Registration now FULL
Autism Services – Beyond the Walls


About the program
Beyond the Walls is a program created to encourage independence, wellness, improved mental health, community involvement, joy and resilience in adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The focus of this program is to create capacity within the youth population with ASD to become more independent and have a safe place to learn how to utilize social strategies to improve integration with everyday community activities.
The upcoming Beyond the Walls module will focus on mental health and wellness. This module promotes awareness of one’s own mental health and wellness and the identification of appropriate coping strategies to use in different situations. Participants will be provided with an introduction to mental health and wellness, have opportunities to experience and trial different coping mechanisms (e.g., mindfulness, positive affirmations, exercise, yoga, meditation), and create their own ‘emotional toolkit’ to use in different settings.
Eligibility
Participants must be youth aged 13 to 19 years of age with a diagnosis of Autism (this module is most appropriate for youth with Levels I or II Autism). Participants must be able to manage in a group environment of three participants to one staff and have a reliable method of communicating their wants and needs. Participants must not engage in harmful behaviour to themselves or others and must respect a closed door.
Details
The six sessions will run Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. from Thursday, June 23rd, 2022, at our Main Site in Oshawa (600 Townline Road South). Curriculum development and program supervision are overseen by Grandview Kids staff, including, Behaviour Analysts, Autism Therapy Assistants, and Recreation Therapists. Note: These interventions are not behavioural in nature and are not covered by the Behaviour Analyst Certification Board (BACB) certification of the involved Behaviour Analysts.
Visitors to Grandview Kids must meet current health guidelines and complete a daily health screening. Currently, masks are required to attend this module. Masking requirements may change throughout the duration of the group, and participants will be notified accordingly.