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 (may have Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or similar neurodevelopmental disorders). The focus of this program is to build capacity within the neurodivergent youth population, enabling them to become more independent and have a safe space to learn social strategies for everyday community activities.
About the Spring 2026 module: Friendship and Dating
The upcoming Beyond the Walls module will focus on Friendship and Dating. This module promotes development in social relationship skills within friendships and dating relationships. Participants will be provided with an overview of conversation topics, humour and sarcasm, cyber skill within friendships, self-regulation within relationships and an introduction to dating. During sessions, participants will be provided with opportunities to practice the skills reviewed in a role-playing situation.
Workshop development and program supervision are overseen by Grandview Kids staff.
Eligibility:
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
This module consists of 6 sessions, with a maximum of 10 participants. All sessions will take place at Grandview Kids’ Ajax headquarters, The Jerry Coughlan Building (1461 Harwood Avenue North). Sessions will be on Thursday evenings from 6:30 pm-8:00 pm starting Thursday, May 7, 2026, and ending on Thursday, June 18, 2026. Please note there will be NO session on Thursday, June 4, 2026.
Cost
$30.00 per participant for six sessions in the Beyond the Walls: Friendship and Dating module.
Important 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.
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.
