Empowering Children, Supporting Families, Building Futures

Psychotherapy Services-Raising a child with autism is a journey filled with unique joys, challenges, and milestones. At Autism Center for Kids Inc., we walk this journey with you. Located in Vaughan, Ontario, our center provides comprehensive child therapy for autism, supporting children and their families with evidence-based psychotherapy, play therapy, and family-focused services. Our goal is simple yet profound: to help children thrive emotionally, socially, and academically in a safe and supportive environment.

Understanding Autism and the Need for Individualized Therapy

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects how a child communicates, interacts socially, and responds to their environment. No two children with autism are the same—which is why individualized, holistic therapy is essential. Children with autism may experience sensory sensitivities, speech delays, difficulty with transitions, anxiety, or trouble forming relationships. At Autism Center for Kids Inc., our therapists take the time to understand each child’s strengths, challenges, and unique personality.

Whether your child has just received a diagnosis or you are exploring additional therapy options, our team is here to help with customized psychotherapy plans and child-centered approaches that make a lasting difference.

---

Psychotherapy Services-What We Offer: Our Core Therapy Services

1. Child Psychotherapy for Autism

Our trained child psychotherapists use a variety of evidence-based strategies to help children with autism process their emotions, learn self-regulation, and reduce anxiety or behavior challenges. We create a warm, non-judgmental space where children feel safe and understood.

Psychotherapy helps with:

• Anxiety and emotional regulation
• Behavioral issues
• Coping with sensory sensitivities
• Social communication challenges
• Trauma or change (e.g., new school, divorce)

Our psychotherapists specialize in working with children with autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities. Therapy sessions are tailored to the developmental level of the child, using a mix of talking, play, art, and movement.

---

2. Play Therapy for Autism-Psychotherapy Services

For many children, especially those with autism, play is more than fun—it’s a language. Play therapy is one of the most effective ways for children to express themselves, build connections, and practice new skills in a relaxed setting.

At our center, we use:

• Child-Centered Play Therapy
• Cognitive Behaviour Play Therapy (CBPT)
• Theraplay® for attachment
• Filial Therapy involving caregivers
• Sand tray therapy
• Art and movement-based strategies

These approaches help children:

• Build emotional awareness
• Practice communication and social skills
• Explore fears or anxieties through role play
• Learn flexibility and problem-solving

Our certified play therapists understand how to enter a child’s world through their interests and creativity. By joining them where they are, we help them move forward with confidence.

---

3. Theraplay®: Strengthening the Parent-Child Bond

Theraplay® is a structured, interactive form of play therapy that focuses on strengthening the emotional connection between a child and their caregiver. Based on attachment theory, it’s especially beneficial for children with autism who may struggle with relational cues or physical closeness.

Through fun, nurturing activities, parents and children learn how to:

• Engage with each other positively
• Build trust and emotional security
• Improve eye contact and shared attention
• Reduce oppositional or withdrawn behavior

At Autism Center for Kids Inc., we integrate Theraplay® into our therapy plans when we see children who benefit from deeper relational support.

---

4. Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP)

For children who have experienced trauma or struggle with emotional regulation, DDP offers a powerful way to explore their inner world with the help of a trusted adult. Our DDP-trained therapists work alongside caregivers to create a safe emotional space.

This therapy helps children:

• Process confusing or painful feelings
• Rebuild trust and attachment
• Improve communication and behavioral regulation

It’s especially helpful for children with autism who have also experienced trauma or complex developmental histories.

---

5. Parent and Family Counseling

Raising a child with autism affects the whole family. That’s why we offer family counseling for autism, including:

• Parent support and coaching
• Sibling support
• Family therapy to improve communication and understanding

Our family counselors guide parents through everyday challenges, including meltdowns, school transitions, mealtime difficulties, and sibling relationships. We also work with foster and adoptive families, offering specialized therapy and support.

---

6. School Support and Academic Therapy

Many children with autism face challenges in traditional school environments. Whether your child struggles with attention, executive functioning, learning disabilities, or peer relationships, we can help.

We offer:

• Educational assessments
• School consultations
• Executive function coaching
• Self-regulation support
• Academic confidence-building

Our team works closely with parents and schools to create cohesive therapy plans that bridge home and classroom environments.

---

Why Choose Autism Center for Kids Inc.?

We believe that therapy is most effective when it’s collaborative, compassionate, and child-centered. Here’s what sets us apart:

1. Experience and Expertise

Our therapists have decades of combined experience working with children and teens with autism, ADHD, and learning challenges. We are certified in evidence-based methods like Theraplay®, CBPT, and DDP, ensuring your child receives the highest standard of care.

2. Integrated Services Under One Roof

Instead of juggling multiple appointments across locations, we offer integrated services—psychotherapy, play therapy, parent support, and school consultations—all in one warm, welcoming clinic.

3. Personalized Therapy Plans

No cookie-cutter approaches here. Every child’s therapy plan is customized based on their needs, developmental level, and personality. We partner with parents every step of the way to adjust goals and strategies as your child grows.

4. Welcoming, Sensory-Friendly Environment

Our Vaughan clinic is designed with sensory sensitivities in mind. From soft lighting and calming colors to a cozy waiting area and private therapy rooms, we’ve created a space where children feel safe and calm.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

At what age can a child with autism start therapy?

We begin working with children as young as 2.5 years old, depending on their readiness. Early intervention is highly effective in supporting social and emotional development.

How often does my child need therapy?

We typically recommend 1–2 sessions per week, depending on your child’s goals and needs. Some children benefit from short-term support, while others may need longer-term therapy.

Do you accept insurance or OAP funding?

Yes! We work with most private insurance providers and accept funding through the Ontario Autism Program (OAP). We’ll help guide you through the paperwork and approval process.

Can parents attend therapy sessions?

Absolutely. Parent involvement is strongly encouraged in most of our therapies. In Theraplay® and Filial Therapy, caregivers are directly involved in sessions. In other therapies, we often provide regular parent feedback sessions.

---

Supporting You at Every Step

Whether your child is navigating their first steps in therapy or you’re seeking advanced support for a teen with autism, Autism Center for Kids Inc. is here to walk with you.

We’re not just a clinic—we’re a community of compassionate professionals, dedicated families, and thriving children. Our goal is to provide healing, hope, and practical tools for your child’s success—at home, in school, and in life.

---