This photo depicts four children from the back, raising their linked hands in a show of unity or celebration. The children are standing against a simple, light-colored background, likely a wall. The two children on the ends are wearing short-sleeved, striped T-shirts, one in green and white and the other in shades of blue. The two children in the middle are wearing solid-colored T-shirts, one in blue and the other in a light color. Their raised hands create a chain, symbolizing friendship, teamwork, or victory. The kids' haircuts and casual clothing suggest an informal, youthful setting, possibly during a playful or educational activity.
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Children’s Friendship Training (CFT)

Children’s Friendship Training (CFT) is a specialized program aimed at enhancing a child's social skills and ability to form meaningful friendships. Over the course of 11 weeks, participants will engage in interactive, skill-building group sessions that focus on the fundamental aspects of social interaction and friendship.

The program utilizes proven strategies to enhance social skills and friendship-building capabilities among children Each session introduces a new skill, offering participants the opportunity to role-play and practice these skills in a supportive environment.

Program Details:

  • Day/Time: Tuesdays 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM (1x/week)
  • Dates: January 13, 2026 – March 24, 2025
  • Age Offered: 8-12 yrs
  • Total Sessions: 11 sessions
  • Location: 1870 Birchmount Rd.

Goals of the Program:

  • Strengthen core social skills to help children build and maintain meaningful friendships.
  • Teach children how to navigate peer relationships with confidence, empathy, and resilience.
  • Support children in managing social challenges, such as teasing, rejection, and conflict, in healthy ways.
  • Equip children with the tools to engage in cooperative play, respectful communication, and inclusive interactions.
  • Making phone calls, setting up play days and being a good host

Eligibility:

To participate, children should:

  • Be able to join a group of 5–7 peers in a shared learning environment
  • Be able to follow group routines and play simple turn-taking games
  • Not engage in harmful or disruptive behaviors (e.g., aggression, self-injury, throwing objects)
  • Demonstrate advanced conversation skills (e.g., asking questions, responding to others, making comments)
  • Show interest in making friends and connecting with peers
  • Have a caregiver available to attend the parent component of each session

What to Expect:

Over 11 engaging sessions, participants will take part in small group sessions led by trained facilitators. Each session focuses on a specific friendship skill, with opportunities for role-playing, guided practice, and immediate feedback in a safe, supportive environment. Children will build confidence through real-world strategies and peer interaction.

Registration

Registration is currently OPEN for the program.

Fees & Funding

  • Total Cost: $2,200

Interested in this program?

Registration with SAAAC Autism Centre requires speaking with our Intake Team and providing them with your child's and family information.

Can't find what you are looking for?
Please contact our Centre and we will be happy to answer your questions.

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