If you need support for your child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during the March Break, applications are now open for the Autism Ontario March Break Reimbursement Fund, funded by the Government of Ontario.

This support is available to Ontario families of children or youth with ASD, who retain the services of a one-to-one support worker, or who have paid for their child to attend a March Break camp or program.

Maximum reimbursements of $350 per child or youth (up to the age of 18), will be made to subsidize services purchased during the March Break. Reimbursements will be provided on a random selection made from all eligible applicants. At minimum, 1,007 Ontario families are expected to receive reimbursements.

For more information, and to apply, please visit: March Break Reimbursement Fund | Autism Ontario

Spectrum Intervention Group has launched its new Building Outcomes Optimizing Skills Through Support (BOOST) program, and they are now accepting registrations for the sessions beginning on January 17, 2026.

The program is provided to families for $75, thanks to a generous grant from the Andison Family Foundation.

BOOST is a combined group and parent coaching program for children ages four to nine who are not yet receiving core clinical services funding. Sessions will be held at Spectrum Intervention Group (30 Camelot Drive).

There are a wide range of Social Skills and Life Skills groups for the winter 2026 season in Ottawa and the Eastern Region. We’ve put together a list of available programs, organized by age group, to help you explore options.

These resources are shared for informational purposes only, and do not imply any endorsement or affiliation with SCS. Participation in these programs is optional, and families assume responsibility for their own involvement.

Legend: (FR) – Bilingual or French-only sessions

______________________

Programs for ages 0-4

Boltz4Kids Programs – Lightswitch and Lightbulb Groups

(FR) CHEO – Foundational Family Services for Children with Autism (Registered with OAP) – Let’s Play Together

(FR) CHEO – Foundational Family Services for Children with Autism (Registered with OAP) – Maker Space

Child in Mind – Learn to Play

(FR) City of Ottawa Social Groups (All ages)

(FR) Early ON Playgroups in Ottawa

(FR) Early ON Playgroups Parent Resource Centre

MC Behavioural Services After School Program

Mothercraft Ottawa – Child Care and Family Support

(FR) Ottawa Public Library

Programs for ages 5-7

ABA Connections – Arts & Crafts

ABA Connections – Children’s Social Group

ABA Connections – Fine Motor Club

ABA Connections – Mindfulness

ABA Connections – Music, Movement, Show and Tell

ABA Connections – Overcoming Obstacles

ABA Connections – Sensory Play

ABA Connections – Zones of Regulation

Achieve Therapy Interdisciplinary Group Therapy – Move and Tell

(FR) Act Learning Centre – Resilient Minds – Anxiety Group

Active Pediatrics Play & Connect

Boltz4Kids Programs – Lightswitch and Lightbulb Groups

(FR) CHEO – Foundational Family Services for Children with Autism (Registered with OAP) – Chill and Chat Youth Drop in

(FR) CHEO – Foundational Family Services for Children with Autism (Registered with OAP) – Maker Space

(FR) CHEO – Foundational Family Services for Children with Autism (Registered with OAP) – Supporting Siblings (5-8)

(FR) CHEO – Foundational Family Services for Children with Autism (Registered with OAP) – Understanding My Autism

Child in Mind – Calm Connections

Child in Mind – Learn to Play

Child in Mind – Self-Regulation and Social Skills

Child in Mind – Social Skills for Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

(FR) City of Ottawa Social Groups (All ages)

CORE Learning Centre After School Playgroup

(FR) Early ON Playgroups in Ottawa

(FR) Early ON Playgroups Parent Resource Centre

Expanding Horizons Occupational Therapy Groups – Handwriting Group

Expanding Horizons Occupational Therapy Groups – Self Regulation Group

Expanding Horizons Occupational Therapy Groups – Sensory Exploration Group

Expanding Horizons Occupational Therapy Groups – Social Skills Group

Family Harmonies – After-School Care

MC Behavioural Services After School Program

Mothercraft Ottawa – Child Care and Family Support

(FR) Ottawa Public Library

Tamir – Sunday Funday (Sundays)

Tamir – Kitchen Revolutionaries

Tamir – The Learning Lounge

Tamir – Lego Club

Programs for ages 8-10

ABA Connections – Arts & Crafts

ABA Connections – Children’s Social Group

ABA Connections – Fine Motor Club

ABA Connections – Mindfulness

ABA Connections – Music, Movement, Show and Tell

ABA Connections – Overcoming Obstacles

ABA Connections – Sensory Play

ABA Connections – Zones of Regulation

Achieve Therapy Interdisciplinary Group Therapy – Craft and Connect

Achieve Therapy Interdisciplinary Group Therapy – Inclusive Dance Program

Achieve Therapy Interdisciplinary Group Therapy – Game Explorers

(FR) Act Learning Centre – Children’s Friendship Group

(FR) Act Learning Centre – Resilient Minds – Anxiety Group

Active Pediatrics Play & Connect

Boltz4Kids Programs – Lightswitch and Lightbulb Groups

(FR) CHEO – Foundational Family Services for Children with Autism (Registered with OAP) – Chill and Chat Youth Drop in

(FR) CHEO – Foundational Family Services for Children with Autism (Registered with OAP) – Maker Space

(FR) CHEO – Foundational Family Services for Children with Autism (Registered with OAP) – Supporting Siblings (9-12)

(FR) CHEO – Foundational Family Services for Children with Autism (Registered with OAP) – Understanding My Autism

Child in Mind – Calm Connections

Child in Mind – Executive Functioning Skills Development

Child in Mind – Self-Regulation and Social Skills

Child in Mind – Social Skills for Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

(FR) City of Ottawa Social Groups (All ages)

(FR) Dimensions Centre – Board Games & Social Connection

(FR) Dimensions Centre – Creative Self-Expression

(FR) Dimensions Centre – Gaming Group

(FR) Dimensions Centre – Lego Club

(FR) Dimensions Centre – Mindfulness for Busy Minds

(FR) Dimensions Centre – Youth Interpersonal Group

Expanding Horizons Occupational Therapy Groups – Brunch Bunch

Expanding Horizons Occupational Therapy Groups – Craft and Confidence

Expanding Horizons Occupational Therapy Groups – Handwriting Group

Expanding Horizons Occupational Therapy Groups – Self Regulation Group

Expanding Horizons Occupational Therapy Groups – Sensory Exploration Group

Expanding Horizons Occupational Therapy Groups – Social Skills Group

Family Harmonies – After-School Care

Horizons Behaviour Consulting – Conquer and Construct Club

Horizons Behaviour Consulting – Detectives Group

MC Behavioural Services After School Program

(FR) Ottawa Public Library

Tamir – Sunday Funday (Sundays)

Tamir – Kitchen Revolutionaries

Tamir – The Learning Lounge

Tamir – Lego Club

Walk of Grace After School Program

Walk of Grace Weekend Program

Programs for ages 11-13

ABA Connections – Children’s Social Group

ABA Connections – Girls Hangout

ABA Connections – Girls Only Life Skills

ABA Connections – Improv and Drama

ABA Connections – Overcoming Obstacles

ABA Connections – Teen Hangout

ABA Connections – Teen Life Skills

ABA Connections – What’s Cooking?

(FR) Act Learning Centre – Children’s Friendship Group

(FR) Act Learning Centre – Kaleidoscope Crew: 2SLGBTQIA+ Teen Group

(FR) Act Learning Centre – Teen Neurodiversity Group

Achieve Therapy Interdisciplinary Group Therapy – Craft and Connect

Achieve Therapy Interdisciplinary Group Therapy – Game Explorers

Achieve Therapy Interdisciplinary Group Therapy – Inclusive Dance Program

Active Pediatrics Play & Connect

Boltz4Kids Programs – Lightswitch and Lightbulb Groups

(FR) CHEO – Foundational Family Services for Children with Autism (Registered with OAP) – Chill and Chat Youth Drop in

(FR) CHEO – Foundational Family Services for Children with Autism (Registered with OAP) – Maker Space

(FR) CHEO – Foundational Family Services for Children with Autism (Registered with OAP) – Supporting Siblings (9-12)

(FR) CHEO – Foundational Family Services for Children with Autism (Registered with OAP) – Understanding My Autism

Child in Mind – Calm Connections

Child in Mind – Executive Functioning Skills Development

Child in Mind – Peers Program

Child in Mind – Resilient Teen Minds

Child in Mind – Self-Regulation and Social Skills

Child in Mind – Social Skills for Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

(FR) City of Ottawa Social Groups (All ages)

(FR) Dimensions Centre – Board Games & Social Connection

(FR) Dimensions Centre – Creative Self-Expression

(FR) Dimensions Centre – Gaming Group

(FR) Dimensions Centre – Lego Club

(FR) Dimensions Centre – Mindfulness for Busy Minds

(FR) Dimensions Centre – Youth Interpersonal Group

Empowered Academy – EmpoweredU: Life Skills Group

Expanding Horizons Occupational Therapy Groups – Brunch Bunch

Expanding Horizons Occupational Therapy Groups – Craft and Confidence

Expanding Horizons Occupational Therapy Groups – Middle School Readiness

Expanding Horizons Occupational Therapy Groups – Self Regulation Group

Expanding Horizons Occupational Therapy Groups – Social Skills Group

Family Harmonies – After-School Care

Gloucester Association for Children with Special Needs (GACSN)

Horizons Behaviour Consulting – Conquer and Construct Club

Horizons Behaviour Consulting – Detectives Group

MC Behavioural Services After School Program

Tamir – Sunday Funday (Sundays)

Tamir – Adventure Club (Sundays)

Tamir – Kitchen Revolutionaries

Tamir – The Learning Lounge

Tamir – Lego Club

Walk of Grace After School Program

Walk of Grace Weekend Program

Programs for ages 14-17

ABA Connections – Girls Hangout

ABA Connections – Girls Only Life Skills

ABA Connections – Improv and Drama

ABA Connections – Teen Hangout

ABA Connections – Teen Life Skills

ABA Connections – What’s Cooking?

Achieve Therapy Interdisciplinary Group Therapy – Adventurer’s Club: Introduction to Dungeons and Dragons

Achieve Therapy Interdisciplinary Group Therapy – Craft and Connect

Achieve Therapy Interdisciplinary Group Therapy – Game Explorers

Achieve Therapy Interdisciplinary Group Therapy – Girls Connect

Achieve Therapy Interdisciplinary Group Therapy – Inclusive Dance Program

Achieve Therapy Interdisciplinary Group Therapy – Let’s Get Cooking

(FR) Act Learning Centre – Kaleidoscope Crew: 2SLGBTQIA+ Teen Group

(FR) Act Learning Centre – Teen Neurodiversity Group

Active Pediatrics Social Group

Boltz4Kids Programs – Lightswitch and Lightbulb Groups

(FR) CHEO – Foundational Family Services for Children with Autism (Registered with OAP) – Chill and Chat Youth Drop in

(FR) CHEO – Foundational Family Services for Children with Autism (Registered with OAP) – Tips for Teens

(FR) CHEO – Foundational Family Services for Children with Autism (Registered with OAP) – Understanding My Autism

Child in Mind – Resilient Teen Minds

Child in Mind – Peers Program

(FR) City of Ottawa – Social Groups – Inclusive Recreation – Art (15+)

(FR) City of Ottawa – Social Groups – Inclusive Recreation – Bolly X – Cardio Dance Fitness (15+)

(FR) City of Ottawa – Social Groups – Inclusive Recreation – Friday Night Youth (15+)

(FR) City of Ottawa – Social Groups – Inclusive Recreation – Games Night (15+)

(FR) City of Ottawa – Social Groups – Inclusive Recreation – Social Squad (15+)

(FR) City of Ottawa Social Groups (All ages)

(FR) Dimensions Centre – Board Games & Social Connection

(FR) Dimensions Centre – Creative Self-Expression

(FR) Dimensions Centre – Gaming Group

(FR) Dimensions Centre – Lego Club

(FR) Dimensions Centre – Mindfulness for Busy Minds

(FR) Dimensions Centre – Youth Interpersonal Group

EB Building Blocks – Self-Advocacy Group

EB Building Blocks – Teen Social Skills Group

EB Building Blocks – Understanding and Building Executive Functioning Skills

Empowered Academy – EmpoweredU: Life Skills Group

Expanding Horizons Occupational Therapy Groups – Life Skills

Family Harmonies – After-School Care

Gloucester Association for Children with Special Needs (GACSN)

Horizons Behaviour Consulting – Conquer and Construct Club

Ottawa Independent Living Resource Centre (OILRC) – Peer Support Program (16+)

Recreational Respite – Virtual Groups

Spark Lifecare – Youth on the GO!

Tamir – Adventure Club (Sundays)

Tamir – EVOLVE Program (Sundays)

Tamir – Gamerz Club

Tamir – Kitchen Revolutionaries

Tamir – The Learning Lounge

Walk of Grace After School Program

Walk of Grace Weekend Program

 

Celebrate the joy and light of Chanukah with the Tamir community at their FREE Chanukah party!

All members of the Tamir community are invited for an afternoon filled with music, creativity, and festive spirit.

Date: Thursday, December 18

Time: 1 – 3 p.m.

Location: Kehillat Beth Israel (1400 Coldrey Ave., Ottawa, ON)

Event Highlights:

• Chanukah crafts
• Delicious holiday treats including latkes and sufganiyot
• Live performance by Doug Barr, featuring interactive music for all ages
• Interactive menorah lighting ceremony
• Tamir Neshama Choir leading Maoz Tzur and other beloved Chanukah songs

For more information, please contact Chana Teitlebaum, Judaic Programmer and Social Inclusion Facilitator, at chanateitlebaum@tamir.ca.

Tamir supports people with developmental disabilities and people with Autism to live their best life by promoting individuality, independence, dignity, and community inclusion while embracing Jewish culture and values.

 

Partners in Parenting is now beginning assessments for respite placements at Rosemount R.E.C.C. to start in January 2026.

If you, a family member, or someone you support are interested in respite services, the first step is to complete the Partners in Parenting – Rosemount R.E.C.C. Respite Application Form Once completed, you will be contacted to begin the assessment process and to help determine the best fit.

If you would like more information, or need assistance completing the assessment form, please contact Valerie Mitchell valerie@partnersinparenting.ca.

 

Achieve Therapy Centre’s winter group therapy programs are designed for low-support youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who would benefit from structured opportunities to build communication skills, social confidence, emotional regulation, executive functioning, and independence.

These groups are facilitated by a team of speech-language pathologists (SLP), occupational therapists OT), communication disorders assistants, and occupational therapy assistants.

All programs are eligible for Ontario Autism Program (OAP) funding, and may also be reimbursable through extended health insurance under SLP/OT services.

Programming highlights include:

• Craft and connect (8-12 years old & 13+)
• DnD adventures club (Grade 7+)
• Game explorers (8-12 years old & 13+)
• Move and tell (5-7 years old)
• Girls connect (12+)
• Let’s get cooking (12-13 years old & 14+)

For questions and registration please contact groups@achievetherapycentre.com

 

Join DSO Eastern Region Housing Navigators for a FREE virtual discussion with Habitat for Humanity Greater Ottawa on Tuesday, January 20 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. (EST).

Topics covered will include:

• Benefits of the Affordable Homeownership Program, and how to qualify and apply
• Blended mortgages
• Two new upcoming projects in the Ottawa area

This session is open to people with a developmental disability, their family members and/or support networks, and developmental services professionals in Ontario.

To learn more and register, visit the DSO website.

Sonshine Families has made updates to their respite space, in order to ensure the space is safe for individuals using wheelchairs, and to ensure accessibility for all participants.

Improvements include:

• Main floor bedroom doorway widened for easier access
• Renovated accessible washroom located next to the bedroom
• Front entrance ramp addition

For additional information about the Sonshine Families respite program, please contact Margo Babe (margobabe@sonshinefamilies.ca)

Teens and parents are invited to attend CHEO’s two-part Transition to Adulthood webinar series, to assist in the planning and preparation required to make for a successful transition for youth and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

February 13, 2026 from 10 – 11:30 a.m. – Part 1

• Challenges facing youth, and ideas on how to promote independence

February 20, 2026 from 10 – 11:30 a.m. – Part 2

• Tips for what makes for a good transition to adulthood, including samples for completing paperwork andavailable resources.

To learn more, and to register for the session, visit: Foundational Family Services – CHEO