child autism Therapy : Virtual Autism Therapy Ontario

We know you have choices. Here are some key reasons families trust us:
Child-Led, Play-Based Therapy: We let children lead the way. Your child’s therapy is tailored to their interests, reducing pressure and building engagement.
Non-ABA Philosophy: We respect neurodiversity, focusing on natural development rather than rigid behavior goals. Behaviors like stimming are seen as self-regulation, not deficits.
Experienced, Licensed Therapists: Our team includes psychotherapists and counselors with decades of experience in autism and child development. We stay current with best practices and certified methods (Miller Method®, DIR/Floortime, etc.).
Family-Centered Care: Parents and siblings are welcomed as part of the therapy process. We provide parent training and family counseling, because a child’s progress is tied to their support at home.
Warm and Safe Environment: From sensory-friendly rooms to a compassionate staff, we create a judgement-free zone where children feel understood. Many parents comment on how “our child loves coming here.”
Integrated Services: We offer a range of therapies under one roof (play, art, CBT, parent support). Coordination between therapists means consistent goals and faster progress.
Flexible Scheduling: In addition to weekday appointments, we offer evening slots and online sessions to fit busy family lives.
Professional Accreditation: We are registered with all major Ontario health care providers (OHIP doesn’t cover therapy directly, but many private plans do) and have a 5-star rating from our clients.
By choosing us, you’re choosing a clinic that values trust and partnership. We build a plan with you – listening to your concerns, answering your questions, and regularly updating you on your child’s progress. Our track record shows that children gain confidence and families gain hope.

Our Vaughan/Thornhill Clinic is conveniently located at 17 Honeywood Road, just north of Hwy 7. It’s a short drive from Vaughan, Thornhill, Richmond Hill, and even Markham. Free parking is available onsite. The clinic space is bright, clean, and stocked with toys and art materials appropriate for all ages and sensory needs. We follow all COVID-safe and accessibility guidelines for peace of mind.

For families outside the Toronto area, we offer live video therapy across Ontario and internationally. Our online sessions use a secure platform where therapists interact with your child in real time. Online therapy follows the same play-based model – for example, a therapist might send play materials in advance or use screen-shared games for engagement. Many parents find virtual sessions help keep continuity when travel or illness interrupts in-person therapy. We have successfully supported children in remote parts of Ontario and even as far as Europe.
If you prefer in-school support, we also consult with nearby schools and therapists. We can conduct assessments or co-therapy sessions at your child’s school or daycare (often at no cost to parents), helping teachers implement our strategies. Whether it’s Autism Support in Ontario through private clinics like ours or collaboration with public services (like Ontario’s Special Services at Home program), we work to bridge gaps in care.
Contact & Get Started
Taking the first step is easy. Reach out to us by phone, email, or the contact form on our website. We offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to learn about your child and answer initial questions. If it feels like a good fit, we’ll schedule an in-person or online intake session. Insurance and funding plans vary; our administrative staff can help you understand options (some private insurance and the Ontario Autism Program may cover therapies like ours).
We are passionate about guiding your child’s journey and supporting your family. Contact us today to book your consultation or clinic tour. Let Autism Center for Kids be your partner in helping your child play, learn, and grow.

Play therapy uses toys, games, and creative activities as the “language” through which children express emotions and learn skills. For autistic children, it provides a comfortable way to practice social interaction, communication, and coping strategies. Play therapy has been shown to increase social engagement and reduce problem behaviors when combined with other supports

We avoid repetitive drills and strict behavior protocols of traditional ABA. Instead, our non-ABA approach respects each child’s pace and natural interests. We focus on emotional growth, sensory comfort, and building trust. For example, we wouldn’t discourage a child from self-soothing behaviors like hand-flapping; studies suggest such stimming can be a healthy coping strategy

No. We work with any child experiencing challenges with social skills, communication, anxiety or sensory issues. A formal diagnosis can help tailor therapy, but our initial focus is on understanding and supporting your child’s current needs.

We see children as young as 2 up to age 17 (and occasionally young adults). Even very young children benefit from play-based early intervention, while older kids and teens can benefit from art, CBT, and psychotherapy.

Typical sessions are 45–60 minutes. We usually recommend once weekly at the start, adjusting based on progress and goals. Some children do best with two sessions per week, especially early on. We coordinate with parents to find a schedule that works for family routines.

You’ll notice small improvements along the way: more eye contact, new words or behaviors, easier meltdowns, or even just your child looking forward to sessions. We also use goal tracking: at intake we set specific targets (like using words in distress instead of crying), and we check progress every few months. We keep families involved so you see the steps forward in real time.

In-person sessions allow richer playroom experiences; however online therapy is very effective for many children too, especially those who may feel shy in a clinic at first. We find a combination often works best. Your therapist will recommend a plan based on what suits your child and family.

Our autism therapy services are comprehensive and family-centered. We offer both in-person therapy at our Vaughan clinic and live online sessions across Ontario (and beyond). Below are some of our core offerings:
Play Therapy: Child-led play sessions that build social skills and emotional expression.
Art Therapy: Creative art activities (drawing, painting, crafts) to improve sensory integration, fine motor skills, and self-expression.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Structured therapy to help children identify thoughts and feelings, reduce anxiety, and practice coping strategies.
Family Therapy & Parent Coaching: Working with parents/caregivers to address family dynamics, teach at-home techniques, and strengthen parent-child relationships.
Social Skills Groups: Small, supportive groups (in-person or virtual) where children learn to interact, take turns, and communicate with peers.
Online Counseling: Secure video sessions for families anywhere in Ontario (and internationally), providing the same play-based, interactive therapy from home.
School Support Consultations: Collaboration with teachers and schools to integrate therapies in the classroom and support the child’s learning environment.
We follow an evidence-informed practice. Each service draws on research-based techniques. For example, play therapy is shown to help autistic children move from “unwanted behaviors to more non-injurious expressive behavior”. Art therapy studies report improvements in social communication and reduction of stress in ASD. And family therapy ensures that changes at home support the child’s growth.

Play therapy is at the heart of our practice. In a colorful playroom or at home online, a child can choose from toys, games, puppets, or sand. The therapist joins in play as a partner, allowing the child to lead. This gentle, child-directed process lets kids express feelings without words. For many autistic children, play therapy “gives children the opportunity to develop trust” and feels natural. Over time, children begin to try new social interactions (sharing toys, cooperative play) in a low-pressure setting.
Our play therapists are certified and highly experienced. They know how to scaffold learning – for instance, playing a simple game to teach turn-taking, or using pretend play to practice identifying emotions. We adapt each session to the child: some games might focus on communication, others on building puzzles for problem-solving. The playroom is deliberately stocked with sensory-friendly toys (fidget toys, weighted blankets, etc.) to help children regulate and engage. The result is that many kids come in shy or anxious, and leave smiling and braver. Families often notice children using more words at home, or turning to a parent for comfort more easily – positive changes that begin in play.

Art therapy is another powerful tool we offer. Using drawing, painting, or clay, children can express inner experiences without speaking. In art therapy, “therapists create safe, rich and supportive sensory experiences” and “looking together” at the artwork fosters joint attention and communication. For example, painting feelings on paper can help a child visually communicate anxiety or happiness. Art activities also build fine motor skills and patience (holding a paintbrush or cutting paper).
Studies highlight many benefits: children with ASD who engage in art therapy often show better sensory integration, improved focus, and reduced ASD symptoms. We’ve seen firsthand how a timid child will proudly bring a picture to show the therapist, or how a teen channels frustration into sculpting clay. In sessions, the emphasis is on creativity, not art skill – there’s no “right” way to do it. Our therapists use art as a nonverbal way to discuss emotions. For instance, colors and shapes can become a vocabulary for feelings. Over time, many children gain confidence and become more willing to try new things in art and in life.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is offered primarily for children who need help managing anxiety, anger, or rigid thoughts – issues common in ASD. We adapt CBT to be playful and concrete. This might mean using visual emotion charts, role-play, or games. The core is teaching children to identify their feelings and the thoughts behind them, then practice coping strategies. For example, a child might have a fear of dogs; in CBT we would gently expose the child to images of dogs while practicing deep breathing. We help them reframe thoughts (“It’s okay, the dog has a leash and is friendly”) in a supportive environment.
Research supports our use of CBT: one study found that autistic children who received CBT showed significant gains in daily living and self-help skills. Another key finding is that as children learn coping skills, parents feel more confident and involved. In our clinic, therapists work one-on-one (and often with a parent present) to teach these skills. Over weeks, children often report feeling calmer in triggers (like loud noises) and parents report smoother daily routines. By giving children tools to handle stress, CBT empowers them to be more independent and less anxious.

Our work extends beyond the child’s session. We strongly believe in parent and family involvement. Parents can attend therapy sessions if desired, and we schedule regular parent coaching. We teach strategies for reinforcing therapy goals at home – for example, games you can play on weekends to practice sharing. Many of our clients start with a “Parent Orientation” meeting to discuss the child’s needs and parents’ goals.
Parents often ask, “Am I doing the right thing?” or “What if I can’t handle another meltdown?” We provide a supportive ear and practical guidance. We might model how to communicate calmly, or suggest environmental changes (like a quiet corner) for sensory breaks. Research highlights the benefit of family therapy: it “involves parents, educating them about their child’s challenges and teaching them to encourage use of [therapy] techniques”. We see this every day – as parents become confident, children gain confidence too.
Additionally, we offer workshops and support groups for parents. These cover topics like “Managing Toddler Tantrums”, “Encouraging Social Play”, or “Transitions and Routine Changes”. Learning from other families can be inspiring and reassuring. Because when parents thrive, children thrive, we make parent support a core part of our clinic.