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

Teen Education Groups

 
 

Our educational social skills programs for teens focus on broad social skills and the specific needs of youth going through adolescence. Sessions are designed for youth with autism spectrum disorder and/or intellectual disability to help them learn skills needed to build friendships, safely begin dating and develop confidence in a variety of social situations. Each group has an individualized curriculum that is based on the assessment of each youth participating. Curriculums are built using the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). Youth participate in a variety of fun activities and engaging lessons, use of tip sheets and homework. Parents and caregivers will have opportunities to observe their youth during group sessions and progress updates will be provided throughout the group.

Each group includes:

  • Complimentary initial assessment to determine eligibility   

  • Individualized assessment and behaviour plans

  • Youth only sessions

  • Parent training

  • Parent and youth sessions  

Youth 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.

 
Teen Education Groups
Summer Social Skills (2024)
Summer Social Skills (2024)

A summer program for autistic children and youth of various ages and those with intellectual disabilities looking to make connections and develop their social skills.

Puberty for Youth (General Perspective)
Puberty for Youth (General Perspective)

In this 6-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.

Social Skills for Teens
Social Skills for Teens

A group program that teaches autistic teens and those with intellectual disabilities the social skills needed to build friendships.

Teen Resume Workshop
Teen Resume Workshop

Over 3 sessions, youth with autism or intellectual disabilities learn how to craft their resume.

Dating101 for Teens
Dating101 for Teens

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

 
Teens smiling. Social Skills for Teens logo.

SOCIAL SKILLS FOR TEENS (13 to 17 Years Old)

A 12-week program designed for teens with autism spectrum disorder and/or intellectual disability to build skills needed to make and keep friends and feel comfortable in social situations.

Topics covered can include: Initiating & maintaining conversations • Expanding on preferred and non-preferred topics • Turn-taking in a conversation • Listening • Non-verbal cues • Assertiveness skills • Social Media and Communication • Bullying

Session Dates

  • The next Sessions running Fall 2024

Registration

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

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

ELIGIBILITY

Must be between the ages of 13 and 17 years old with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder or an intellectual disability.

INDIVIDUAL SKILL REQUIREMENTS

Joint attention skills • Discrimination skills • Echoic skills • Motor imitation skills • Ability to follow common 1-step instructions • Participate within group sessions with limited individual assistance • Safety concerns and challenging behaviour are low and safely managed with limited assistance and do not pose a risk for other participants

 
 

Teen Resume Workshop (15 to 17 Years Old)

From a blank sheet to a completed resume in 4 sessions

Teens with autism or intellectual disabilities will learn the process of developing a resume from start to finish, with the support of trained staff, and will have a finished product upon completion of the group.

Topics

Identifying strengths • Identifying job interests • Breaking down a resume • Building a resume • Tips for finding a job

Session dates/cost

Session Dates: May 7, 2024 to May 28, 2024
In-Person Participant Sessions: 4 In-person Sessions
When: Weekly on Tuesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: 900 Hopkins St. Unit 8, Whitby, L1N 6A9
Cost: $873.16

REGISTER

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

ELIGIBILITY

Must be between the ages of 15 and 17 years old with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder or an intellectual disability.

INDIVIDUAL SKILL REQUIREMENTS

Joint attention skills • Discrimination skills • Echoic skills • Motor imitation skills • Ability to follow common 1-step instructions • Participate within group sessions with limited individual assistance • Ability to sit independently at a computer or tablet for 20 minutes • Safety concerns and challenging behaviour are low and safely managed with limited assistance and do not pose a risk for other participants

 
 
Images of diverse couples with Dating 101 for Teens logo.

Dating 101 for Teens (15 to 17 Years Old)

Dating and relationship education for neurodivergent teens

A 8-week program preparing youth with autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disabilities for dating and relationships beyond being “just friends”.

Topics

Types of relationships • How to have a successful date • Unhealthy relationships • Preparing yourself to date • Dealing with rejection/break-ups • Online dating/safety • How to start dating • Understanding consent

Session Dates

Session Dates: June 4, 2024 to July 23, 2024
In-Person Participant Sessions: 8 weeks including 1 Parent Session
When: Weekly on Tuesdays from 6:30 pm to 7:30 p.m.
Where: 900 Hopkins St. Unit 8, Whitby, L1N 6A9
Cost: $1,388.63

REGISTER

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

ELIGIBILITY

Must be between the ages of 15 and 17 years old with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder or an intellectual disability.

INDIVIDUAL SKILL REQUIREMENTS

Joint attention skills • Discrimination skills • Echoic skills • Motor imitation skills • Ability to follow common 1- step instructions • Participate within group sessions with limited individual assistance • Ability to sit independently at a computer or tablet for 20 minutes • Safety concerns and challenging behaviour are low and safely managed with limited assistance and do not pose a risk for other participants

 
“100% of parents surveyed agreed or strongly agreed that if needed, they would recommend this service (Dating 101 for Teens) to others. ”
— 2019 Fall Social Skills Group Program Satisfaction Survey
 

PUBERTY FOR YOUTH

In these 6-week interactive groups for youth with autism or intellectual disabilities aged 9-14 participants gain a comprehensive guide to puberty, what it is, what to expect and how to adapt to the changes they are going through. Across 6 sessions youth will learn everything they need to know in a fun, safe environment with their peers.

Click on a group below to learn more and see availability
Puberty for Youth (General Perspective)
Puberty for Youth (General Perspective)

In this 6-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.

Puberty for Youth (Female Physiological Perspective)
Puberty for Youth (Female 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 female physiological perspective.

Puberty for Youth (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

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

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

VIRTUAL GROUP REQUIREMENTS

  • Access to an internet connection

  • Electronic device

  • Private space for learning

INDIVIDUAL SKILL REQUIREMENTS FOR VIRTUAL PROGRAMS

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 at a computer or tablet for 20 minutes • Safety concerns and challenging behaviour are low and/or caregivers are able to safely manage any challenging behaviour