Autism Services Group Programming - In-Person

DBT Skills for Teens

This isn’t just a group—it’s a space to grow, learn, and build real-life skills that support emotional wellness and resilience.

Designed for youth aged 13-17, this in-person group introduces the powerful tools of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in a supportive, interactive environment. Whether you're navigating big emotions, tough relationships, or just want to better understand yourself—this group is for YOU. 💬✨

What to Expect: Over the week, you’ll explore the foundations of DBT and build your own personalized coping toolbox.

• 🧭 What is DBT? – Learn the core principles behind this evidence-based approach to emotional regulation and mindfulness.

• 🛠️ Build Your Toolbox – Discover practical strategies to manage stress, improve communication, and handle intense emotions.

• 🤝 Real Talk, Real Skills – Connect with peers in a safe space where your voice matters and your experiences are valid.

• 🌟 Empowerment Through Insight – Gain confidence in your ability to navigate life’s ups and downs with clarity and strength.

Group Details:

• This group is for youth aged 13-17 years old.

• This group begins Monday, July 6th and runs daily throughout Friday, July 10th. Each session is 1 hour from 1:00pm to 2:00pm.

• This group takes place in person at our Peterborough office.

• The fee for this group is $1580.00.

Interested in this group? Please fill out the form below and we will connect with you shortly!

Community Participation Group for Teens (Ages 13–17)

📍 Peterborough Area | ⏱️ 4-Week Program

🌟 Program Overview

This 4-week ABA-based community participation group is designed for teens aged 13–17 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who are looking to build independence, confidence, and social connections in a supportive and engaging environment.

Through real-world experiences and community-based activities, participants will practice important life and social skills alongside peers while receiving guidance from trained staff.

🧩 What Participants Will Do

Each session includes a community outing or hands-on activity such as:

• 🍽️ Visiting restaurants

• 🎨 Decorating pottery

• 🎉 Attending local events

• 🏅 Exploring recreation activities

• 🛒 Practicing shopping and money skills

• 🚌 Riding the Peterborough transit system

• 🚦 Learning public transportation safety and navigation

📚 Skills Developed

Participants will build and practice essential life skills, including:

• 🗣️ Communication and social interaction

• 🤝 Building peer relationships

• 🔄 Flexibility and problem-solving

• 💬 Self-advocacy

• ❤️ Emotional regulation

• 🧠 Decision-making and independence

• 🚸 Community safety awareness

• 💲 Money handling skills

Skills are practiced across various natural settings to support real-life application and independence.

🧠 Program Approach

Using principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), trained staff provide:

• ✅ Individualized support

• 🌟 Positive reinforcement

• 👩‍🏫 Prompting and modeling strategies

• 📝 Goal-based skill development

Programming is tailored to each teen’s unique strengths, goals, and needs.

💛 A Supportive Environment

This group fosters a fun, inclusive, and encouraging atmosphere where teens feel safe to explore, learn, and grow ✨. The focus is on building confidence, independence, and meaningful social connections while supporting each participant’s success.

Group Details:

• 📅 4-week program starting July 7th, 2026-July 28th,2026

• 🕕 Tuesdays, 5:30-7:30 PM

• 📍 Main office & various locations throughout the community. Staff will provide you with a pickup/drop-off schedule closer to the start of the group

• 👥 Participants should be able to safely engage in small-group community outings with staff support

• 🔟 Limited to 8 participants

• 🎯 Cost: $2930.00 for the entire 4 week group. This is an OAP-eligible expense.

Interested in this group? Please fill out the form below and we will connect with you shortly!

STEM & Social Skills Group for Children (Ages 8–12)

📍 In-Person Program | ⏱️ 4 Weeks

🌟 Program Overview

This engaging 4-week social and STEM-focused group is designed for children aged 8–12 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who enjoy hands-on learning, problem-solving, and connecting with peers in a supportive and structured environment.

Each session blends fun, interactive STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) activities with meaningful opportunities to build social and communication skills.

🧩 What Participants Will Do

Children will take part in exciting, hands-on activities such as:

• 🏗️ Engineering and building challenges

• 🔬 Simple science experiments

• 🧠 Logic puzzles and problem-solving tasks

• 🧱 Building structures with various materials

• 🤝 Collaborative group projects

These activities are designed to spark curiosity while naturally encouraging teamwork and peer interaction.

📚 Skills Developed

Participants will practice key age-appropriate social and communication skills, including:

• 🤝 Teamwork and collaboration

• 💬 Sharing ideas and participating in discussions

• 🔄 Taking turns and flexible thinking

• 👂 Active listening

• ❓ Asking and answering questions

• 🎯 Working toward shared goals

The program supports skill development in a way that feels natural, engaging, and fun.

🧠 Program Approach

Using principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), trained staff provide structured and individualized support, including:

• ✅ Modeling and guided instruction

• 🌟 Positive reinforcement

• 👩‍🏫 Prompting strategies

• 📝 Individualized encouragement and support

This approach helps each child build confidence and succeed in both social and STEM-based activities.

💛 A Supportive Environment

This group focuses on learning through play, curiosity, and collaboration in a positive and inclusive environment ✨. Children are encouraged to explore their interests, build friendships, and develop confidence while being supported every step of the way.

Group Details:

• 📅 4-week program starting July 9th, 2026 - July 30th, 2026

• 🕕 Thursdays 5:30-6:30 PM

• 📍 Main office

• 🔟 Limited to 8 participants

• 🎯 Cost: $1540.00 for the entire 4 week group. This is an OAP-eligible expense.

Interested in this group? Please fill out the form below and we will connect with you shortly!

BCS Summer Camp ☀️

Looking to fill your child’s summer with fun, friendship, and skill-building? The BCS Summer Camp 2026 is a FREE, specially designed program for children ages 5–8 with intellectual disabilities, offering a warm, inclusive space where play becomes a powerful learning tool.

Running daily from July 20,2026 - July 24, 2026 9am-12:00pm, this half‑day camp blends structured activities with child‑led moments of joy, exploration, and connection. 🧸✨

Throughout the week, kids will participate in:

• 🎲 Interactive games that encourage turn‑taking and teamwork

• 🎨 Play‑based learning that supports creativity and communication

• 🏃‍♂️ Outdoor playtime to build confidence and motor skills

• 🧩 Guided group activities designed to strengthen social engagement

Children will practice essential communication and social skills in a natural, fun way—such as:

• 🗣️ Asking and answering simple questions

• 🤝 Cooperative, parallel & associative play

• 📋 Following simple instructions

• 😊 Building confidence in new group settings

Our experienced facilitators tailor each activity to children's developmental levels, ensuring individualized support in small groups. Whether your child loves imaginative play, moving their body, or making new friends, there’s a perfect spot for them here! 🌟

Group Details:

• 📅 Date: July 20th-July 24th

• 🕙 Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Daily

• 📍 Location: Keith Wightman Public School 860 St. Mary’s St Peterborough (A map of parking/drop off location will be provided to families)

• 💲 Cost: FREE for children age 5-8 with an intellectual disability diagnosis

Limited spots available, reserve your place by filling out the form below!

Please note: Completing this registration form does not guarantee a space in the camp. After your form is received, a Canopy staff member will contact you to complete a group readiness intake by phone. This intake helps determine whether the camp is an appropriate fit for your child’s needs. Applicants will be notified by mid June if they will be offered a space in this years camp.

Transition to High School Skills Group for KPRDSB and PVNC Catholic students in Cobourg!

🚀 High school is coming—let’s get ready! Join our Transition to High School Skills Group.

📢 Is your child starting high school this fall? Let’s make the transition smooth & confident! High school is a big leap, but with the right skills, your child can start strong! Our Transition to High School Skills Group is a 6-week program running from July 29 – Sept 2nd, and 2 follow up sessions in September & October.

🔥 What Students Will Gain:

✔ Confidence in navigating high school life 🚪🔑

✔ Stronger communication & self-advocacy skills 🗣️🤝

✔ Better organization & independence 📅📚

✔ Support from peers & mentors 👥🏫

Let’s make high school success happen—together! 🎯

This skills group is geared towards youth with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis and is an OAP-eligible expense.

This group is being run for students transitioning to KPRDSB and PVNCDSB high schools in Cobourg - St. Mary’s and CCI

Group Details:

• 📅 6-week program starting July 29th with daytime sessions from 10:00am - 11:30am and 2 follow up sessions (September 23rd and October 28th from4:30-5:30)

• ⌛ Session Length: 1.5 hours

• 📍 Location: Canopy Support Services -975 Elgin St W Suite 12

• 🎯 Cost: $2,360 for the 6 week group plus 2 follow ups

Registration is currently closed.

Transition to High School Skills Group for KPRDSB students in Peterborough!

🚀 High school is coming—let’s get ready! Join our Transition to High School Skills Group

📢 Is your teen starting high school this fall? Let’s make the transition smooth & confident! High school is a big leap, but with the right skills, your teen can start strong! Our Transition to High School Skills Group is a 6-week program running from July 30 – Sept 3rd, and 2 follow up sessions in September & October.

🔥 What Students Will Gain:

✔ Confidence in navigating high school life 🚪🔑

✔ Stronger communication & self-advocacy skills 🗣️🤝

✔ Better organization & independence 📅📚

✔ Support from peers & mentors 👥🏫

Let’s make high school success happen—together! 🎯

This skills group is geared towards youth with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis and is an OAP-eligible expense.

This group is being run for students transitioning to KPR high schools in Peterborough- Adam Scott, Crestwood, TASS, and Kenner

Group Details:

• 📅 6-week program starting July 30th with sessions 10:00-11:30AM and 2 follow up sessions (September 24th and October 29th from 4:30-5:30PM)

• ⌛ Session Length: 1.5 hours

• 📍 Location: Canopy Support Services -150 O’Carroll Ave

• 🎯 Cost: $2,360 for the 6 sessions plus 2 follow-ups

Registration is currently closed.

Transition to High School Skills Group for PVNC Catholic students in Peterborough!

🚀 High school is coming—let’s get ready! Join our Transition to High School Skills Group

📢 Is your teen starting high school this fall? Let’s make the transition smooth & confident! High school is a big leap, but with the right skills, your teen can start strong! Our Transition to High School Skills Group is a 6-week program running from July 30 – Sept 3rd, and 2 follow up sessions in September & October.

🔥 What Students Will Gain:

✔ Confidence in navigating high school life 🚪🔑

✔ Stronger communication & self-advocacy skills 🗣️🤝

✔ Better organization & independence 📅📚

✔ Support from peers & mentors 👥🏫

Let’s make high school success happen—together! 🎯

This skills group is geared towards youth with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis and is an OAP-eligible expense.

This group is being run for students transitioning to PVNCCDSB high schools in Peterborough- St. Peter’s and Holy Cross

Group Details:

• 📅 6-week program starting July 30th with sessions 1:00-2:30PM and 2 follow up sessions (October 1st and November 5th from 4:30-5:30PM)

• ⌛ Session Length: 1.5 hours

• 📍 Location: Canopy Support Services -150 O’Carroll Ave

• 🎯 Cost: $2,360 for the 6 sessions plus 2 follow-ups

Registration is currently closed.

FEE-FOR-SERVICE GROUP PROGRAMMING - IN PERSON

🌟 Social Skills Group for Children (Ages 8–13)

📍 YMCA Cobourg | ⏱️ 4-Week Program

🧩 Program Overview

This fun and engaging social group is designed for children aged 8–13 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who are looking to build friendships 🤝, confidence 💪, and communication skills 🗣️ in a supportive and welcoming environment.

Hosted at the YMCA in Cobourg, this 4-week program provides opportunities for children to connect with peers through interactive games 🎲, team activities 🏅, guided conversations 💬, and social challenges tailored to their age and interests.

📚 What Participants Will Learn

Throughout the program, children will practice and develop a variety of important social and communication skills, including:

• 🗨️ Starting and maintaining conversations

• 🔄 Taking turns and sharing

• 👂 Active listening

• 👀 Understanding social cues

• 🤝 Cooperative play and teamwork

• 🧠 Perspective taking

• ❤️ Emotional regulation

• 🌈 Building and maintaining friendships

🧠 Program Approach

Activities are designed to be engaging, motivating, and supportive, helping children gain confidence interacting with peers in both structured and natural social settings.

Using principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), trained staff provide:

• ✅ Individualized support

• 🌟 Positive reinforcement

• 👩‍🏫 Modeling and prompting

• 📝 Guided practice

Our goal is to help each participant strengthen meaningful social skills while fostering independence and confidence.

💛 A Supportive Environment

This group is centered on creating a positive, inclusive atmosphere where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to be themselves ✨. We celebrate each child’s strengths while helping them grow socially and emotionally.

Group Details:

• 📅This program runs from  August 5th-August 27th

• 🕓 Every Wednesday from 6:00PM–7:00PM

• 📍Cobourg Northumberland YMCA - 339 Elgin St W, Cobourg ON K9A 4X5

• 🏢 When families arrive, they will meet a Canopy Support Services staff at the YMCA each week. The children will have access to the play structure/gym area and should bring appropriate footwear and a water bottle

• 🎯 Children aged 8–13 with ASD

• 💲 $1750.00

• 🧾 Eligible expense under the Ontario Autism Program (OAP)

Interested in this group? Please fill out the form below and we will connect with you shortly! ✨

Community Participation Group for Teens (Ages 13–17)

📍 Peterborough Area | ⏱️ 4-Week Program

🌟 Program Overview

This 4-week ABA-based community participation group is designed for teens aged 13–17 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who are looking to build independence, confidence, and social connections in a supportive and engaging environment.

Through real-world experiences and community-based activities, participants will practice important life and social skills alongside peers while receiving guidance from trained staff.

🧩 What Participants Will Do

Each session includes a community outing or hands-on activity such as:

• 🍽️ Visiting restaurants

• 🎨 Decorating pottery

• 🎉 Attending local events

• 🏅 Exploring recreation activities

• 🛒 Practicing shopping and money skills

• 🚌 Riding the Peterborough transit system

• 🚦 Learning public transportation safety and navigation

📚 Skills Developed

Participants will build and practice essential life skills, including:

• 🗣️ Communication and social interaction

• 🤝 Building peer relationships

• 🔄 Flexibility and problem-solving

• 💬 Self-advocacy

• ❤️ Emotional regulation

• 🧠 Decision-making and independence

• 🚸 Community safety awareness

• 💲 Money handling skills

Skills are practiced across various natural settings to support real-life application and independence.

🧠 Program Approach

Using principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), trained staff provide:

• ✅ Individualized support

• 🌟 Positive reinforcement

• 👩‍🏫 Prompting and modeling strategies

• 📝 Goal-based skill development

Programming is tailored to each teen’s unique strengths, goals, and needs.

💛 A Supportive Environment

This group fosters a fun, inclusive, and encouraging atmosphere where teens feel safe to explore, learn, and grow ✨. The focus is on building confidence, independence, and meaningful social connections while supporting each participant’s success.

Group Details:

• 📅 4-week program starting August 10th - August 31st, 2026

• 🕕 Mondays, 5:30-7:30 PM

• 📍 Main office & various locations throughout the community. Staff will provide you with a pickup/drop-off schedule closer to the start of the group

• 👥 Participants should be able to safely engage in small-group community outings with staff support

• 🔟 Limited to 8 participants

• 🎯 Cost: $2930.00 for the entire 4 week group. This is an OAP-eligible expense.

Interested in this group? Please fill out the form below and we will connect with you shortly!

FEE-FOR-SERVICE GROUP PROGRAMMING - IN PERSON

PEERS® for Adolescents
Social Skills Group

PEERS® for Adolescents is a 14-week evidence-based social skills program for adolescents in middle and high school who are interested in making and keeping friends and/or handling conflict and rejection.

Participants will learn:

• Developing and Maintaining Friendships

• Conversational skills

• Entering and exiting conversations

• Appropriate use of humor

• Handling disagreements

• Electronic communication

• Being a good sport

• Organizing get-togethers

• Handling teasing and bullying

• Changing Reputations

Cost:

• The fee for this 14 week group is $4900.00 and is an OAP-eligible expense.

Group Details:

• This group is for teens with a diagnosis of Autism, aged 13-17 years old.

• This 14 week group begins Thursday, September 10th and runs until Thursday, December 10th, 2026.

• Parents attend separate sessions simultaneously and are taught how to assist adolescents in making and keeping friends (parent participation Is required).

• Each week will be 1 hour in length and participants are taught social skills through didactic lessons and role-play demonstrations and practice these skills during group socialization activities.

• This group takes place in person at our Peterborough office.

Interested in this group? Please fill out the form below and we will connect with you shortly!