About the program
Beyond the Walls is a program created to encourage independence, wellness, improved mental health, community involvement, joy and resilience in neurodivergent adolescents (who may have Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or similar neurodevelopmental disorders). The focus of this program is to create capacity within the neurodivergent youth population to become more independent and have a safe place to learn how to utilize social strategies in everyday community activities.
About the upcoming module: Friendships in Leisure
This module promotes the development of social relationship skills while participating in inclusive leisure activities. Participants will be provided opportunities to initiate friendships, engage in positive interactions with peers, practice good sportsmanship skills, and discover shared interests in a group setting. Activities may include: dinner at a restaurant, a night at the movies, mini-putting, a cooking class, bowling, and more.
This module consists of 7 sessions; all sessions will be off-site and in the community. Families will be responsible for pick-up and drop-off for the community activities. Grandview Kids staff will meet participants at the specified community location. Families will be provided with specific locations before the start of the module.
Participants must:
- Be neurodivergent youth between the ages of 13 and 19 years of age
- Benefit from explicit direction in the program topics
- Be able to manage in a group environment of 3 participants to one staff
- Have a reliable method of communicating their wants and needs
- Not engage in harmful behaviour to self or others
- Respect a closed door
Schedule of the Friendship in Leisure Beyond the Walls module
Sessions will run Thursday evenings from 6:30 pm-8:00 pm from Thursday, May 1, 2025, to June 12, 2025.
Please note that the timing may change depending on the activity for the week. Workshop development and program supervision are overseen by Grandview Kids staff, including Behaviour clinicians and Recreation Therapists.
Note: These interventions are not therapeutic or clinical in nature, and the sessions are intended to support the expected participant outcomes described above. Due to this, the cost of this program is NOT eligible for OAP Core Clinical Services Funding.
Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) measures
Visitors to Grandview Kids are required to meet the current health guidelines and complete a daily health screening. At this time, masks are not required to attend this module. Updates to masking requirements may change throughout the duration of the group, and participants will be notified accordingly.
Cancellation Policy
Groups are non-refundable if the participant is unable to attend some or all sessions.
Cancellation Policy
If you have questions, please email PurchasedServices@grandviewkids.ca or call us at 905-728-1673 (toll-free at 1-800-304-6180) and press “5” to connect with the Purchased Services Team.
