Healthy Relationships for Adults

👋 Safe, healthy, and mutually beneficial relationships in all aspects of life.

Empowering everyday interactions

Social nuances can be confusing, especially across different types of relationships.  It can be a struggle to express your feelings and needs to others? Our group is designed to provide a clear framework for understanding and building healthy, confident relationships. Participants gain practical tools to navigate different social situations with clarity, set strong boundaries, and communicate with confidence.

A 9-week group for empowering adults with autism or intellectual disabilities to navigate and develop diverse relationships in all aspects of life.

What You’ll Learn:

Types of Relationships: Learn to identify different relationship types, from strangers to romantic partners, and understand the levels of trust and interaction within each.

Public vs. Private: Discover how to navigate appropriate behaviors, actions, and conversations in public versus private settings.

Consent, Rights & Responsibilities: Understand the importance of setting boundaries, what constitutes consent, and how to advocate for yourself.

Assertiveness & Conflict Resolution: Develop assertive communication skills using "I-statements" and learn steps for healthy problem-solving in relationships.

Self-Esteem: Build self-worth and confidence, which are vital for setting boundaries and making healthy choices.

Who Should Join?

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Adults with autism or intellectual disabilities who want to build a clear framework for social interaction.

🧠 Individuals seeking to improve their social comprehension and response skills.

🤝 People looking to understand and develop safe, healthy relationships.

🗣️ Anyone who wants to learn how to set boundaries and express themselves assertively.

Why Join

🎓 To gain a clear framework for navigating social interactions.

🛠️ To learn practical skills for building healthy connections.

🔒 To promote independence and personal safety.

🗣️ To express yourself clearly and confidently without being taken advantage of.

🤝 Get Clarity and Build Connection

Program Details

📅 Virtual Parent/Mediator Training: December 7, 2026

🗓️ Client Sessions: December 14, 2026 – February 8, 2027 (with a 2 week break over the Holidays)

Schedule: Weekly Day and Time TBD

📍 Location: 900 Hopkins St. Unit 8, Whitby, ON. L1N 6A9 

💰 Cost: FREE with DSO Referral / $854.20 without

🧑‍🏫 Led by ABA-trained facilitators with oversight by an RBA

Registration through the DSO

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

Register by December 2, 2026

Fee: FREE

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

Fee Based Registration

For non-DSO eligible clients or those residing outside of the Durham Region, a group fee applies. Book a call with the Service Navigator here. 

Register by November 25, 2026

Fee: $854.20

Contact Natalie Driscoll for more information: Call 343-227-6822 or email adultgroups@lrcss.com

Eligibility

Participants must be 18 years and older with intellectual/developmental disabilities (ID) or a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

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.

Stay in the know

Join our email list or follow us on social media to be notified of upcoming groups.