The Hub:
A Social Community for Neurodivergent Teens

Ages 14-17

Inquire Now!

A Low-Pressure Social Community For Teens

The Hub is a guided social community for autistic and neurodivergent teens who want a welcoming, low-pressure place to connect, belong and build genuine friendships.

Facilitators provide the structure and support needed for a successful group experience, while teens help shape each evening around their interests. The result is a community that feels more like an authentic teen hangout than a traditional “social-skills” group.

Ages 14–17
Fridays from 6:15–8:15 p.m.

Mature 13-year-olds may be considered based on readiness and group fit.

Join the Hub

A Community Shaped by Teens

Meaningful friendships grow through shared experiences, common interests and a genuine sense of belonging. The mission of The Hub is to create that kind of community for neurodivergent teens!

Participants are encouraged to contribute ideas, suggest activities and help shape the group around their shared interests and values. With support from facilitators, teens can make decisions together, plan experiences and help welcome new members.

As confidence grows, teens may choose to take on greater leadership and ownership within the group. Facilitators remain present to provide guidance and support connection, inclusion and safety while creating space for independence to develop naturally.

Our Facilitators:

Our facilitators are selected not only for their experience, but for their ability to genuinely connect with teens. We prioritize team members who understand young people, respect their individuality and create a space teens actually enjoy being part of.

We are happy to offer complimentary Meet & Greets with our facilitators to ensure your teen feels comfortable.

  • The Hub may be a good fit for autistic and neurodivergent teens who:

    • Want to meet other neurodivergent teens

    • Are looking to develop genuine friendships

    • Prefer a smaller and more accepting social environment

    • Enjoy connecting through shared interests and activities

    • Want choice and independence within a supported setting

    • Are looking for a low pressure environment

    • Are developing confidence in social or community environments

    • Can participate safely with lower to moderate levels of support

    • Are interested in helping shape their own social community

    • Do not pose any safety risks to staff or peers

    A brief intake helps us understand each teen’s interests, communication style, support needs and overall group fit.

  • Through shared experiences and guidance teens have opportunities to develop:

    • Friendship and belonging

    • Communication

    • Self-advocacy

    • Collaborative decision-making

    • Flexible thinking

    • Planning and problem-solving

    • Community participation

    • Leadership

    • Confidence and independence

    • Emotional regulation

    • Perspective-taking

    • Resilience

    The focus is on authentic connection and participation rather than formal “social-skills” instruction.

What Might We Do?

Every week is a little different. Activities are decided and shaped by the interests, comfort levels and ideas of the group! Some weeks we may be busier with an itinerary, while others may be more relaxed with time to talk, listen to music, play games and hangout.

Board Game and Strategy Game Nights:

  • We have a variety of games, including longer form strategy games, escape room games, or “murder mystery” style games.

Creative Projects:

  • Various Arts & Crafts

  • Fundraising initiatives

  • Collaborative Challenges

Social Outings:

  • Bowling, Mini-putt, Arcade

  • Visiting the Movies theatre’s, escape rooms or other outings.

Seasonal Events

  • Each Term the group plans at least one seasonal, themed event.

  • From Pizza parties and movie nights to Halloween Parties & more!

Program Details & Registration

The Hub at a Glance:

  • Weekly on Fridays from 6:15-8:15pm

  • Location: 85 Cedarvale Ave, 2nd floor (Willow Tree’s East York Location)

  • Term based (Fall, Winter, Spring) OR School Year Enrollment (Sept - June) Options

  • To register complete our client inquiry form and complete a brief intake to help us understand your Teens interests and overall group fit.

Group details:

  • Sessions are facilitated by a Child & Youth Therapist and/or supervised by a Registered Social Worker

  • Services may be eligible for reimbursement through insurance benefits that cover social work services, all services are approved for AccessOAP funding.

Term Specific Information:

  • When:

    • Weekly on Fridays from 6:15-8:15pm

    • September 18th - December 18th (14 weeks)

    Where:

    • 85 Cedarvale Ave, 2nd floor

    • Willow Tree’s East York Location

    Costs:

    Commitment to attending the entire term is required (14 weeks)

    • Sessions are $60 Per Session

      • We offer sliding scale options for families in financial need.

    • Fall Term is 14 weeks, Total cost is $840 for the term.

    • We Offer Annual Enrollment Discounts (sign up for all 3 terms and save)

    • Insurance coverage for social work may apply.

    • AccessOAP funding is accepted.


  • When:

    • Fridays 6:15-8:15pm

    • January 8th - March 26th (12 weeks)

    Where:

    • 85 Cedarvale Ave, 2nd floor

    • Willow Tree’s East York Location

    Costs:

    Commitment to attending the entire term is required (12 weeks)

    • $60 per Session

    • $720 for the full term (12 sessions)

    • Annual Enrollment Discounts (bundle and save)

    • Insurance coverage for social work may apply.

    • OAP funding is accepted. ‍ ‍

  • For 8-11 year olds

    When:

    • Weekly on Thursdays from 4:30-6:00pm

    • April 8th - June 24th

    Where:

    • 85 Cedarvale Ave, 2nd floor

    • Willow Tree’s East York Location

    Costs:

    Commitment to attending the entire term is required (12 weeks)

    • $75 per session ($50/hr @ 90mins)

    • $900 for the full term (12 sessions)

    • Annual Enrollment Discounts

    • Insurance coverage for social work may apply.

    • OAP funding is accepted. ‍

Enroll Now!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Hub is a facilitated social community, not a formal clinical treatment program. Facilitators provide guidance and support, but the focus is on belonging, shared interests and fostering authentic peer connection.

  • The Hub is intentionally designed for autistic and neurodivergent teens. Some teens with ADHD or other social, emotional or learning challenges may benefit from joining the group as well.
    Contact us if you are unsure whether the program would be the right fit for your teen and we will be happy to guide you.

  • Absolutely not! Many of our Teen participants are quite shy or nervous at first. Teens can participate in different ways and are not pressured to speak, perform or socialize in one particular manner. Shared activities can make connecting feel more comfortable and over time your teen will likely come out of their shell!

  • Participants should be able to take part safely in a small group with lower to moderate levels of support. Facilitators provide guidance, but The Hub does not routinely offer continuous one-to-one support.

  • Some sessions may include planned community outings. Families will receive the details and notice when this is the case.

    Families will cover the costs for their teens transportation and/or spending money related to the outing.

    Facilitators try to encourage fundraising where possible to minimize additional costs.

  • Yes, enrollment may be available throughout the year when space permits and the timing supports a comfortable transition into the group.