Autism center for kids Vaughan

Helping Children Grow

Through Play

Play is one of the most natural ways children communicate, learn, and understand the world around them. At Autism Center for Kids, our play therapy services in Vaughan and Thornhill provide children with a supportive environment where they can express themselves, develop new skills, and build confidence through meaningful play.

Our approach is child-centred, developmentally appropriate, and designed around each child's individual needs, strengths, and interests.

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What Is

Play Therapy?

Play therapy uses play as a way to help children communicate feelings, develop emotional skills, improve social interaction, and work through challenges.

Instead of expecting a young child to explain everything with words, our therapists use carefully selected games, activities, toys, creative exercises, and movement to help children communicate in ways that feel natural to them.

Miller Method Autism Therapy For Children
Not ABA therapy

Play-Based

Therapy for Children

Our play-based sessions are designed to make therapy engaging rather than intimidating. Children can participate in activities that encourage communication, problem-solving, emotional expression, attention, flexibility, and social development.

Each session is adapted to the child's developmental level and individual goals.

Child Therapy

Everything included

Autism-Focused Play Therapy

For children with autism, play can provide an important pathway for communication and connection.

Our play therapy can support children who experience challenges with social communication, emotional regulation, flexibility, interaction, attention, and adapting to new situations.

We focus on helping children develop practical skills while respecting their individual communication style and developmental differences.

Building Social Skills Through Play

The goal is to help children transfer these skills into everyday situations at home, school, and in the community.

Emotional Regulation Through Play

Some children have difficulty identifying or expressing emotions. Play can give children a safe way to explore feelings and practice coping strategies.

Through age-appropriate activities, children can learn to recognize emotions, communicate their needs, manage frustration, tolerate changes, and develop strategies for calming their bodies and minds.

Communication Through Play

Play provides opportunities for children to communicate without relying only on direct conversation.

Our therapists can incorporate toys, games, stories, creative activities, movement, and child-led interaction to encourage communication and meaningful engagement.

Activities can be adapted for children who communicate verbally, minimally verbally, or through alternative forms of communication.

Play Therapy for Anxiety and Big Feelings

Children may experience worries, fears, frustration, anger, or other strong emotions that they do not yet know how to explain.

Play therapy can provide a comfortable environment where children can explore these experiences and develop age-appropriate coping strategies.

Our therapists work at the child's pace and create opportunities for children to feel heard, understood, and supported.

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Why Choose Autism Center for Kids Inc.

We combine a clinical, professional approach with genuine warmth. Our therapists are fully licensed and experienced in child development. All sessions follow proven protocols and are regularly reviewed for progress. We continually adapt activities to keep children engaged and learning. You’ll find:
Experienced Staff: Our clinicians include Registered Psychotherapists (Qualifying) and certified play therapists. Many have advanced training in child psychology and developmental disorders.
Child-Friendly Environment: Our clinic has colorful playrooms stocked with toys, games, art supplies and more, designed to make a child feel at home.
Family-Centered Care: We involve parents through regular updates and teachable moments. Families often comment how reliefing it is to have a partner in their child’s journey.
Evidence-Based: We use methods supported by research (as cited above) and continuously update our training.
Convenient Location: Our office is at 9131 Keele Street, Vaughan (Keele Rutherford Corporate Centre), just minutes from Highway 7. We serve Thornhill and all of York Region.

What is play therapy and who can benefit?

Play therapy is a therapeutic approach where a child’s natural medium – play – is used to address psychological issues. It’s based on the idea that play is how children communicate and learn. Any child who has difficulty expressing feelings verbally (due to age, trauma, or developmental issues) can benefit. Research shows play therapy can help with anxiety, behavioral problems, ADHD, autism, and even trauma. It helps kids develop coping and social skills in a low-pressure way

How does the Miller Method differ from traditional therapy?

The Miller Method is a holistic, developmental therapy mainly used for autism. Unlike behaviorist approaches like ABA, Miller Method focuses on the child’s whole development through movement and communication. For example, it uses an “elevated board” to improve posture and walking, while simultaneously teaching sign language or social games. It addresses motor, sensory and emotional needs together. Many parents choose it as an ABA alternative because it can be gentler and more engaging for the child.

What ages and issues do you treat?

We treat children from preschool through early adolescence (approximately 3–12 years old), though this can vary by individual readiness. We help children with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, anxiety disorders, oppositional behaviors, learning challenges, sensory processing issues, and more. As noted earlier, play therapy is versatile: it has shown benefits in improving social skills and emotional regulation in autism, and studies also report significant improvements in self-control and cooperation in children with ADHD. We conduct a thorough assessment to identify each child’s needs.

How long does therapy last before we see results?

Every child is different. Some children start showing positive changes (like calmer behavior or increased speech) within a few weeks. Others may need several months of weekly sessions. Research suggests that play therapy often requires a series of sessions (for example, 15–20 sessions) for substantial progress. We regularly review progress and set new goals with families. Our aim is gradual, lasting improvement in skills and self-confidence

Is play therapy covered by insurance?

Many extended health insurance plans cover Registered Psychotherapy and counseling, which may include play therapy. Coverage varies by plan and therapist credentials. We can provide invoices and receipts (with our R.P. number) for insurance claims. We also offer a free initial consultation to discuss fees and options.

Do you offer services in Thornhill as well?

Yes. Our clinics in Vaughan serve the Thornhill area (just a short drive away). Some of our therapists may also offer home or school-based consultations in Thornhill with special arrangements. We strive to be accessible to families across York Region.

How can I get started?

Simply contact us by phone or email to arrange a convenient time for an intake. In the first visit, we will learn about your child’s history and concerns, and often have a short, informal play session. Then we design a treatment plan. Parents always have time at the end of the session to ask questions. Our goal is to make the process smooth and supportive from day one.

Find Personalized Therapy for Your Child with Tikvah Family Services

We provide expert child and family therapy, both online and in-person, across multiple locations. Explore our services near you or connect with us online from anywhere.

Ontario – Online & In-Person Therapy

Comprehensive therapy for children, teens, and families including play therapy, art therapy, and specialized autism support.

Alberta & Saskatchewan – Miller Method® Therapy

Specialized Miller Method® therapy supporting emotional, cognitive, and behavioral development in children and teens.

United States – Miller Method® Therapy

Providing research-based child therapy in the U.S. using the Miller Method® approach.

International – Miller Method® Therapy

Helping children and families globally with advanced therapy methods for emotional, cognitive, and behavioral growth.

Autism & Counselling Service Locations

  • Burlington
  • Other Ontario Locations