Next Steps:
Teen Life Skills & Social Development Program
Building confidence, connection, and real-world independence.
Next Steps
Life Skills & Social Development Program for Teens with Autism
Summer Program Enrollment now open!
Building confidence, connection, and real-world independence.
Next Steps is a supportive group program for teens who would benefit from building practical life skills, social confidence, and greater independence in everyday life.
This program is designed for teens with autism and other neurodivergent teens who may need support with executive functioning, friendships, flexible thinking, problem-solving, and navigating real-world experiences with more confidence.
Through structured group activities, guided practice, and community-based learning, teens build skills they can actually use in daily life and apply skills learned in weekly outings in the community!
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Teens 13+ who are autistic or otherwise neurodivergent that may benefit from support with:
Executive functioning,
Struggle with social skills or friendships,
Are working toward greater independence
Would benefit from real-world practice and guidance.
To support a positive and successful experience, teens are typically best suited for this group if they are able to:
Participate safely in a group setting with peers
Follow basic group expectations with support
Tolerate transitions between activities and environments
Engage in community outings with guidance
Communicate needs in a way that staff can understand and support
Benefit from a group-based learning environment on the specific goal areas outlined
Mature 12 year olds may be considered on a case by case basis.
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Willow Tree Mind & Wellness Centre
85 Cedarvale Ave, (2nd floor) Toronto
(Danforth & Woodbine Location)
And in the surrounding community during outings
We are right beside woodbine station and outings will commonly involve taking transit
Woodbine beach, along the Danforth, and Riverdale park are common outings!
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Summer Schedule:
July 7th - August 27th (8 weeks)Tuesdays & Thursdays from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
What Teens Will Learn
This program helps teens build meaningful, real-life skills, focusing on three core areas:
Executive Functioning
Helping teens build the skills needed to manage everyday tasks and responsibilities:
Planning and organization
Time management and following routines
Task initiation and follow-through
Flexible thinking and problem-solving
Social Skills & Friendship
Supporting teens in building confidence and connection with others:
Conversation and communication skills
Building and maintaining friendships
Navigating peer dynamics, conflict and working collaboratively
Understanding social cues and boundaries
Independence & Real-Life Skills
Practicing real-world skills that support independence:
Taking public transit
Navigating community spaces
Ordering food and completing purchases
Handling money and basic transactions
Following schedules and participating in outings
Support your teen in building confidence, connection, and independence this summer!
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How the Program Works
Each week includes two structured components:
1) Skills Lab
A structured, in-clinic session focused on learning and practicing core skills such as executive functioning, social communication, and problem-solving in preparation for the real-world application day.
2) Real-World Application Day
A community-based session where teens apply their skills in real-life settings, including outings, transit practice, making purchases and everyday tasks.
This combination of learning and real-world practice helps teens build confidence that carries into everyday life.
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Sessions are Tues and Thurs 1:00pm-4:00 (3 hours),
Total of 6 hours per week.
We offer weekly enrollment or term based enrollment options.Weekly Rate:
Any week for $380.00
Full Month Enrollment Rate:
July or Aug (4 weeks): $1,425.00
Entire Summer enrollment (8 weeks, July + Aug)
$2,750.00
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We accept Ontario Autism Program (OAP) funding!
Insurance benefits may apply under Registered Social Worker (RSW).
Special Services at Home (SSAH) funding for Social Groups/ Camps may apply.
If you require financial assistance please let us know! -
Next Steps is facilitated by experienced mental health professionals, including Registered Social Workers and Child & Youth Therapists.
Our team brings a warm, supportive, and neurodivergent-affirming approach to working with teens. We focus on building real-life skills in a way that feels engaging, respectful, and meaningful.
We understand that every teen is different. Our approach is flexible and individualized, while still providing the structure and support needed to build confidence and independence.
This program is grounded in evidence-based practices, including cognitive and behavioural strategies, executive functioning support, and social learning, all delivered in a way that feels practical and accessible for teens.
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Next Steps is designed as a structured group program where teens with ASD participate in both in-clinic sessions and community-based outings.
To support a positive and successful experience, teens are typically best suited for this group if they are able to:
Participate safely in a group setting with peers
Follow basic group expectations with support
Tolerate transitions between activities and environments
Engage in community outings with guidance
Communicate needs in a way that staff can understand and support
Benefit from a group-based learning environment on the specific goal areas outlined
When Additional Support May Be Needed
This group may not be the best fit for teens who require a higher level of individualized or 1:1 support to participate safely and successfully.
This may include situations where a teen is:
Frequently engaging in behaviours that may pose a safety risk to themselves or others
Unable to remain with the group during community outings, even with support
Experiencing significant distress that makes group participation difficult
Requiring ongoing 1:1 supervision to engage in activities
Having difficulty participating in a group setting despite support
In these cases, we may recommend starting with more individualized support or a smaller group setting to help build readiness and ensure a positive experience.