2023 Fall programs

This fall, ACT is hosting a variety of group-based programs designed to help your child develop important skills, such as forming personal connections, building and maintaining social connections, developing motor skills, communication skills and much more.

Each group is facilitated by a combination of Behavioural Therapists (interventionists), Occupational Therapy Assistants, Communication Disorder Assistants and Registered Early Childhood Educators, and are overseen by Board-Certified Behaviour Analysts, Occupational Therapists and Speech-Language Pathologists.

All fall groups begin the week of September 11 and run weekly until December 1. *(Monday groups will run until December 4, excluding “Let’s Play!”)

All therapy groups offered by ACT are eligible for expense under the Ontario Autism Program.

Available Groups by Location

Group dates and times vary by location. Please see below to view program availability by location.

Antares Kanata Orleans

Fine Motor FUN

Ages: 3 to 5 years
Days: Tuesdays 9:00 to 11:00 AM
Cost: $1000

Fine motor skills are the movements and coordination of the small muscles in the finger and hands. Fine motor skills are important for the development of skills related to many daily activities, such as dressing, feeding and school-related activities. The group will focus on the development of fine motor skills to access school-related activities such as pre-printing, cutting and colouring. This group will consist of various multisensory activities and structured activities with a focus on developing strength, precision, dexterity and coordination skills. In conjunction with fine motor activities, the early learners will participate in various whole body activities to develop essential core strength and shoulder stability needed to participate in fine motor activities.

Supervised by an Occupational Therapist

Ready, Set, Communicate!

Ages: 3 to 6 years
Days: Mondays 9:00 to 11:00 AM
Cost: $1000

The group will focus on supporting children learning to communicate with symbols/pictures (or AAC: Augmentative and Alternative Communication). In this group, children will be provided with exposure to and practice using symbols. This group is ideal for children interested in exploring communicating with AAC (with little to no experience) and children new to communicating with AAC (who may have a communication device, book or system they are learning to use). The group will include a variety of play-based activities where children will have the opportunity to explore symbols in fun and meaningful contexts.

Supervised by a Speech-Language Pathologist

Social Explorers

Ages: 3 to 5 years
Days: Fridays 9:00 to 11:00 AM
Cost: $1000

The group will focus on developing early foundational social skills including improving joint attention, increasing back and forth communication, exploring new play ideas and engaging in parallel play with peers in a variety of fun and engaging play activities.

Eligibility: This group is ideal for children who are learning to communicate consistently (verbally or non-verbally), explore toys, play nearby peers, and initiate with and respond to others.

Supervised by a Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst, Speech-Language Pathologist, and/or Occupational Therapist

Social Adventures

Ages: 4 to 6 years
Days: Thursdays 9:00 to 11:00 AM
Cost: $1000

The group focuses on building social/friendship skills including increasing communication, turn taking, and cooperative play with peers during a variety of structured and unstructured play activities.

Eligibility: This group is ideal for children who communicate consistently (verbally or non-verbally), are learning how to join in play with peers, can take some turns back and forth in an interaction, and demonstrate interest in play with toys (e.g., construction or early pretend play).

Supervised by a Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst

Let’s Play!

Ages: 3 to 6 years
Days: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays 1:00 to 3:30 PM
Cost: FREE

Children are welcome to attend 1, 2, or 3 sessions per week as desired (as space allows).

Children will participate in structured group activities (e.g., circle, craft) and unstructured group activities (e.g., free play) with peers. The curriculum is designed to help children learn to follow a consistent routine as well as support development of social interaction and play skills.

Children of all skill levels are welcome. Children who require 1-to-1 support to participate in the group environment may require a modified attendance schedule.