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Autism Social Skills Groups

Building Confidence, Communication & Connection for Neurodivergent Youth

At the Horse Therapy Centre of Canada (HTCC), our autism social skills groups are carefully designed to help neurodivergent children and teens develop key life skills in communication, emotional regulation, and peer relationships. Rooted in evidence-based ABA strategies and led by experienced clinical social workers, these social skills programs for autism take place in a calm, respectful, and nature-rich environment, perfect for kids who thrive outside the typical clinical setting.

This program qualifies for OAP reimbursement and may also be covered by extended health benefits under social work or ABA services.

Kids with autism smiling and building friendships during a social bonding activity in a supportive autism social skills groups.

What Are Autism Social Skills Groups?

These structured, therapeutic groups integrate teaching social skills for autism through both indoor instruction and outdoor learning experiences. Designed for children and teens ages 7–16, each session is led by trained ABA therapists and supervised by a master’s-level clinical social worker, ensuring a safe and supportive environment. Participants will take part in small-group activities aimed at strengthening:

🔸Verbal and non-verbal communication

🔸Emotional awareness and self-monitoring

🔸Cooperative play and turn-taking

🔸Perspective-taking and social reasoning

🔸Peer interaction in both structured and unstructured formats

This is social skills training for autism spectrum disorders that combines real-world learning with a clinically informed approach.🔸

Program Format & Cost

Children attend one session per week over six weeks, with each session lasting 3.5 hours. This provides 21 hours of consistent, skill-building group time.

💲 Program Fee: $65/hour

💡 Total Cost: $1,365 for the 6-week series

✅ Eligible for OAP reimbursement

✅ May be covered by extended health benefits

Weekend Group Times (choose one or more):

Saturday Morning: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Saturday Afternoon: 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM

Sunday Morning: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Sunday Afternoon: 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM

Each group maintains the same participants and facilitators throughout the series to build comfort, connection, and trust.

Who Can Benefit?

✔️ Children and teens (ages 7–16) with a diagnosis of autism


✔️ Kids who benefit from routine, predictability, and social skills for kids with autism


✔️ Families looking for a strengths-based, ABA-informed after school program


✔️ Youth who feel more comfortable in low-sensory, outdoor or natural settings

Behavioral Requirements for Group Participation

To ensure a safe and productive environment, this program is not be suitable for children currently experiencing:

❌ Frequent eloping (leaving the group or setting without permission)

❌ Physical aggression (e.g., hitting, kicking, biting)

❌ Verbal aggression (e.g., threats, yelling, disruptive behavior)

❌ Self-injurious behavior (e.g., head-banging, self-biting)

❌ Severe defiance or refusal to engage despite adult support

Participants must be able to remain with the group, follow simple directions with prompting, and engage safely in a peer-based setting. If your child needs more tailored support, we are happy to discuss alternative services.

Why Choose the Horse Therapy Centre of Canada?

With over 15 years of experience, HTCC is a leader in affirmative autism groups, equine-assisted therapy, and nature-based interventions. Our autism social skills groups are small, inclusive, and clinically supervised, empowering kids to build communication, confidence, and connection through supportive, real-world practice.

Whether you're new to social skills training for autism or looking for a nature-based option that fits your child’s needs, our team is here to help your family find the right path forward.

Autism Social Skills Groups

This form is for anyone interested in Autism Social Skills Groups for their family member 7-16. Once we receive this form, we will promptly send you more information on the service you seek.

These services can be covered by OAP, Jordan's Principle and most insurance providers! (Social Work)

Fill out the form below for more information.

Manulife clients, please be advised the Manulife Canada does not cover these services.

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