Group Programs

ACT offers a number of group programs in Ottawa throughout the year for children and teens. Groups focus on functional routines, mental health, making friends and more.

All group programs at ACT are eligible for expense under the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) Core Clinical Services. Groups may also be eligible for third-party insurance coverage.

Academic Support Resilient Minds (7 to 9) Children’s Friendship (9 to 12) Teen Neurodiversity (13 to 17)

Resilient Minds – Anxiety Group

Ages: 7 to 9
Dates: January 22 to February 26, 2026
Time: Thursdays, 5 to 6:30 PM
Location: Colonnade
Cost: $900

The objective of this group is to help children build upon emotional awareness and self-regulation skills through a combination of psychoeducation discussions, sensory exploration, mindfulness and creative activities.

Throughout the 6-week program, each session introduces a theme related to understanding emotions, calming the body and developing a personalized coping toolkit.

Please note this program is only available in English.

What to Expect:

Children will participate in games, hands-on sensory activities, mindfulness exercises and age-appropriate discussions to better understand how their brains and bodies respond to stress.
By the end of the program, each child will have a personalized (tangible) toolbox of strategies they can use to feel calmer, focused and confident in managing big feelings.

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CHILDREN’S FRIENDSHIP GROUP

Ages: 9 to 12
Dates: January 20 to March 31, 2026 (No session the week of March Break)
Time: Tuesdays, 5 to 6 PM
Location: Colonnade
Cost: $1000

The Children’s Friendship Group is a 10-week program in support of neurodiverse elementary school-aged children who struggle to make and maintain friends.

Please note this program is only available in English.

What to expect:

A fun and welcoming environment for children to learn skills to meet and make friends.
An evidence-based, skill-building group for children.
Weekly caregivers’ group (held at the same time as the children’s group) to get the tools and knowledge to become social coaches for your children.

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TEEN NEURODIVERSITY GROUP

Ages: 13 to 17
Dates: January 22 to April 2, 2026 (No session the week of March Break)
Time: Thursdays, 5 to 6 PM
Location: Colonnade
Cost: $700

Calling all teens! Our 10-week teen group is a chance to make friends and take part in activities (suggested by youth) in a warm and welcoming space!

Please note this program is only available in English.

What to expect:

Soft coaching around social skills, group rules, boundaries, consent etc.
Teens collaborate with group facilitators to choose activities they want to participate in.
Crafts, video game night, board games, low-cost outings etc.

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Small Group Academic Program

Please note this program is only available in English.

Ages: Students performing at approximately grade 1 to 5 level
Dates: November 5, 2025, to February 4, 2026 (No sessions December 24/31)
Time: Wednesdays, 1 to 4 PM
Location: Colonnade
Cost:
3-hour session – 12 weeks ($2550)
2-hour session – 12 weeks ($1770)
1 hour session – 12 weeks ($990)

This group uses the evidence-based Direct Instruction model to support in reading, math, writing or spelling for neurodivergent learners. It is designed for students performing at approximately grade 1 to 5 level in reading, math or writing, regardless of their age.

Each weekly session is 3 hours, divided into three 1-hour blocks: Reading Mastery, Connecting Math Concepts, and Spelling Mastery OR Expressive Writing. Families may register for the whole session or select the block(s) in which their child needs the most support.

The program runs in 12-week terms, with progress reports issued every 6 and 12 weeks.

What to Expect:

Students complete a placement test before starting to determine the entry level.
Instruction is delivered in small groups (maximum six students) by trained DI instructors, with Behaviour Analyst oversight and support staff available as needed.
All materials are included, and sessions are designed to be structured, engaging and confidence-building.

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Having trouble completing registration? Email intake@actlearningcentre.ca or call 343-887-2287.