Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is one of the most effective treatments for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). At the SAAAC Autism Centre, we deliver an evidencebased treatment that ensures our students are being prepared for life beyond the treatment room. Our 1-to-1 and group sessions will focus on teaching a variety of skills including but not limited to functional living skills such as communication, dressing and grooming that help promote personal independence. We target development in the areas of social skills and motor skills. In addition, we focus on developing play/leisure skills as well as academics. We work in collaboration with families to develop individualized, comprehensive treatment plans tailored to meet the needs of each student.

Our ABA program adheres to the strict staffing requirements outlined in the Ontario Autism Program, and is led by qualified therapists who adhere to the industry standards outlined by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).

Our SLPs treat a variety of speech difficulties including voice and fluency disorders and motor speech disorders, while encouraging skill development in the areas of non-verbal communication, expressive and receptive language, and social communication skills.

Goals might include the following:

• Sensory Concerns (Sensitivity to loud noises, picky eater, toe walking)
• Gross Motor Skills (Kicking or throwing a ball, balance, coordination)
• Fine Motor Skills (Handwriting, using cutlery)
• Social Skills (Play, turn taking)
• Self-care Skills (Toileting, dressing, eating)
• Managing Emotions
• School Readiness

Strategies and recommendations can be given for adolescents and adult clients.

Through artistic exploration and skill development, our artists will work towards creating vibrant works of art, raising awareness and beautifying our communities. The program’s objectives include the following:

• Promote public awareness of the creative capacity and
  potential of individuals with autism
• Enhance participants’ sense of social inclusion through professional skills development and artistic recognition
• Increase employability by providing participants with
  opportunities to work on creative projects and through
  the sale of artwork
• Integrate applied behavior analysis (ABA) strategies
  within a creative curriculum to engage and foster client
  development

Dance carries with it the unique qualities of being nonverbal, creative, and emotionally appealing. Such qualities can be used as viable teaching instruments to facilitate social interaction, self-expression, and communication.

The Just Dance program helps students increase physical activity through song and dance; creates an environment for meaningful social interaction between students; and allows our dancers to creatively express themselves. The program also aims to improve gross motor skills, increase the use of facial expressions, and develop strength and coordination.

Dancers are given the opportunity to showcase their skills through a variety of public performances held throughout the year.

The Functional Fitness & Movement Skills program is an adapted fitness program that is fun and dynamic that develops fundamental movement skills in children and youth with autism. The program is built around improving fundamental strength, stability, locomotive, and motor planning skills. By working on these areas, our athletes will build strength, stability and coordination, with the goal of performing more complex movements over time.

Through well designed physical activities and games, our athletes will develop lifelong movement skills.

Through an engaging curriculum and supportive instructors, our program encourages students to create greater connections to the people and community around them.

The Living’N’Learning program places an emphasis on the following domains of learning:

• Independent Living
• Job Readiness
• Recreational and Physical Activity
• Community Integration
• Core Academics

The Living’N’Learning program provides students with fun, challenging, and meaningful daily activities with the goal of preparing them for life outside the classroom.

Program Requirements:

• Minimal Behaviours
• Can tolerate sitting (minimum of 20 mins)
• Can use the washroom independently
• Can work in a 1:3 ratio (one support worker to three clients)

The M-DOC team helps families address questions regarding their child’s development, and provides a well-defined pathway to access greater support if developmental concerns are identified. The M-DOC is designed to help families act early and to help their children receive important support services, which can lead to significantly better developmental outcomes.

The mobile aspect of our clinic allows our team to deliver community-based, point of care service to vulnerable populations by meeting families where they are.

CARES is a family support program aimed at increasing caregiver capacity to support the development of children with autism. The program is delivered through a combination of support group discussions, expert led workshops, and social leisure activities. Caregivers are also offered structured respite support for their children during all sessions.

At SAAAC Camps, learning and fun go hand in hand. That is why all our activities at camp- from arts & crafts to a day at the park – are Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) embedded, which means we are constantly teaching valuable skills through play.

Our Camp Staff are certified and trained in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). They have years of experience working with individuals with autism and are committed to creating a fun, safe, and educational environment for children and youth to enjoy and grow.

*†1-to-1 Support

The Foundation for Success Program will help young children learn in a supportive and therapeutic learning environment based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).Our programming is enhanced with the involvement of a multidisciplinary team including a Speech-Language Therapist, Occupation Therapist Assistants, and Instructor Therapists.

The Foundation for Success Program will help children prepare for the following:

• coping with sensory challenges (visual or auditory stimuli,
  smells, proximity to others, clothing, etc.)
• using acceptable communication skills
• building social skills to help them be part of a group
• developing motor skills
• developing self-care skills
• observing and/or participating in experiences and activities
  to build conceptual and academic learning

Our Case Management service helps families develop strategies to improve children and family well being. We connect families with various resources within the community and help them access funding support from private and government sources. All families registered with the SAAAC Autism Centre benefit from access to Case Management support.

Open – Caregiver Support – Free – Open

The Everyday ABA program will give you the skills, tools and confidence to help your child on the Autism Spectrum.  Our program is created and facilitated by experienced therapists and caregivers who share a common goal: to help you and your child thrive.  Through discussion, online presentations, demonstrations, interactive activities, and hands-on practice we provide you with the practical tools and resources to help your child excel at home and in the community.   

Topics Covered  

• Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder   

• Reinforcement and Prompting  
• Pairing and Instructional Control  
• Challenging behaviours   
• Visual Supports