Next Steps for Teens
Building confident, capable, and independent young adults.
Next Steps is a hands-on therapeutic life skills and community-based program for neurodivergent teens. Through practical experiences, collaborative challenges, and meaningful community participation, teens develop executive functioning, social confidence, and the everyday skills needed for greater independence at home, in the community, and beyond.
Summer Sessions: Tues & Thurs 1-4pm | School Year Sessions: Saturdays 1:00-4:00pm
Next Steps
Life Skills & Social Development Program for Neurodivergent Teens
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 community outings.
Goal & Focus 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 supporting independence
Public transit
Community safety
Meal planning
Grocery shopping
Ordering food
Money management
Recreation
Self-care
Navigating community resources
Preparing for Adulthood
As teens get older, sessions may include:
Goal setting
Self-advocacy
Healthy relationships
Community participation
Volunteer readiness
Employment readiness
Decision making
Independent recreation
Planning for life after high school
Additional Program Information Below
Program Info & Registration
Support your teen in building confidence, connection, and independence
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Location
Willow Tree Mind & Wellness
85 Cedarvale Avenue, East York
Community-based learning throughout East Toronto
Summer 2026
Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:00-4:00pm
July 7th - Sept 3rd
Fall TermSaturdays | 1:00–4:00 PM
September 19 – December 19, 2026 (14 Weeks)
Winter Term
Saturdays | 1:00–4:00 PM
January 9 – March 27, 2027 (12 Weeks)
Spring Term
Saturdays | 1:00–4:00 PM
April 11 – June 27, 2027 (12 Weeks)
Summer 2027 - Weekly and daily options - Inquire Today to secure your spot! -
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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Commitment to the full term is required upon enrolment
Term Registration
$190 per 3-hour sessionEach 12-week term: $2,280
Full-Year Registration
Save with a full-year commitment at $180 per session -
We accept Access OAP (Ontario Autism Program) funding for core clinical services
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! -
Each weekly session combines:
Skills Lab
Structured activities focused on executive functioning, communication, problem-solving, emotional regulation, social confidence, and independence.
Real-World Practice
Whenever possible, participants apply their skills through meaningful community experiences such as using public transit, ordering food, making purchases, navigating community spaces, and participating in recreational activities.
Community outings are incorporated regularly throughout the year, typically at least once per month, with shorter outings more frequently when possible
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A Typical Saturday
Arrival & Social Connection
Team Building Activity
Executive Functioning Challenge
Community Planning
Community Outing or Independence Activity (scheduled regularly throughout the year)
Reflection & Goal Setting
This helps families picture the experience.
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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 neurodivergent teens 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.
Registration
Select your desired program term below (School year or Specific Term) and click Register Now.
Complete the Program Registration Form.
Once submitted, the program will automatically be added to your shopping cart.
Proceed to Checkout to complete your first session payment and reserve your child's spot.
Once we receive your registration form and first session payment, our Intake Team will contact you to complete the remaining intake documentation and onboarding process.
If you have any questions or need assistance at any point, please contact us at intake@willowtree-mindwellness.ca.
Choose Your Registration Options
Please note: The prices displayed below represent the first session payment only, which secures your child's spot in the program.
The Remaining program fees will be invoiced after each session.
School year and Term Based Enrolment available Below
School Year Registration
(September 2026 – June 2027)
Saturdays • 1:00–4:00 PM • September 19th, 2026 – June 26th, 2027 (36 weeks) • Ages 13–17
📍 85 Cedarvale Avenue, East York(with regular community outings throughout the GTA)
Next Steps is a therapist-led community-based life skills program for autistic and neurodivergent teens designed to build confidence, independence, executive functioning, social communication, and real-world life skills. Through community outings, hands-on experiences, collaborative projects, and guided coaching, teens develop practical skills that support success at home, in school, and in their communities.
School-Year Enrollment Benefits
✔ Guaranteed placement throughout the school year
✔ Progressive life skills curriculum that builds throughout the year
✔ Greater opportunities to practice skills across a variety of community settings
✔ Consistent peer relationships and increased confidence
✔ Save $360 compared with term-based enrollment
Please note: Today's payment reserves your teen's place in the program and covers their first session. The remaining program fees will be invoiced after each session. If the program is not a good fit for your teen, you may cancel at any time.
Saturdays • 1:00–4:00 PM • September 19th, 2026 – June 26th, 2027 (36 weeks) • Ages 13–17
📍 85 Cedarvale Avenue, East York (with regular community outings throughout the GTA)
Next Steps is a therapist-led community-based life skills program for autistic and neurodivergent teens designed to build confidence, independence, executive functioning, social communication, and real-world life skills. Through community outings, hands-on experiences, collaborative projects, and guided coaching, teens develop practical skills that support success at home, in school, and in their communities.
School-Year Enrollment Benefits
✔ Guaranteed placement throughout the school year
✔ Progressive life skills curriculum that builds throughout the year
✔ Greater opportunities to practice skills across a variety of community settings
✔ Consistent peer relationships and increased confidence
✔ Save $360 compared with term-based enrollment
Please note: Today's payment reserves your teen's place in the program and covers their first session. The remaining program fees will be invoiced after each session. If the program is not a good fit for your teen, you may cancel at any time.
Term Based Registration
First Session Fit Guarantee
We want every child to feel comfortable and supported. If, after attending the first session, you don't feel the program is the right fit for your child, you are under no obligation to continue with the remainder of the term.
Saturdays • 1:00–4:00 PM • September 19th – December 19th, 2026 (12 weeks) • Ages 13–17
📍 85 Cedarvale Avenue, East York (with regular community outings throughout the GTA)
Next Steps is a therapist-led community-based life skills program for autistic and neurodivergent teens designed to build confidence, independence, executive functioning, social communication, and real-world life skills. Through community outings, hands-on experiences, collaborative projects, and guided coaching, teens develop practical skills that support success at home, in school, and in their communities.
Please note: Today's payment reserves your teen's place in the program and covers their first session. The remaining program fees will be invoiced after each session.
Enrol for the Fall 2026 Term
Weekly on Saturdays from 1:00–4:00 PM
September 19th – December 19th, 2026 (12 weeks)
Enrol for the Winter 2027 Term
Weekly on Saturdays from 1:00–4:00 PM
January 9th – March 27th, 2027 (12 weeks)
Enrol for the Spring 2027 Term
Weekly on Saturdays from 1:00–4:00 PM
April 10th – June 26th, 2027 (12 weeks)
Saturdays • 1:00–4:00 PM • January 9th – March 27th, 2027 (12 weeks) • Ages 13–17
📍 85 Cedarvale Avenue, East York (with regular community outings throughout the GTA)
Next Steps is a therapist-led community-based life skills program for autistic and neurodivergent teens designed to build confidence, independence, executive functioning, social communication, and real-world life skills. Through community outings, hands-on experiences, collaborative projects, and guided coaching, teens develop practical skills that support success at home, in school, and in their communities.
Please note: Today's payment reserves your teen's place in the program and covers their first session. The remaining program fees will be invoiced after each session.
Saturdays • 1:00–4:00 PM • April 10th – June 26th, 2027 (12 weeks) • Ages 13–17
📍 85 Cedarvale Avenue, East York (with regular community outings throughout the GTA)
Next Steps is a therapist-led community-based life skills program for autistic and neurodivergent teens designed to build confidence, independence, executive functioning, social communication, and real-world life skills. Through community outings, hands-on experiences, collaborative projects, and guided coaching, teens develop practical skills that support success at home, in school, and in their communities.
Please note: Today's payment reserves your teen's place in the program and covers their first session. The remaining program fees will be invoiced after each session.
Not sure which option is best or have additional questions?
Contact our intake team: intake@willowtree-mindwellness.ca
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