Welcome! Thank you for your interest in our summer program for autistic youth.

This form provides key information for you about the program, and allows us to collect some information about the person who would join our group. 

After completing the form, our program coordinator and supervisor will review the request and subsequently reach out to you to schedule an introductory call to discuss the participant's suitability for the program and answer any questions you have.

Following this, we require an in person intake with our coordinator at a fee of $150 which is separate from the program fees.

Nature of the Service
This service is a structured psychological group intervention.

The program combines:

• Experiential activities
• Social interaction
• Guided discussion
• Skill-building opportunities

The goal is to support confidence, social connection, emotional wellbeing, and personal growth in a supportive peer environment. Goals of service include:

• Providing a supportive, welcoming, and inclusive space for youth
• Supporting youth in building confidence and self-expression
• Helping youth develop peer connections and a sense of community
• Offering activity-based experiential learning opportunities
• Encouraging growth in communication, coping, and self-advocacy

While this group includes recreational and experiential activities, it is not a substitute for individual psychotherapy, medical care, or crisis services.

Program Structure

Dates: July 14th – August 20th
Days: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays

Time Options:

9:00am–12:00pm 
1:00pm–4:00pm 
Groups are generally organized by age, with flexibility depending on individual needs. Our program coordinator and supervisor arrange groupings.

 

Risks and Benefits of Participation
Participating in a group program can offer many benefits but may also involve certain risks.

Potential Benefits
Participants may experience:

• Increased confidence and social comfort
• Opportunities to connect with peers
• A stronger sense of belonging and community
• Development of coping, communication, and self-advocacy skills
• Positive shared experiences and memories

Potential Risks
Participating in a group may involve:

• Feeling uncomfortable discussing personal topics
• Emotional reactions when hearing others’ experiences
• Occasional misunderstandings or disagreements between participants
• Anxiety related to social situations or new experiences

While facilitators actively support respectful interactions, some level of discomfort can occur as part of the learning and growth process.

Participants may also find that the group does not meet their needs or expectations. Benefits vary for each individual.

Facilitators

Our groups are led by experienced facilitators from the Julia Ryan Psychology practice.

All programming operates under the clinical direction and supervision of Dr. Julia Ryan, Ph.D., C. Psych (CPBAO #6871)

Our practice is regulated by the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario, which ensures that services are provided safely, ethically, and competently.

More information can be found at:
https://cpbao.on.ca/

Group Expectations
We aim to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where all participants feel comfortable being themselves and learning together. Social situations can sometimes be challenging, and the group is a space where youth can practice communication, collaboration, and self-advocacy with support from facilitators.

Participants are encouraged to:

• Treat others with kindness and respect
• Be mindful of others’ feelings and perspectives
• Follow facilitator guidance during activities
• Respect the privacy of other participants and what is shared in the group

Facilitators recognize that youth may have different communication styles, sensory needs, and ways of interacting, and we work with participants to support positive interactions and problem-solve challenges when they arise.

If behaviours significantly impact the safety or participation of others, facilitators will work with the youth and family to determine whether additional supports are needed or whether the group remains the best fit at that time.

Attendance and Commitment

This program is a closed group, meaning the same participants attend each session throughout the program. This helps youth become familiar with one another and build a sense of comfort, trust, and connection over time.

Regular attendance helps support this process. At the same time, we understand that participation can sometimes feel challenging, particularly for youth who may experience anxiety, sensory overwhelm, fatigue, or unexpected life events. Our team is here to help support participation, so we will work closely with you to promote attendance.

 

Because group spaces are limited and reserved for each participant, missed sessions cannot be refunded or rescheduled.

Community Outings
To support the program goals, the group may participate in community outings that support learning, connection, and positive experiences.

Examples may include:

• restaurants or stores
• visiting farms, markets, animal recues, community events
• outdoor activities like park or beach
• fruit or vegetable picking,
• escape rooms or similar group activities

Benefits of Outings
These experiences allow youth to practice communication, coping, and life skills in real-world settings and strengthen relationships with peers.

Potential Risks
Community outings may involve risks such as:

• travel delays or accidents
• outdoor hazards (tripping, weather, illness)
• sensory overload from crowds or noise

Facilitators take reasonable precautions to minimize risks and support youth with successful participation.

Transportation
Depending on the outing, transportation may occur by:

• public transit
• rideshare services
• staff vehicles

When staff vehicles are used, drivers will have:

• valid driver’s licenses
• current insurance
• registered vehicles

Parents will receive advance notice of planned outings including exact location details, timing of the outing and contact information for facilitators attending the outing.

Service Fees

The cost of the youth group is:
$200/day
$3,600 for the six-week program

Payment schedule:

$1200 deposit to secure spot; due by June 1st

The remaining balance is due in full by July 14 (first day of the program).

Fees may be paid by:

• Credit card
• E-transfer

Payment must be received prior to participation. A credit card will be required required for all files.

Insurance
Receipts will be issued as a Group Psychological Service under Dr. Julia Ryan, C. Psych.

Many extended health benefit plans provide coverage for psychological services. Please confirm details with your insurer. 

We provide direct billing to many companies to support families with their claims, though in most cases there are still some remaining fees to cover via credit card or e-transfer. 

Families are responsible for confirming eligibility and submitting claims when required.

Refund Policy
Because this is a closed group program with limited spaces:

• Missed sessions cannot be refunded
• Late cancellations cannot be credited or rescheduled

Withdrawal from Service

You have the right to withdraw your consent for the service at any time, without penalty.

The deposit is non-refundable and if you decide to withdraw your child from services, you will still be charged, and required to settle, fees for work completed prior to your decision to withdraw.