Topics can include:

  • Types of relationships

  • Understanding consent

  • Hygiene, appearance and preparing for a date

  • Body cues and flirting

  • How to determine your relationship status

  • Dating etiquette

  • Dating safety and assertiveness

  • Healthy versus unhealthy relationships

  • Coping with breaks-ups and rejection

Session Dates - STAY TUNED OR FUTURE GROUPS

Get notified the next time this group is accepting enrollments.

Eligibility

Eligible Adults will be 18 years and older, have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder/Intellectual Disability and must provide their own transportation to and from sessions.

INDIVIDUAL SKILL REQUIREMENTS

Joint attention skills • Discrimination skills • Echoic skills • Motor imitation skills • Ability to follow common 1-step instructions • Participate in session with limited caregiver assistance • Ability to sit independently for 20 minutes • Safety concerns and challenging behaviour are low and/or caregivers are able to safely manage any challenging behaviour

TO REGISTER

For DSO-eligible clients residing in the Durham Region make a referral through Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) at 1-855-277-2121.

DSO FEE: FREE

Due to capacity limits, making a referral through the DSO does not guarantee a spot until Lake Ridge has confirmed your registration.

For non-DSO eligible clients or those residing outside of the Durham Region a group fee applies. 905-666-9688, ext. 640, or email akennedy@lrcss.com.

Non-DSO FEE: TBD

Stay in the know

Follow us on social media or sign up for our email list to be notified when our next group is available.

 
 

Healthy Sexuality for Adults

 
Healthy Sexuality for Adults logo with images of diverse couples.

Contact Natalie Driscoll for more information:

(905) 666-9688 ext. 246 or email adultgroups@lrcss.com

A 10-week program for adults with autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disabilities to gain knowledge about healthy sexuality and relationships.

Topics can include:

  • Different types of relationships

  • Public vs. private acts

  • Many roads to relationships

  • Anatomy

  • Sexual feelings and attractions

  • Communication and decision-making about sex

  • Pregnancy

  • Online dating and social media

Session Dates

Get notified the next time this group is accepting enrollments.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Adults will be 18 years and older, have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder/Intellectual Disability and must provide their own transportation to and from sessions.

INDIVIDUAL SKILL REQUIREMENTS

Joint attention skills • Discrimination skills • Echoic skills • Motor imitation skills • Ability to follow common 1-step instructions • Participate in sessions with limited caregiver assistance • Ability to sit independently for 20 minutes • Safety concerns and challenging behaviour are low and/or caregivers are able to safely manage any challenging behaviour

Participation REQUIREMENTS

Access to an internet connection • Electronic device • Private space for learning

TO REGISTER

For DSO-eligible clients residing in the Durham Region make a referral through Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) at 1-855-277-2121.

Deadline to Register: TBD

DSO FEE: FREE

Due to capacity limits, making a referral through the DSO does not guarantee a spot until Lake Ridge has confirmed your registration.

For non-DSO eligible clients or those residing outside of the Durham Region a group fee applies. Contact 905-666-9688, ext. 640, or email akennedy@lrcss.com.

Deadline to Register: TBD

NON-DSO FEE: TBD

Stay in the Know

Join our email list or follow us on social media to keep up to speed on programming and more.