A group of children stand outdoors with their arms around each other’s shoulders, smiling and enjoying a moment of connection and friendship. The scene captures a sense of confidence, inclusivity, and peer bonding. This image represents the Social Pals program at the SAAAC Autism Centre, which supports children in developing meaningful friendships, social communication, and confidence through ABA-guided group experiences.
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Social Pals (Fall 2026)

Developing Interactive Play and Social Engagement with Peers

This group will focus on intermediate social skills that encourage more independent interactive play with peers, and turn taking without adult support. This group aims to prepare learners to join in play and actively participate in a variety of social interactions with peers.

Program Details:

  • Date/Time: Thursdays 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM (1x/week)
  • Dates: Sept. 17, 24, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26, Dec. 3 
  • Total Sessions: 12 sessions 
  • Location: 1870 Birchmount Rd.
  • Age Offered: 9-12  yrs

Sample Goals:

  • Initiating greetings
  • Interactive play with peers
  • How to join in play with others
  • Requesting from peers in various contexts
  • Independent turn taking with peers (not mediated by an adult)

Eligibility:

To participate in Social Pals, children must:

  • Group Ready: Your child is considered ready for group participation when they can remain in a shared space with other children while maintaining behavioral safety. This means they demonstrate the ability to be present with peers without engaging in behaviors that could pose risks to themselves or others, such as frequent aggressive actions, self-injurious behaviors, or attempts to leave the designated area without supervision.
  • Can sit and attend to a group lesson for at least 5-7 mins
  • Be able to make spontaneous requests with adults

Cost

Total Cost: $2880/12 sessions

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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