Autism Program

As Grandview Kids prepares to celebrate the 30^th annual Golf Fore Grandview Kids Charity Golf Classic, families like Norah’s help share why this community comes together year after year, and why continued support is more important now than ever. The story of Norah and her parents, Zaina and Mike, reflects both the challenges families face and the profound impact of donor generosity.

Norah is five years old and the centre of a close-knit circle of care that includes her parents and grandparents. Norah is described by her family as independent, fiery and “a ball of sunshine,” bringing light into every room she enters. She is always on the move, thriving in spaces where she can climb, explore and play freely. Whether she is at the trampoline park, swimming in the pool or playing with her dolls at home, Norah embraces the world with enthusiasm. A deeply affectionate child, Norah loves cuddling with her mom and seeks comfort from trusted adults as she explores new environments, textures and experiences.

Norah’s developmental journey began early. At 15 months old, her family noticed delays during a routine paediatric check-up, prompting a referral to Grandview Kids. Soon after her referral, she began receiving speech-language pathology (SLP) and Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) services. At two years and one day old, Norah was officially diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Zaina and Mike remember the diagnosis as both overwhelming and clarifying. They had seen signs, including limited verbal communication, reduced eye contact and a tendency to focus on details rather than typical play, though hearing it confirmed was still emotional. At the same time, it marked a turning point: a pathway to the support Norah needed and deserved.

Grandview Kids became an essential partner in Norah’s journey, not only for her but for her entire family. Through SLP and ABA services, Norah began building communication and learning skills that continue to evolve to this day. Equally important was the support her parents received through social work. Jennifer L., a dedicated social worker at Grandview Kids, helped Zaina and Mike gain the tools to process their emotions, navigate resources and shift their perspective during difficult moments. Through therapeutic approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), they learned to focus on what matters most, even on overwhelming days.

Grandview Kids, in partnership with Lake Ridge Community Support Services, Resources for Exceptional Children and Youth – Durham Region and The Regional Municipality of Durham, offers a crucial Entry to School (ETS) program as part of the Ontario Autism Program (OAP), Early Years Pathway. Before ETS, Norah attended a traditional daycare without specialized support, often spending much of her time on her own. Through ETS, she began learning routines, building attention skills and following directions. This created a foundation that changed how she engaged with the world around her.

Today, Norah is a student at Grandview School, where her parents say she is not only supported but truly understood. In a setting where every staff member understands the needs of students like Norah, she is learning to thrive in group environments while continuing to build independence. From opening her lunch and managing her belongings to putting on her shoes and recognizing her name, these everyday “inchstones” are celebrated as meaningful achievements.

Norah also uses an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device, and her care team works closely with her family to ensure consistency between home and school. This collaborative approach brings therapists, educators and parents together, demonstrating the level of care that donor support helps make possible.

Grandview Kids has created a community for Norah’s family. Through the Family Engagement Program’s offerings, such as park playdates, caregiver cafes and inclusive family events, they have connected with others who “get” their lived experience. This deep connection helps replace feelings of isolation with those of belonging. “It’s easy to isolate yourself and think you’re the only one going through these things,” Zaina admits. “Obviously that’s not the case, but you won’t know until you connect with others.”

Zaina and Mike find purpose in giving back to their community. The two participate in Grandview Kids’ Ambassador Program and Family Advisory Council (FAC) and Grandview School’s school council. Their contributions to these vital groups enable them to support and uplift other families while saying “thank you” to Grandview Kids. This sense of community changed everything, giving Norah’s family hope, confidence and the reassurance that they are not alone. It also shows them what is possible when the right supports are in place.

These transformative services do not happen without the generosity of donors. Every therapy session, classroom support and family connection are made possible by a community that chooses to give. For families like Norah’s, that support lifts an incredible weight. It can provide access to services they might not otherwise afford, reduce stress and create opportunities that shape a child or youth’s future. Donor support changes lives and how families see their future. It gives children like Norah the chance to build skills, confidence and independence in ways that once felt uncertain.

Norah’s journey is just one story, but it represents so many others. This year’s 30th annual Golf Fore Grandview Kids is an opportunity to continue and expand this impact. Every donation plays a critical role in ensuring that more children, youth and families can access the care and community they need, when they need it. Your support powers potential.

Jack is three years old and always on the move. He always chooses to run instead of walk and breaks out into dance whenever he hears music playing. Monster trucks and cars are his greatest passions because of their spinning wheels, and Halloween is his favourite time of year. He loves sports, particularly football, and his greatest joys are playing catch with his dad and bouncing endlessly at a trampoline park. Jack is silly, affectionate and determined to connect with the people he loves, even when communication is hard.

Jack lives with his mom, Jess, his dad, Jake, and his six-month-old baby sister, Ava. As a family, they value time together the most. They play sports in the yard, go on long walks when the weather is nice, ride bikes and find simple joy in being together. Although life with Jack is active, loud and full of laughter, it also requires resilience, patience and advocacy.

Jack’s journey began when he was born one month premature and needed to be resuscitated at birth because he wasn’t breathing. He spent his first week in the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), requiring the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) due to breathing difficulties caused by fluid in his lungs. After being discharged, Jack was readmitted to hospital for jaundice and difficulty in gaining weight. Breathing issues continued throughout his first year, along with feeding challenges that made eating exhausting and stressful. Frequent medical appointments, a tongue-tie release and ongoing private speech therapy became part of his early routine.

Despite these challenges, Jack was otherwise a healthy baby. At one year old, developmental concerns became more apparent. He wasn’t crawling, his speech was significantly delayed and he was behind on several developmental milestones. Jess, a social worker and psychotherapist, trusted her instincts that something deeper was going on, but advocating for her own child proved harder than expected. Two paediatricians dismissed concerns about autism spectrum disorder (ASD), suggesting Jack would catch up in time.

Jess and Jake persisted. They knew their child, and they knew his needs were not being fully recognized. Their persistence paid off when Jack was finally referred to a developmental paediatrician at Grandview Kids. In August 2025, Jack received his ASD diagnosis with communication delays and language impairment. For his parents, the diagnosis was not devastating but, instead, validating. Suddenly, Jack’s experiences, behaviours and challenges made sense and the focus shifted from questioning to supporting.

Before his diagnosis, communication was one of Jack’s biggest barriers. He wanted to be understood but struggled to express himself clearly. When his parents could not figure out what he needed, frustration would build quickly, sometimes leading to throwing objects, intense emotional reactions and meltdowns. These moments signalled a child who was overwhelmed and unable to communicate.

Through care at Grandview Kids, Jack’s world began to open. Visual supports were introduced throughout the home, including picture boards for food, toys and familiar people, choice boards to help make decisions and visual schedules that guided Jack’s understanding of what was happening next. These tools made Jack less anxious, improved his transitions between activities and gave him a sense of control over his day. Speech-language pathology sessions focused on his motor speech planning challenges, while a referral to Holland Bloorview was made to explore an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device, giving Jack another powerful way to express himself.

Jack also began receiving occupational therapy (OT) and physiotherapy (PT) at Grandview Kids. OT became essential in supporting Jack’s sensory needs. Jack has a lot of energy and finds it hard to slow his body down, especially at night. Bedtime routines can last hours as his nervous system struggles to settle. Sensory sensitivities also impact his eating, making him selective with food textures. OT strategies, including heavy work and deep pressure, have helped Jack regulate his body and emotions, making daily life more manageable for the whole family. PT supported Jack’s physical development, building confidence with balance, stairs and jumping. These skills now allow him to fully enjoy sports and active play. Each small gain felt like a big victory.

More than the therapies themselves, what made the greatest difference to Jess and Jake was feeling seen. The clinicians at Grandview Kids listened, believed the family and validated Jess’ intuition. For the first time, the family felt reassured that they were not alone and that Jack’s future could be full of possibilities.

Today, Jack continues to grow and thrive in his own unique way. He still loves monster trucks, dances without hesitation and continues to bring joy wherever he goes. He experiences challenges but does so with great resilience.

Jack’s story is a reminder that early support matters, parental instincts deserve to be trusted and that acceptance begins with understanding. Jack is not defined by his diagnosis. He is defined by his joy, his determination and the community of people who see him for exactly who he is and celebrate him just as he is.

Celebrating Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month!

Autism does not look the same for everyone, even within the same family. For Brett and Celine, raising three children on the autism spectrum meant learning to celebrate differences, advocate fiercely and find strength in community. Along the way, their family discovered the life-changing support of Grandview Kids, a place that helped their children grow, communicate and belong.

Married for nearly 17 years, Brett and Celine are raising their three children, Elle (14), Liam (12) and Connor (9) in a home filled with music and creativity. Their family time often includes walks near the lake, playing board games or curling up on the couch with popcorn for movie nights. Like any siblings, they disagree on things, but they are usually quickly replaced with laughter. Each child brings something special to the family dynamic.

Elle is the family’s tech expert. She creates funny reels, edits photos and captures family memories. She is a huge fan of the “Percy Jackson & the Olympians” series and even took part in a play inspired by it last summer in Ajax. For Elle, storytelling, whether through books, theatre or technology, is a way to express herself and connect with others. Liam, the middle child, is known for his humour. He proudly embraces the role of the family’s “dad joke” master. He will happily approach strangers to share a silly joke and watch their reaction. Beneath the jokes is a deeply kind and affectionate boy who loves cuddling babies and playing with younger kids. Connor, the youngest, has an uncanny ability to read a room. An empath by nature, he is quick to recognize others’ feelings. His humour is a little more complex, goofy and clever all at once.

Behind these everyday moments is a strong network of support that has shaped their journey. One of the earliest and most influential members of that support system was private speech-language pathologist Debbie, who has worked with Liam since he was two years old. Alongside professionals at Grandview Kids, including speech-language pathologist Melany, Debbie helped the boys develop the communication skills that have opened their world. “They literally brought voice to our lives,” Celine says.

Through speech therapy, the family learned how to support their sons’ communication, engage in and connect in meaningful ways and build relationships through play and interaction. Their infant and child development worker, Karla, also played an instrumental role in helping Celine and Brett navigate services and funding programs they did not know existed, making additional therapies possible.

The family’s journey with Grandview Kids began when Liam was just eight weeks old. After spending several weeks in the hospital as a newborn due to illness, he was referred to the Grandview Kids’ previous torticollis clinic to address the involuntary contraction of his neck muscles. At the time, Celine admits she did not even know what Grandview Kids was. By six months old, Liam was not babbling or rolling over, so their paediatrician recommended accessing speech therapy at Grandview Kids. When Liam was eight months old, Brett and Celine attended their first parent workshop called “More Than Words.” Since then, the Centre has become a constant presence in their lives.

At two years old, Liam was diagnosed with expressive language disorder by their Grandview Kids developmental paediatirican, Dr. Siapno. While the diagnosis was hard to hear, Celine still felt there might be something more going on. She noticed subtle differences, like limited eye contact, little interest in cuddling and a strong preference for doing things independently. At 34 months, after reassessment, Liam received an official autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. Although the process had been emotionally exhausting, the diagnosis ultimately brought relief. “It meant someone finally saw him,” Celine says. “And we finally knew how to help him.”

Connor’s journey unfolded more quickly. Having already walked a similar path with Liam, Celine and Brett recognized familiar developmental patterns early on, limited babbling, slower motor milestones and reduced eye contact. At just 22 months old, Connor was also diagnosed with ASD. This time, the experience felt different. “I already knew,” Celine explains. “I could see he was just like his big brother. And I knew we would be okay.”

Elle’s path looked very different from her brothers’, who were both nonverbal and using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices in their early years. Elle, on the other hand, spoke early and often. Autism was never initially considered since her parents thought speech was the biggest indicator of ASD. As she got older, bullying at school began to take a toll, and professionals initially wondered if she might have generalized anxiety. During an appointment for Connor, Dr. Siapno asked Celine about the rest of the family. As she spoke about Elle, Celine became emotional, prompting an assessment. At eight years old, Elle was also diagnosed with ASD. For Elle, the moment was unexpectedly meaningful. “She told the doctor she finally felt like she was part of the family,” Celine recalls. “She said she ‘finally belonged.’”

Over the years, the family has accessed many programs and services through Grandview Kids, including audiology, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, therapeutic recreation, social work, summer camp and education at Grandview School. For Celine, the most powerful part of Grandview Kids has been the sense of community, one fostered strongly through the Family Engagement Program.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, she remembers sitting in the waiting room in the old Grandview Kids Ajax location while children played together. Even kids who could not speak were laughing and connecting. Parents exchanged quiet looks of understanding, sometimes even silent “thank-yous.”

“It was the one place we didn’t have to explain anything,”

she remembers fondly. Special events like pyjama parties, holiday celebrations and community programs have created lasting memories. These moments ensured the children could see others like them and feel included. Connor even met his best friend at Grandview School.

Today, the impact of those supports is evident. Celine often wonders whether the boys would be as verbal as they are today without the early speech therapy they received. Connor also gained a major milestone through therapeutic recreation, learning how to ride a bike. This skill gave him newfound independence. “These are everyday things people take for granted,” Celine says. “But for us, they were huge.” Elle has also found her voice as a leader. She participates in the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) at Grandview Kids and hopes to one day create a subcommittee to help other youth share ideas and advocate for change. At school, she is already helping educate peers about disabilities and accessibility.

Still, the journey is not without challenges. Social misunderstandings can make school difficult at times. This is especially true for Elle, who loves sharing information and speaking passionately on topics she cares about. Her direct communication style has sometimes been misinterpreted, leading to bullying in the past. She has become skilled at masking, hiding her autistic traits to “fit in” socially. “It’s exhausting,” Celine says. “And she shouldn’t have to do that forever.” Connor continues to experience anxiety at school, while Liam sometimes faces misunderstandings when people assume his autism only matters on certain days.

Like many parents of neurodivergent children, Celine often thinks about the future, wondering what adulthood will look like and hoping her children will find meaningful work, independence and communities that embrace them for who they are. At the same time, she reminds herself that progress does not always follow a typical timeline. “People just need to take a breath,” she says. “Life is life. People are people.” She also hopes others will reconsider common expectations, like the emphasis on eye contact. “For our family, eye contact was never important,” she explains. “You can still connect with someone without looking directly into their eyes.”

Instead, Celine believes society should focus more on acceptance and patience, recognizing that everyone grows and learns at their own pace. “There is so much emphasis on the ‘cannot,’ but we need to celebrate the ‘cans’ instead.” For parents on a similar journey, her message is simple: trust yourself and find your community. “You know your child better than anyone. Keep asking questions until someone listens.” And when the road feels overwhelming, remember that you don’t have to walk it alone. Sometimes, the right community can make all the difference, and for Brett, Celine, Elle, Liam and Connor, that community has been Grandview Kids.

During the month of April, we observe Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month to recognize and support individuals living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects brain development. Children and youth with autism may face challenges with social interactions, have difficulty making eye contact, exhibit repetitive behaviours and experience speech difficulties. Some may be non-verbal, while others may speak occasionally or lose the ability to speak after initially using words.

In recognition of Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month, family members of clients shared their experiences of being caregivers to children with autism.

Kaleb’s Story, written by Kaleb’s mom, Erika

My child’s autism diagnosis hasn’t just changed me, as a single mother, but everyone Kaleb and I are closest to. It has made us much more understanding and patient. Personally, I feel like I am so much stronger as a mother. Kaleb doesn’t just have an autism diagnosis but multiple diagnoses including serious mental health issues, and this has made me become such a strong advocate for him and any child with similar disabilities.

I celebrate autism every day, week, month and year! Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month means the world to me and my family. I am trying very hard every day to make sure Kaleb and every child with autism receive the proper help in school and the community. Sadly, autism is still fairly unknown, so the proper support systems are hard to come by locally. I try as much as possible to join any online groups and fundraisers whenever possible for autism awareness and acceptance.

Logan Story, written by Logan’s mom, Kayla

Logan’s Autism diagnosis flipped our entire world upside down, and in many ways, despite the struggles, for the better. I was on my way to becoming a 9-1-1 telecommunicator and was about to graduate college when it became increasingly obvious he was “peaking.” Our family doctor had pushed for assessments through Grandview Kids from an extraordinarily young age, and at the time, I was ignorant. With his delayed/missed milestones and speech coupled with increasingly intense tics at the age of two, we finally agreed to be assessed and got his diagnosis.

As a family, we have altered our lifestyle, including future and occupational goals, to focus on Logan’s functioning, education, seizures and other medical issues that have come as a result of comorbidity to his Autism. Regardless of the sacrifices and cons, this diagnosis has brought us so much knowledge and resources and provided a community for us to thrive and grow. Logan and I have met the kindest souls through Grandview Kids, including other children on the spectrum and parents navigating this disorder that we can relate to.

We will celebrate Autism Month by sharing posts and stories to spread awareness, wearing our coolest Autism merch and most importantly celebrating Logan’s 6th birthday on April 5th – which always feels like such a fitting month since learning of his Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis! Double celebration! This month to us is not only about awareness, but supporting the de-stigmatization of Autism as well. I hope that in spreading information and combatting misinformation we can further educate those that do not understand the spectrum and help enlighten parents of neurotypical children on how to teach their youths to be a supportive friend and ally to those with ASD and similar conditions. This month is not only celebratory but promotes education and, in turn, acceptance just by being noted and seen. This month creates a sense of togetherness and opacity in a diagnosis that can often feel lonely and invisible. “To be loved is to be seen” ❤️!!!

A drawing by Logan of the former
Grandview Kids headquarters.

As an “Autism Mom,” I try my best to spread awareness of the immense talents, abilities and positive traits of my own child and many other individuals on the spectrum. I believe there needs to be more focus on the pros and gifts that come with Autism, without dismissing that there are negative aspects too. I utilize word of mouth and social media to distribute helpful information. I also proudly wear my pins, jewelry and clothing not only to show my pride and support for my son and his community, but knowing someone may ask me about what I’m wearing and open the floor to meaningful discussion.

Molly’s Journey, written by Molly’s mom, Erin

In the first couple of years after our daughter’s diagnosis, we felt overwhelmed and lost, unsure of what the future would hold. But as time went on, we realized that the diagnosis wasn’t the big, bad monster —it was simply a part of who she is. That shift in perspective allowed us to focus on the small wins and everyday joys, appreciating life in a way we had not before. It also pushed me out of my comfort zone. As someone who is naturally shy, I had to learn to speak up, advocate and take things head-on. This journey has changed me in ways I never expected, making me stronger, more present and more grateful for each moment.

For Molly, celebrating Autism and Grandview Kids goes hand in hand. She loves hearing the story of her diagnosis and how she started at Grandview Kids, often looking through old pictures and her communication book to see how far she’s come. It’s a special way for us to reflect on her hard work and progress. We also try to change our outside lights to blue for April—though some years, life gets busy! Last year, Molly took the celebration into her own hands by asking her teacher to share her story with her class on World Autism Day. She even created her own slide deck, explaining her challenges and how Grandview Kids helped her learn to speak. Seeing her take pride in her journey is the best way we celebrate. Watching her stand up and speak for herself was such a proud, full-circle moment.

This month is a great reminder to keep awareness and acceptance front and centre. It’s important to keep the conversation going and support efforts that make a real difference. The more we talk about it and help others understand, the more accepting and inclusive the world becomes—not just this month, but all year round.

Like Molly, we focus on supporting Grandview Kids and sharing our story to help spread awareness of how they’ve made a difference in our family’s life. Over the years, we’ve participated in various events, with the most significant being our role as an Ambassador Family for the recently completed Believe Campaign. But awareness and acceptance also happen in the small, everyday moments—by being open and honest with family, friends, colleagues, neighbours and even acquaintances. We love to talk about Molly because she is such a unique, kind and funny person who brings us so much joy. We believe people learn best when they have a personal connection and feel comfortable asking questions, so we embrace those conversations whenever they arise.

Teagan & Logan’s Story, written by Teagan and Logan’s parents, Gregory & Kara

My children’s autism diagnosis has made us realize that as a family, no matter how many challenges life throws at us that we can get through everything if we work together. We are celebrating Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month by making sure that we are actively involved in the autism community through participation in social groups and attending events that cater to children with autism. This month is a chance to showcase all the amazing, unique and inspiring things that our children can do and have accomplished. We encourage our children to be part of groups, events and show people that despite their diagnosis, our children can enjoy and be active members of the community. We also share resources with other families to let them know what is available for their kids and encourage them to join.

Faith’s Journey, written by Faith’s mom, Sophia

Joining the autism club was not something I signed up for, but wow—what a journey it’s been! My daughter’s diagnosis has completely reshaped who I am, and honestly, I like this newer, better version of me. I have become more patient, kind and much less judgmental, and I am proud of the grace and joy I bring to tough situations now. The challenges? They are very real. But they have taught me to embrace life’s messiness and celebrate every little victory. It’s been a wild ride, and I would not trade the lessons or the love for anything. There is nothing I cannot get through now.

This month, I’m keeping the spirit of awareness and acceptance alive in so many ways. First by celebrating how far we have come as a family with a child on the spectrum. I’m reminding my team at work that it’s Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month and encouraging them to support activities or even join me in donating to amazing organizations like Grandview Kids or Autism Ontario. I’ll be guest-hosting an Autism Awareness Podcast with another family who has a son on the spectrum, which I’m really excited about. I’m also participating in a fundraising walk at Whitby Heydenshore Park. Beyond that, I’m making it a priority to keep the conversations going—sharing resources, stories and simple ways everyone can help create a more inclusive world. Every bit of effort makes a difference!

Autism Month is all about celebrating the amazing ways individuals with an autism diagnosis, like my daughter Faith, see and experience the world. It’s a chance to listen, learn and make sure everyone, including her, feels valued, included and safe to be her unique self, no matter how they think or communicate. In my community—like at my daughter’s school, with friends and at church—I use my experience as a mom of a thriving autistic daughter to share helpful tools and resources. This includes sharing programs like the Access 2 Card for participating venues like CNE and Wonderland, Autism Ontario sensory-friendly events, the Sunflower Program for airports and information on OAP funding. I love helping families discover opportunities that make a real difference for our kids and their caregivers.

Éamon’s Story, written by Éamon’s mom, Susan

Our son’s Autism has made us realize that you can never truly understand all that someone else is going through. He has helped us see the world in different and positive ways. The community that our son has built around himself just by virtue of his diagnosis has astounded us in their capacity for caring, understanding and support. Despite the stereotypes associated with being “different,” our son shows us every day not to underestimate his abilities.

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is a science-based approach to learning that focuses on creating supportive environments to help build important skills like communication, self-regulation and independence. ABA can also support children and families by reducing barriers to learning and addressing interfering or dangerous behaviours.

How do we practice ABA at Grandview Kids?

At Grandview Kids, ABA is delivered through engaging, individualized activities tailored to each child or youth. The Behaviour Services team, including Registered Behaviour Analysts, Senior Autism Therapists and Autism Therapy Assistants, works closely with families to create personalized plans focused on communication, emotional regulation, daily living skills and behaviours that interfere with learning. A strengths-based, collaborative approach is used, working alongside Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists and other specialists.

_{From left to right in the back row: Sabrina M., Autism Therapy Assistant, Arjana S., Behaviour Analyst, Mikaela M., Autism Therapy Assistant, Lauren B., Autism Therapy Assistant, Kayla H., Autism Therapy Assistant, Brizida V., Behaviour Analyst, Alicia C., Clinical Manager, Social Enterprise, Leigh S., Clinical Manager, Specialized Supports- Extensive Needs, Kaitlynn B., Autism Therapy Assistant and Julie J., Behaviour Analyst.
From left to right in the front row: Sarah A., Behaviour Analyst, Charlene M., Senior Autism Therapist, Deanne R., Autism Therapy Assistant, Marlaina R., Senior Autism Therapist, Trishna S., Autism Therapy Assistant, Jennifer-Lynn B., Autism Therapy Assistant, Clare T., Autism Therapy Assistant and Dana D., Autism Therapy Assistant.}

How do we use our values in action?

Assent-Based Practice: Children have a voice in their learning. We listen to them, ensure they feel safe and empowered and adapt our teaching accordingly.
Trauma-Informed Care: Building rapport is a key part of our process. We focus on creating supportive environments that foster trust and emotional well-being.
Skill Building: We focus on teaching meaningful skills that integrate into daily life, creating new opportunities for reinforcement and connection for children and their families.

_{From left to right in the back row: Kaveena K., Autism Therapy Assistant and Jamie G., Autism Therapy Assistant.
From left to right in the front row: Katie B., Autism Therapy Assistant and
Ashley A., Autism Therapy Assistant.}

What services do we provide?

Group-Based Learning: Helping children develop play, group-readiness and self-regulation skills.
Foundational Family Services Workshops: Offering resources and strategies to empower caregivers.
Extensive Needs Service: In collaboration with Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, this service stream is designed to support children and youth with complex developmental, physical and communication needs. It offers comprehensive, interdisciplinary care, including Behaviour Services, medical, therapeutic and other support services.
Ontario Autism Program (OAP) Core Clinical Services: Providing ABA therapy in collaboration with Speech-Language Pathology and Occupational Therapy.

Grandview Kids offers two service streams to support your child’s growth: the Focused ABA Model and the Mediated ABA Model.

The Focused ABA Model targets foundational skills such as communication, imitation, play skills, behaviour management, self-care and motor skills through regular practice using ABA principles.
The Mediated ABA Model focuses on a specific set of skills, guided by input from parents and assessment results, helping families practice and apply what their child learns.

If you have questions about ABA at Grandview Kids, you can check out our dedicated Purchased Services page, contact Service Navigation or speak with your other clinicians.

Grandview Kids is the lead agency for the Ontario Autism Program – Durham (OAP-D), a local partnership providing programs and services to children and youth with Autism.

In 2021, the OAP-D was selected by the Province of Ontario to offer Caregiver-Mediated Early Years Program as part of the Ontario Autism Program. Grandview Kids offers one of three programs in the Durham Region, known as the Social ABCs.

After several months of intensive fidelity training, four members of Team Grandview have successfully become Social ABCs coaches through Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital.

Karen J. is a Social ABCs Parent Coach and Site Lead who has been part of the Grandview team since 2003. Her experience includes supporting Preschool Speech and Language Services, Autism Services, and the ASD Diagnostic Hub. Since joining the Social ABCs team in 2021, Karen has focused on empowering parents to build positive, playful interactions with their children. She loves helping families explore how everyday moments, often using simple household items or even kitchen ingredients, can become powerful opportunities for connection, communication, and natural learning.

Vareesha K. is a Social ABCs Coach and Site Lead and has ten years of experience supporting neurodiverse populations with communication challenges. She joined Grandview Kids in 2019 and has worked in the Preschool Speech and Language Program and OAP Program. She also pertains certification in Solution Focused Coaching and training in the Early Start Denver Model approach. As a Social ABCs site lead and coach, her work focuses on empowering parents to support their child’s social communication skills and self-regulation needs. In this program, strategies are practiced through play-based routines and naturally occurring moments throughout the day that are intrinsically motivating for the child. What sets this program apart is the level of intensive coaching provided to families. It is direct, supportive, in the moment and adapted to the caregiver and child’s needs. We get back to the basics to set the foundation of play, interaction, and fun! This program highlights the power of shared positive emotions between caregivers and their children to foster meaningful connections and engagement.

Here are some parent testimonials from the program:

“Thank you for giving me the confidence to be able to interact with my child and connect with them on a level I never thought was possible.”
“This program not only benefits my son, it also benefits my whole family.”
“The knowledge you’ve shared with us has been invaluable, and I will always appreciate it. I’ll definitely recommend this program to anyone in a situation like mine.”

Celcela N. is a Communicative Disorders Assistant and Social ABCs Coach in training and has been a part of the Social ABC’s team since February 2025. Prior to joining Social ABCs, Celcela supported the Preschool Speech and Language Program at Grandview, providing parent coaching for a diverse range of communicative needs.

Celcela strongly values Social ABCs’ emphasis on intentional communication through connection building and shared joy. By fostering social communication within positive, motivating and emotionally engaging experiences, Celcela supports gentle and naturalistic learning opportunities that feel authentic and enjoyable for both the child and caregiver. It’s incredibly rewarding for her to observe children throughout the program as they discover how much richer and more meaningful play and daily routines can be when shared with another person, especially as they begin to initiate interactions, take turns, direct their attention, and send messages to others.

Through her work at Social ABCs, Celcela has come to value positive emotion sharing as the foundation for communication. Witnessing caregivers and children reciprocate smiles and laughter demonstrates that social communication truly begins with connecting with another person.

Ashna D. has been a Communicative Disorders Assistant since 2023 and joined Social ABCs in October 2025. Prior to becoming a Communicative Disorders Assistant, Ashna spent several years working with individuals with diverse neurological and developmental needs, building a strong foundation in supporting a wide range of communication and learning profiles. Her favorite part of Social ABCs is watching parents and children discover new ways to play together. Research shows how important play is for both connection and learning. Yet adults often spend much of their time being serious. Being able to help parents find new activities and opportunities to be silly during play and seeing how that translates into deeper learning for children is truly amazing. Ashna finds it incredibly rewarding to support families in embracing play as a meaningful, joyful part of everyday learning.

Grandview Kids is proud to offer the Social ABCs as a caregiver-mediated early years program. If your family has received a letter of invitation from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, visit https://grandviewkids.ca/caregiver-mediated-programs/ to learn how you can enroll in the Social ABCs.