Group-based Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) Services

Help your child build foundational play and social skills in a fun, interactive setting. Ready, Set, Play! is designed for young children and their caregivers to learn and grow together through play-based group activities. 

This group gives parents and caregivers the opportunity to: 

• Engage in hands-on play with their child in a small, supportive group 
• Receive coaching and practical strategies to support their child’s play at home 
• Discover new toys, games, and creative ways to play together 
• Take part in fun, interactive group activities that encourage connection and skill development 

Whether your child is just beginning to explore social play or ready to take their skills to the next level, this group provides a supportive space for learning through play. 

Explorer Club is a multi-level program designed to help children build and strengthen their play and social interaction skills. With four levels available, each stage focuses on a specific set of goals, allowing the program to be tailored to your child’s current abilities and developmental needs. 

Children move through the levels at their own pace, supported by a team that carefully matches group participants by age, skills, and individual goals. This approach ensures that each group offers a supportive, enjoyable, and productive experience. 

Depending on your child’s current strengths and learning goals, Explorer Club may focus on skills such as:  

• Joining in play with peers 
• Taking turns, sharing responsibility, and solving problems during group play 
• Expressing their needs confidently, such as asking to continue, saying “no,” or asking questions 
• Responding to questions from adults and peers 
• Practicing classroom-readiness skills like transitioning with a group, waiting their turn, and following shared instructions 

Explorer Club is a fun and structured way for children to develop key social and play skills that support success in group settings at school, home, and in the community. 

Calling all young adventurers! Join the AIM Explorers on a journey of self-awareness and emotional growth. This group is based on the Accept. Identify. Move. (AIM) curriculum developed by Dr. Mark Dixon and uses engaging stories, games, and imaginative characters like Bidzill the Bear, Tulle the Turtle, and Ophelia the Octopus to help children explore their inner world in a fun and supportive environment. 

Through interactive sessions, participants will learn to: 

• Recognize and name the thoughts and feelings that influence their behaviour at home, in school, and with others 
• Develop flexible thinking strategies to help them navigate challenges and bounce back from difficult situations 
• Build emotional regulation tools, explore personal values, and practice making thoughtful, values-based choices 

AIM Explorers helps children strengthen the emotional skills they need to understand themselves, relate to others, and handle everyday challenges with confidence. 

Strong feelings can be confusing for anyone, especially for children. Kinark’s Exploring Feelings program is based on the curriculum developed by world-renowned Clinical Psychologist Dr. Tony Attwood and helps children recognize the connections between their thoughts and emotions.

In this group, children will learn to:

• Recognize and better understand their emotions
• Explore how feelings can affect their body, thoughts, behaviour, and speech 
• Identify situations that may trigger certain emotions and begin to build their personal “Emotional Toolbox,” practical strategies they can use during challenging moments 

Exploring Feelings offers a supportive space for children to develop emotional awareness and coping skills that promote self-understanding and resilience. 

Kids Klub is designed for children who are ready for the next step beyond our play-focused programs. Through fun games, guided peer interactions, and light structure, children begin to build essential social-communication skills in a supportive and engaging environment. 

This group is ideal for children who are starting to build independence in social settings and learn best through interactive, game-based activities. 

Children will practice skills such as:

• Greeting peers and introducing themselves 
• Asking for help and making/responding to simple requests 
• Following peer-led directions during group games 
• Taking turns and sharing during structured activities 
• Initiating play and conversations with others 

Kids Klub helps children strengthen social skills while still learning through fun and playful interactions. 

Children’s Friendship Training is a unique group that combines child learning with parent coaching sessions. Children build important social skills through a mix of games, group activities, and structured learning through clear instructions, models, role-play, and feedback. In concurrent parent sessions, parents receive guidance on how to support their child’s practice and growth at home. 

In this group, children will learn to:

• Make a positive first impression 
• Start and maintain conversations with peers 
• Discover common interests with other children 
• Play fairly and be gracious whether winning or losing 
• Resolve conflicts calmly 
• Join in group play 
• Be a thoughtful and welcoming host during playdates 

This group focuses on foundational friendship skills, combining guided practice and group activities. It is best suited for children who can learn through structured teaching, observation, and supported practice in a small group setting. 

There are no winter sessions currently planned. If you’re interested in this group, please complete the interest form and a member of our team will get in touch with you.

Friendship Crew builds on foundational social skills through structured lessons and interactive practice. Using evidence-based teaching strategies like instruction, modelling, role-playing, and supportive feedback. Children strengthen their ability to navigate everyday social situations with confidence. 

In this group, children will learn to: 

• Start and join conversations with peers 
• Maintain meaningful back-and-forth conversations 
• Choose friends who are a good fit 
• Demonstrate good sportsmanship 
• Handle disagreements calmly and respectfully 

Friendship Crew emphasizes skill-building with less focus on play and more on practice, helping children strengthen their ability to build and maintain friendships.  

Is your child ready to take their social skills to the next level? Friendship Crew: Level Up builds on skills learned in our other groups and is designed for children who are ready to deepen their friendships, navigate group dynamics, and work together toward shared goals.

In this group, children will focus on: 

• Strengthening and maintaining close friendships over time
• Perspective-taking, reading social cues, and adapting their behaviour in the moment
• Entering and participating in group conversations
• Collaborating on group decisions and solving problems together

While participation in previous groups is not a prerequisite, this group is ideal for more advanced social learners who are ready to explore nuanced social skills through discussion, guided practice, and role-play.

Bully Proofing Crew supports children in building confidence and practical skills to handle teasing, bullying, and challenging social situations. This group is designed for children who learn best through clear instruction, watching examples, practicing skills through role play, and receiving supportive feedback using an approach called Behaviour Skills Training (BST). 

Key skills participants will develop include: 

• Recognizing and responding to teasing and embarrassing feedback with confidence 
• Understanding body language and social cues to better assess others’ interest and feelings 
• Managing physical bullying safely and effectively 
• Learning important internet safety skills, including how to stay safe online and use electronic communication responsibly 
• Navigating peer pressure and feelings like jealousy 
• Handling disagreements in respectful and positive ways 
• Building self-esteem and learning positive strategies for what to do if they’re bullied or teased 

Bully Proofing Crew offers a supportive environment where children can practice these skills and build resilience for everyday social challenges. 

Hangout with Friends is a relaxed and supportive group designed for children and teens who have previously participated in one of our social skills groups. This is a chance to reconnect with familiar faces, engage in shared activities, and continue practicing the skills they’ve learned — all with the guidance of experienced clinicians and supervision by a Registered Behaviour Analyst (R.B.A. Ont.). 

Guided by the group’s interests, participants may take part in activities like preparing or sharing snacks, playing games, or collaborating on group challenges in a fun, social environment. 

Skills supported during this group may include:  

• Identifying shared interests 
• Starting and ending conversations 
• Keeping a conversation going 
• Using humour respectfully and effectively 
• Practicing good sportsmanship 
• Navigating disagreements calmly 
• Reinforcing other skills as opportunities arise 

Hangout with Friends helps participants apply their social skills in real-time, everyday interactions — with just the right amount of structure and support. 

Fearless is a supportive and creative social group designed for youth who enjoy connecting through expressive activities, shared interests, and fun, friendship-focused experiences. The group encourages self-esteem, peer connection, and confidence in social conversations and relationships — all in a relaxed and welcoming space. 

Each session is inspired by themes and activities that appeal to those drawn to creativity, style, and self-expression.

Themes may vary based on the group, but past favourites have included: 

• RED – Nail painting and DIY spa night 
• WILDEST DREAMS – Hair braiding and styling 
• SPARKS FLY – Cupcake baking and decorating 
• BAD BLOOD – Board game night 
• SHAKE IT OFF – Dancing to favourite songs and learning fun routines 
• BLANK SPACE – Paint night and guided art 
• LOVER – Make your own friendship bracelets 

Fearless is perfect for youth who enjoy a fun, social setting where they can explore identity, build confidence, and connect with like-minded peers through creative and engaging activities. 

Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to handle tough situations? AIM is a group that helps teens explore their emotions, thoughts, and values so they can feel more confident navigating everyday challenges, whether that’s at home, school, or in friendships. 

Kinark’s AIM program is based on curriculum developed by Dr. Mark Dixon and Dr. Dana Paliliunas. It combines three evidence-based practices: Mindfulness Training, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) to support real growth. 

The group offers three levels with different activities and opportunities for practice, all focused on the same core social-emotional skills. Participants can join any level, previous participation is not required. 

In AIM, you’ll learn how to: 

• Recognize how your thoughts and feelings influence your actions 
• Stay grounded and flexible when life gets tough 
• Find what really matters to you and make choices that line up with your values 
• Build real tools to manage emotions and tough situations with confidence 

Led by experienced clinicians using these proven approaches, AIM offers a supportive space to build emotional strength, clarity, and confidence in a way that feels real and relatable. 

Life Hacks: Fuel Up helps participants gain practical life skills they can use every day – both in and out of the kitchen. This hands-on group focuses on food, money, and planning to help participants develop confidence, independence, and essential executive functioning skills.

In this group, participants will learn: 

• To identify balanced food options and make decisions that align with wellness goals
• Planning and organization through structured weekly meal planning based on time, budget, and personal preferences
• Functional academics and daily living skills by generating shopping lists, comparing unit prices, reading food labels, and applying budgeting strategies
• Executive functioning skills such as time management and problem-solving and apply these skills through practice

Throughout the group, you’ll practice planning and budgeting skills, leading up to a final session where you’ll prepare and enjoy a group meal you’ve planned together. Led by experienced clinicians, Life Hacks: Fuel Up is one of two Life Hacks programs. It can be taken on its own or alongside Life Hacks: Sweat & Reset – no prerequisites required.

Ready to take the next step toward finding a job that fits you? Career Connections helps teens build the skills and confidence needed to explore work opportunities and succeed in the workplace. 

In this group, you’ll learn how to: 

• Find jobs that match your interests, strengths, and skills 
• Write a clear and effective resumé 
• Practice job interview skills so you’re prepared and confident 
• Understand important social skills, self-advocacy, and the “unwritten rules” that make workplaces run smoothly 

With support from experienced clinicians, Career Connections is designed to give you practical tools that make job hunting and working feel less stressful and more achievable. 

Hangout with Friends is a relaxed and supportive group designed for children and teens who have previously participated in one of our social skills groups. This is a chance to reconnect with familiar faces, engage in shared activities, and continue practicing the skills they’ve learned — all with the guidance of experienced clinicians and supervision by a Registered Behaviour Analyst (R.B.A. Ont.). 

Guided by the group’s interests, participants may take part in activities like preparing or sharing snacks, playing games, or collaborating on group challenges in a fun, social environment. 

Skills supported during this group may include:  

• Identifying shared interests 
• Starting and ending conversations 
• Keeping a conversation going 
• Using humour respectfully and effectively 
• Practicing good sportsmanship 
• Navigating disagreements calmly 
• Reinforcing other skills as opportunities arise 

Hangout with Friends helps participants apply their social skills in real-time, everyday interactions — with just the right amount of structure and support. 

Step into a world of adventure, teamwork, and imagination with our Dungeons & Dragons social group! This role-playing game uses storytelling and creative problem-solving to create a fun, interactive space where teens can build important social skills. 

In this group, you’ll have the chance to: 

• Work together with others to overcome challenges 
• Practice creative problem-solving in a supportive setting 
• Engage in meaningful conversations and collaboration 

Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned player, this group offers a unique way to connect, learn, and have fun, all while building skills that matter in real life. 

Want to feel more confident making and keeping friends? PEERS® Friendship is a proven program for teens and young adults who are ready to learn real strategies for building better social connections at school, online, and in everyday life. 

You’ll learn how to: 

• Start and join conversations naturally 
• Keep conversations going without it feeling awkward 
• Figure out who’s a good fit as a friend 
• Plan hangouts and navigate group dynamics 
• Handle disagreements and fix social slip-ups 
• Improve your social reputation if things haven’t gone smoothly in the past 

PEERS® is used around the world in over 35 countries and is backed by evidence — so you know it’s not just advice, it actually works. 

Parents or social coaches join their own sessions at the same time, so they can help you practice what you learn and support your success outside the group. 

Tired of not knowing what to say or do when someone crosses the line? PEERS® Bully Proofing gives teens real-world tools to handle teasing, bullying, and social drama both online and in person, with confidence. 

In this group, you’ll build skills to: 

• Respond calmly and confidently to teasing or mean comments 
• Deal with embarrassing feedback (without making it worse) 
• Recognize and handle cyberbullying 
• Navigate gossip, rumours, and tricky social situations 
• Stand up for yourself if things get physical 
• Disagree with someone respectfully and keep your cool 
• Shift your social reputation if you want a fresh start 

Parents or social coaches attend sessions alongside the group (but separately), so they can support you and help you practice outside of the group setting. 

PEERS® Bully Proofing is based on research, taught by experienced clinicians, and designed to help you handle tough situations without feeling alone or unsure. 

Curious about dating but not sure where to start? PEERS® Dating is an evidence-based group for teens and young adults who want real, honest advice about dating, without the awkwardness. This program gives you the tools to feel more confident in the dating world, from figuring out if someone’s interested to knowing how to handle rejection with respect. 

You’ll learn how to: 

• Flirt in a way that’s respectful (and not cringe) 
• Show someone you’re interested 
• Figure out who’s actually a good match for you 
• Ask someone out — and what to do if they say no 
• Plan and go on dates that feel comfortable and fun 
• Set healthy boundaries and handle pressure 
• Know what’s okay (and what’s not) in a dating relationship 

PEERS® Dating is taught by experienced clinicians using strategies that are proven to work, and it’s a judgement-free zone where questions are welcome. 

Whether dating is brand new for you or you just want to feel more prepared, PEERS® Dating helps you build confidence and skills that matter. 

There are no winter sessions currently planned. If you’re interested in this group, please complete the interest form and a member of our team will get in touch with you.

Get job-ready with the tools to succeed. 

Career Connections is designed for adults who are ready to explore employment and build the skills needed to succeed in today’s workplace. Whether you’re applying for your first job or looking to improve your job search skills, this group offers practical guidance in a supportive setting. 

In this group, you’ll learn how to: 

• Find job opportunities that align with your interests and strengths 
• Write a clear, professional resumé 
• Practice job interview skills and feel more confident speaking with employers 
• Understand workplace social expectations and how to advocate for yourself on the job 

Led by experienced clinicians, Career Connections helps you take the next step with real-world strategies and support tailored to your goals. 

Make and keep friends with practical, real-world strategies. 

PEERS® Friendship is an internationally recognized, evidence-based social skills group designed for adults who are interested in building stronger friendships and social confidence. It offers tools and guidance to help navigate social situations more comfortably and successfully. 

In this group, you’ll work on skills such as: 

• Starting and joining conversations 
• Keeping conversations going naturally 
• Finding and choosing appropriate friends 
• Organizing hangouts or social meetups 
• Managing disagreements and resolving conflict 
• Understanding and improving social reputation 

Whether you want to expand your social circle, feel more comfortable in social settings, or improve your current relationships, PEERS® Friendship can help you get there with practical support and strategies that work. 

There are no winter sessions currently planned. If you’re interested in this group, please complete the interest form and a member of our team will get in touch with you.

Learn how to date with confidence, respect, and clarity. 

PEERS® Dating is an evidence-based social skills group for adults who want to feel more confident navigating the dating world. Whether you’re new to dating or want to improve your skills, this group provides a comfortable, respectful space to learn and practice. 

Topics include: 

• Flirting and showing interest in a respectful way 
• Choosing appropriate people to date 
• Asking someone out and handling rejection 
• Planning and going on dates 
• Understanding boundaries and relationship “do’s and don’ts” 
• Handling pressure from partners and knowing your limits 

PEERS® Dating is taught by trained clinicians using evidence-based strategies, with a focus on building genuine confidence and helping participants navigate relationships in a healthy, empowered way. 

There are no winter sessions currently planned. If you’re interested in this group, please complete the interest form and a member of our team will get in touch with you.