Where can my child attend a social skills group in York Region?

Social skills groups for autistic children and teens in York Region are offered through hospital programs (SickKids, CHEO), private clinics, and some school boards. Search for PEERS-certified programs or ask your AccessOAP coordinator for approved group providers in your area.

What is the PEERS program?

PEERS (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) is a manualized social skills training program developed at UCLA. It has strong RCT evidence for adolescents with autism. PEERS teaches concrete conversational rules, friendship skills, and conflict management in a structured group format.

Does OAP cover social skills groups?

Yes. Social skills groups are eligible under OAP Core Clinical Services when delivered by approved providers. Some programs may also be covered by the Childhood Budget. Confirm with your AccessOAP coordinator before enrolling.

What age is best for social skills groups?

PEERS has validated versions for adolescents (13–17) and young adults (18–30). Social skills groups for younger children (age 6–12) are also available, though the evidence base is strongest for the teen/young adult range. Younger groups often focus on playground skills and turn-taking.

How long does a social skills group program last?

Most structured programs run 10–16 weeks, with one session per week (typically 60–90 minutes). PEERS is a 16-week program. School-based groups may run for a semester or school year.

Budget 2026: $965M budgeted, 67,509 children still waiting. Read our analysis →

What autism services are available in Ontario while waiting for OAP?

While waiting for OAP Core Clinical Services, families can access: Foundational Family Services (free, no waitlist), school-based IEP supports, Preschool Speech and Language programs, EarlyON Child and Family Centres, private therapy (if financially able), and DSO registration for transition planning.

Source: Ontario Autism Program

How long does autism diagnosis take in Ontario?

Before joining the OAP waitlist, Ontario diagnostic waitlists average **12–24 months** at public hospitals. [OAP] This pre-waitlist delay means total time from first concern to therapy often exceeds **5–7 years**, an invisible bottleneck in official statistics.

Source: Ontario Autism Program [OAP]

What does the WHO say about early autism intervention timing?

The WHO Fact Sheet on Autism Spectrum Disorders (2023) states that timely access to early evidence-based psychosocial interventions can improve the ability of autistic children to communicate effectively and interact socially. Dawson et al. (2010, Pediatrics; PMID 19948568) confirmed in an RCT that ESDM (Early Start Denver Model) at 18–30 months produced significant developmental gains.

Source: WHO Fact Sheet: Autism Spectrum Disorders (2023); Dawson et al., Pediatrics 2010 (PMID 19948568)

Social Skills Groups in York Region, Quick Summary

Social skills groups in York Region are available privately with typical waits of 4–10 weeks.
OAP Core Clinical Services in York Region have a wait of 12–24 months (Core Clinical Services group programs); group programs through Childhood Budget are often faster.
The PEERS program has Level 1 RCT evidence for adolescents — one of the strongest social skills interventions.
Available through SickKids, many school boards, and private clinics across Ontario.
OAP Core Clinical Services can cover group social skills programs when delivered by approved providers.

York Region · Ontario Autism Program

Social Skills Groups in York Region: What It Costs and How Long You Wait

OAP-funded wait is 12–24 months (Core Clinical Services group programs). Private therapy runs $1,000–$2,500 per program (10–16 sessions). Here is how to navigate both options.

OAP vs Private: Cost and Wait Comparison

How OAP-funded and private social skills groups compare in York Region

Factor	OAP-Funded	Private (Out-of-Pocket)
Cost	Eligible under OAP Core Clinical Services when delivered by approved provider	$1,000–$2,500 per program (10–16 sessions) per session
Annual Budget	$5,000–$65,000/year (combined services budget)	$400–$1,000/month depending on group frequency
Wait Time	12–24 months (Core Clinical Services group programs)	4–10 weeks
OHIP Coverage	N/A (OAP, not OHIP)	Not covered by OHIP
Private Insurance	N/A	Some employer plans cover group therapy or psychological services; verify your policy
Local Providers	5+ certified practitioners	Many private clinics available

Wait times and costs are estimates based on regional data and provider surveys. Individual experiences vary. Last updated: 2026-04-10.

Social Skills Groups Providers in York Region

Key organizations offering social skills groups in the York Region area. Always verify OAP eligibility and current availability directly with the provider.

Kinark Child and Family Services — Social Skills

OAP Provider

Social Skills GroupsPEERS-based programsSchool-age programs

Confirm current group program availability

1-888-454-6275

Autism Ontario — York Region Chapter

Community Organization

Social skills group referralsFamily resources

York Region District School Board

Community Organization

School-based social skills programsEducational support

Contact school board for in-school social skills programming

This is not a complete directory. Search AccessOAP for the full list of approved providers in your area.

How to Get Social Skills Groups in York Region

Three steps to access social skills groups through OAP or private funding.

1
Register on AccessOAP

Register at accessoap.com to access OAP funding. Social skills groups delivered by approved providers are eligible under Core Clinical Services and may also be covered under the Childhood Budget.

2
Find a PEERS-trained provider or approved group program

Look for groups using the PEERS (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) curriculum, which has the strongest RCT evidence. SickKids, many school boards, and private clinics across Ontario offer PEERS-based programs.

3
Enroll and commit to the full program

Social skills groups work best when the child attends all sessions (typically 10–16 weekly sessions). PEERS also includes a parent component — caregivers learn coaching strategies to support skill generalization at home.

Start with AccessOAP

Registering on AccessOAP is free and unlocks your Childhood Budget immediately. You do not have to wait for Core Clinical Services to start using OAP funding.

Common Questions About Social Skills Groups in York Region

: Social skills groups for autistic children and teens in York Region are offered through hospital programs (SickKids, CHEO), private clinics, and some school boards. Search for PEERS-certified programs or ask your AccessOAP coordinator for approved group providers in your area.

: PEERS (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) is a manualized social skills training program developed at UCLA. It has strong RCT evidence for adolescents with autism. PEERS teaches concrete conversational rules, friendship skills, and conflict management in a structured group format.

: Yes. Social skills groups are eligible under OAP Core Clinical Services when delivered by approved providers. Some programs may also be covered by the Childhood Budget. Confirm with your AccessOAP coordinator before enrolling.

: PEERS has validated versions for adolescents (13–17) and young adults (18–30). Social skills groups for younger children (age 6–12) are also available, though the evidence base is strongest for the teen/young adult range. Younger groups often focus on playground skills and turn-taking.

: Most structured programs run 10–16 weeks, with one session per week (typically 60–90 minutes). PEERS is a 16-week program. School-based groups may run for a semester or school year.

Sources and Verification

Ontario Autism Program — Program Guidelines. Government of Ontario (2023)
AccessOAP — Childhood Budgets and Core Clinical Services. AccessOAP / Government of Ontario (2024)
BACB Certificant Registry. Behavior Analyst Certification Board (2024)
CASLPO Public Register of Members. College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (2024)
COTO Public Register. College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (2024)
OAP Waitlist Data — FOI Response. Autism Ontario (via FOI request to Ministry of Children) (2024)

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Explore more resources to navigate autism services in Ontario.

OAP Funding Guide AccessOAP Registration Guide

Other Social Skills Groups Guides in Ontario

Toronto Ottawa Mississauga Hamilton Kitchener-Waterloo Kingston Belleville Thunder Bay Sudbury Sault Ste Marie London Niagara Durham Barrie-Simcoe Peterborough-Kawartha Windsor

Other Therapies in York Region

ABA Therapy

$50–$150/hr · 4–6 years (Core Clinical Services)

Speech-Language Therapy

$150–$250/session · 18–30 months (community services)

Occupational Therapy

$130–$200/session · 12–24 months (community services)

Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)

$80–$140/hr · 4–6 years (Core Clinical Services)

DIR/Floortime

$70–$120/hr · 4–6 years (Core Clinical Services)

Feeding Therapy

$150–$250/hr · 18–36 months (hospital-based programs)

AAC Therapy

$150–$250/hr (SLP sessions) · 12–24 months (Core Clinical Services)

Disclaimer: This page provides general information only. Costs, wait times, and provider availability change frequently. Always verify directly with providers and AccessOAP. Nothing on this page constitutes medical or legal advice.

About This Article

Written by:Spencer Carroll - Founder & Autism AdvocateParent of autistic child navigating OAP system

Featured in CBC News Investigation

FOI Data Verified

Clip in WHO Social Media Reel

Active HRTO Advocacy

FAO & Legislative Assembly Cited

Where do you start?

Choose your path

The quickest routes to diagnosis guidance, evidence, practical support, and advocacy.

Just diagnosed?

First steps after an autism diagnosis

Already waiting?

What to do while on the waitlist

See the data

FOI-backed charts, methods, and evidence

Want change?

Write your MPP in 5 minutes

Verified Facts

Facts cited on this page

Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) delivered to children aged 18–30 months produced significant gains in IQ, adaptive behaviour, and autism severity — some children no longer met diagnostic criteria at follow-up

Gov / Peer-ReviewedDawson G, Rogers S, Munson J, et al. (2010)Verified: 2010-01-01

Cochrane systematic review finds evidence that early intensive behavioural intervention (EIBI) may produce positive effects on adaptive behaviour and communication for young children with ASD (low certainty of evidence)

Gov / Peer-ReviewedReichow B, Hume K, Barton EE, Boyd BA (2018)Verified: 2018-05-09

WHO recommends accessible, community-based early interventions for children with autism — timely evidence-based psychosocial interventions improve communication and social engagement

Gov / Peer-ReviewedWorld Health Organization (2023)Verified: 2023-11-15

88,175, children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program

SecondaryCBC FOI Jan 2026Verified: 2026-04-29

23.4%, Only 20,666 children have active funding agreements () — less than one in four

SecondaryCBC FOI Jan 2026Verified: 2026-04-29

View our methodology View all sourcesNext data update: 2026-08-22

What autism services are available in Ontario while waiting for OAP?

Source: Ontario Autism Program

How long does autism diagnosis take in Ontario?

Source: Ontario Autism Program [OAP]

What does the WHO say about early autism intervention timing?

Source: WHO Fact Sheet: Autism Spectrum Disorders (2023); Dawson et al., Pediatrics 2010 (PMID 19948568)

Social Skills Groups in York Region, Quick Summary

Social skills groups in York Region are available privately with typical waits of 4–10 weeks.
OAP Core Clinical Services in York Region have a wait of 12–24 months (Core Clinical Services group programs); group programs through Childhood Budget are often faster.
The PEERS program has Level 1 RCT evidence for adolescents — one of the strongest social skills interventions.
Available through SickKids, many school boards, and private clinics across Ontario.
OAP Core Clinical Services can cover group social skills programs when delivered by approved providers.

York Region · Ontario Autism Program

Social Skills Groups in York Region: What It Costs and How Long You Wait

OAP-funded wait is 12–24 months (Core Clinical Services group programs). Private therapy runs $1,000–$2,500 per program (10–16 sessions). Here is how to navigate both options.

OAP vs Private: Cost and Wait Comparison

How OAP-funded and private social skills groups compare in York Region

Factor	OAP-Funded	Private (Out-of-Pocket)
Cost	Eligible under OAP Core Clinical Services when delivered by approved provider	$1,000–$2,500 per program (10–16 sessions) per session
Annual Budget	$5,000–$65,000/year (combined services budget)	$400–$1,000/month depending on group frequency
Wait Time	12–24 months (Core Clinical Services group programs)	4–10 weeks
OHIP Coverage	N/A (OAP, not OHIP)	Not covered by OHIP
Private Insurance	N/A	Some employer plans cover group therapy or psychological services; verify your policy
Local Providers	5+ certified practitioners	Many private clinics available

Wait times and costs are estimates based on regional data and provider surveys. Individual experiences vary. Last updated: 2026-04-10.

Social Skills Groups Providers in York Region

Key organizations offering social skills groups in the York Region area. Always verify OAP eligibility and current availability directly with the provider.

Kinark Child and Family Services — Social Skills

OAP Provider

Social Skills GroupsPEERS-based programsSchool-age programs

Confirm current group program availability

1-888-454-6275

Autism Ontario — York Region Chapter

Community Organization

Social skills group referralsFamily resources

York Region District School Board

Community Organization

School-based social skills programsEducational support

Contact school board for in-school social skills programming

This is not a complete directory. Search AccessOAP for the full list of approved providers in your area.

How to Get Social Skills Groups in York Region

Three steps to access social skills groups through OAP or private funding.

1
Register on AccessOAP

Register at accessoap.com to access OAP funding. Social skills groups delivered by approved providers are eligible under Core Clinical Services and may also be covered under the Childhood Budget.

2
Find a PEERS-trained provider or approved group program

3
Enroll and commit to the full program

Start with AccessOAP

Registering on AccessOAP is free and unlocks your Childhood Budget immediately. You do not have to wait for Core Clinical Services to start using OAP funding.

Common Questions About Social Skills Groups in York Region

: Social skills groups for autistic children and teens in York Region are offered through hospital programs (SickKids, CHEO), private clinics, and some school boards. Search for PEERS-certified programs or ask your AccessOAP coordinator for approved group providers in your area.

: PEERS (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) is a manualized social skills training program developed at UCLA. It has strong RCT evidence for adolescents with autism. PEERS teaches concrete conversational rules, friendship skills, and conflict management in a structured group format.

: Yes. Social skills groups are eligible under OAP Core Clinical Services when delivered by approved providers. Some programs may also be covered by the Childhood Budget. Confirm with your AccessOAP coordinator before enrolling.

: PEERS has validated versions for adolescents (13–17) and young adults (18–30). Social skills groups for younger children (age 6–12) are also available, though the evidence base is strongest for the teen/young adult range. Younger groups often focus on playground skills and turn-taking.

: Most structured programs run 10–16 weeks, with one session per week (typically 60–90 minutes). PEERS is a 16-week program. School-based groups may run for a semester or school year.

Sources and Verification

Ontario Autism Program — Program Guidelines. Government of Ontario (2023)
AccessOAP — Childhood Budgets and Core Clinical Services. AccessOAP / Government of Ontario (2024)
BACB Certificant Registry. Behavior Analyst Certification Board (2024)
CASLPO Public Register of Members. College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (2024)
COTO Public Register. College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (2024)
OAP Waitlist Data — FOI Response. Autism Ontario (via FOI request to Ministry of Children) (2024)

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Explore more resources to navigate autism services in Ontario.

OAP Funding Guide AccessOAP Registration Guide

Other Social Skills Groups Guides in Ontario

Toronto Ottawa Mississauga Hamilton Kitchener-Waterloo Kingston Belleville Thunder Bay Sudbury Sault Ste Marie London Niagara Durham Barrie-Simcoe Peterborough-Kawartha Windsor

Other Therapies in York Region

ABA Therapy

$50–$150/hr · 4–6 years (Core Clinical Services)

Speech-Language Therapy

$150–$250/session · 18–30 months (community services)

Occupational Therapy

$130–$200/session · 12–24 months (community services)

Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)

$80–$140/hr · 4–6 years (Core Clinical Services)

DIR/Floortime

$70–$120/hr · 4–6 years (Core Clinical Services)

Feeding Therapy

$150–$250/hr · 18–36 months (hospital-based programs)

AAC Therapy

$150–$250/hr (SLP sessions) · 12–24 months (Core Clinical Services)

About This Article

Written by:Spencer Carroll - Founder & Autism AdvocateParent of autistic child navigating OAP system

Featured in CBC News Investigation

FOI Data Verified

Clip in WHO Social Media Reel

Active HRTO Advocacy

FAO & Legislative Assembly Cited

Where do you start?

Choose your path

The quickest routes to diagnosis guidance, evidence, practical support, and advocacy.

Just diagnosed?

First steps after an autism diagnosis

Already waiting?

What to do while on the waitlist

See the data

FOI-backed charts, methods, and evidence

Want change?

Write your MPP in 5 minutes

Verified Facts

Facts cited on this page

Gov / Peer-ReviewedDawson G, Rogers S, Munson J, et al. (2010)Verified: 2010-01-01

Gov / Peer-ReviewedReichow B, Hume K, Barton EE, Boyd BA (2018)Verified: 2018-05-09

WHO recommends accessible, community-based early interventions for children with autism — timely evidence-based psychosocial interventions improve communication and social engagement

Gov / Peer-ReviewedWorld Health Organization (2023)Verified: 2023-11-15

88,175, children are registered in the Ontario Autism Program

SecondaryCBC FOI Jan 2026Verified: 2026-04-29

23.4%, Only 20,666 children have active funding agreements () — less than one in four

SecondaryCBC FOI Jan 2026Verified: 2026-04-29

View our methodology View all sourcesNext data update: 2026-08-22

Social Skills Groups in York Region, Quick Summary

Social Skills Groups in York Region: What It Costs and How Long You Wait

OAP vs Private: Cost and Wait Comparison

Social Skills Groups Providers in York Region

Kinark Child and Family Services — Social Skills

Autism Ontario — York Region Chapter

York Region District School Board

How to Get Social Skills Groups in York Region

1Register on AccessOAP

2Find a PEERS-trained provider or approved group program

3Enroll and commit to the full program

Common Questions About Social Skills Groups in York Region

Sources and Verification

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Other Social Skills Groups Guides in Ontario

Other Therapies in York Region

Choose your path

Facts cited on this page

Social Skills Groups in York Region, Quick Summary

Social Skills Groups in York Region: What It Costs and How Long You Wait

OAP vs Private: Cost and Wait Comparison

Social Skills Groups Providers in York Region

Kinark Child and Family Services — Social Skills

Autism Ontario — York Region Chapter

York Region District School Board

How to Get Social Skills Groups in York Region

1Register on AccessOAP

2Find a PEERS-trained provider or approved group program

3Enroll and commit to the full program

Common Questions About Social Skills Groups in York Region

Sources and Verification

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Other Social Skills Groups Guides in Ontario

Other Therapies in York Region

Choose your path

Facts cited on this page

1
Register on AccessOAP

2
Find a PEERS-trained provider or approved group program

3
Enroll and commit to the full program

1
Register on AccessOAP

2
Find a PEERS-trained provider or approved group program

3
Enroll and commit to the full program