Ages 14-17 years
Home Alone is an interactive group where teens can learn and practice social and life skills related to staying safe when alone. Group topics include stranger awareness, what to do in an emergency, home safety, calling 911, basic care for minor scrapes and cuts, internet safety, establishing a home alone routine, locking and unlocking a door and being responsible with a house key.
This program is appropriate for teens who can follow multi-step instructions independently, communicate verbally and can participate in an in-person group with 1 staff per 3 teens ratio.
Ages 14-17 years (Grade 9 and above)
This group helps teens with Autism learn how to handle strong emotions and stressful situations without making things worse. Using DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) skills, participants will practice ways to stay calm, think clearly, and make safe choices when they feel overwhelmed, angry, sad, or anxious.
Through hands-on activities, discussion, and real-life examples, teens will learn coping strategies such as distraction, self-soothing, grounding, and healthy problem-solving. The goal is to help youth build confidence in managing distress and to feel more in control of their emotions.
Ages 8-13 years
In partnership with Young Caregivers Association
Do you have a brother or sister with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or another developmental disability? You’re not alone! Join our Sibling Resilience group, a fun and supportive space to connect with other kids who understand what you’re going through.
Here’s what you can expect:
Ages 10-13 years
Youth will learn social and life skills related to the physical and emotional changes that occur with puberty. This group is for all genders. Topics include daily hygiene habits (such as shaving, showering and hair care), biological processes, and social media and online safety.
Youth must be safe in a group setting of 1 staff to 3 youth ratio.
Ages 7-9 years
Children will learn a variety of social skills (initiating/exiting conversations, joining into conversations, exiting conversations) and have an opportunity to practice these skills with peers. Skills will be taught in a group format using Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) evidence based strategies.
This program is appropriate for children who can follow multi-step instructions independently, communicate using verbal requests, comments, and questions and can participate in a group setting with 1 staff to 3 children ratio.
This group is a social group for youth who are non-speaking. In this smaller group setting youth will practice their social skills including: sharing, simple turn taking and play skills.
Youth must be able to participate in a group setting of 1 staff per 2 youth ratio.
This two-part group series is designed for teens and young adults with a basic understanding of puberty, offering a supportive space to explore relationships, sexuality, and personal health.
Teens must be able to participate in a group setting with 1 staff to 3 teens ratio.
Bethesda3280 Schmon Parkway, Thorold, ON905.684.6918
Bethesda Children's Services3310 Schmon Parkway, Thorold, ON905.684.6918
