Adult Education Groups

Group programs for adults with autism or intellectual disabilities.

In-person & virtual educational group programs provide autistic adults and those with intellectual disabilities a supportive and collaborative environment to develop beneficial life skills and connect with their peers. Groups run for 8-10 weeks at a time, once a week for 1.5 hours per session.

Eligibility

Individuals must be 18 years and older with intellectual/developmental disabilities or a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.

 
 

Dating 101 for Adults

 

Contact Natalie Driscoll for more information:

343-227-6822 or email adultgroups@lrcss.com

PRACTICAL GUIDANCE FOR dating and relationships beyond being “just friends”.

A 9-week group program that prepares adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or intellectual disabilities (ID) for dating and relationships.

Topics can include:

  • Types of relationships

  • Understanding consent

  • Hygiene, appearance and preparing for a date

  • Body cues and flirting

  • How to determine your relationship status

  • Dating etiquette

  • Dating safety and assertiveness

  • Healthy versus unhealthy relationships

  • Coping with breaks-ups and rejection

Session Dates

  • 9 Week Program

  • Vitual Parent/Mediator Training on December 7, 2024

  • Client Sessions from January 7, 2025 - March 4, 2025

  • Weekly on Tuesdays from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

  • In-person at 900 Hopkins St. Unit 8, Whitby, ON. L1N 6A9

Eligibility

Eligible Adults will be 18 years and older, have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder/Intellectual Disability and must provide their own transportation to and from sessions.

INDIVIDUAL SKILL REQUIREMENTS

Joint attention skills • Discrimination skills • Echoic skills • Motor imitation skills • Ability to follow common 1-step instructions • Participate in session with limited caregiver assistance • Ability to sit independently for 20 minutes • Safety concerns and challenging behaviour are low and/or caregivers are able to safely manage any challenging behaviour

TO REGISTER

For DSO-eligible clients residing in the Durham Region make a referral through Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) at 1-855-277-2121.

Register by November 18, 2024.

Fee: FREE

Due to capacity limits, making a referral through the DSO does not guarantee a spot until Lake Ridge has confirmed your registration.

For non-DSO eligible clients or those residing outside of the Durham Region, a group fee applies. Book a call with the Service Navigator here.

Register by November 4, 2024.

Fee: $845.11

Stay in the know

Join our email list or follow us on social media to be notified of upcoming groups.

 
 

Healthy Sexuality for Adults

 
Healthy Sexuality for Adults logo with images of diverse couples.

Contact Natalie Driscoll for more information:

343-227-6822 or email adultgroups@lrcss.com

A 10-week program for adults with autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disabilities to gain knowledge about healthy sexuality and relationships.

Topics can include:

  • Different types of relationships

  • Public vs. private acts

  • Many roads to relationships

  • Anatomy

  • Sexual feelings and attractions

  • Communication and decision-making about sex

  • Pregnancy

  • Online dating and social media

Session Dates

Get notified the next time this group is accepting enrollments.

  • Starting week of January 13, 2025

  • 1.5 hours weekly

  • In-person at 900 Hopkins Street, Whitby

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Adults will be 18 years and older, have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder/Intellectual Disability and must provide their own transportation to and from sessions.

INDIVIDUAL SKILL REQUIREMENTS

Joint attention skills • Discrimination skills • Echoic skills • Motor imitation skills • Ability to follow common 1-step instructions • Participate in sessions with limited caregiver assistance • Ability to sit independently for 20 minutes • Safety concerns and challenging behaviour are low and/or caregivers are able to safely manage any challenging behaviour

Participation REQUIREMENTS

Access to an internet connection • Electronic device • Private space for learning

TO REGISTER

For DSO-eligible clients residing in the Durham Region make a referral through Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) at 1-855-277-2121.

Register by December 30, 2024.

Fee: FREE

Due to capacity limits, making a referral through the DSO does not guarantee a spot until Lake Ridge has confirmed your registration.

For non-DSO eligible clients or those residing outside of the Durham Region, a group fee applies. Book a call with the Service Navigator here.

Register by December 16, 2024.

Fee: $926.95

Stay in the Know

Join our email list or follow us on social media to be notified of upcoming groups.

 
 

Building Lasting Friendships for Adults

 

Contact Natalie Driscoll for more information:

343-227-6822 or email adultgroups@lrcss.com

A 9-week group program that teaches adults with autism and/or intellectual disabilities social and communication skills needed to build friendships.

Topics can include:

  • Greeting others

  • Initiating, and maintaining conversations

  • Nonverbal cues/reading body language

  • Levels of friendship

  • Good vs. bad friends

  • Assertiveness

  • Conflict resolution

Session Dates

  • Starting week of February 24, 2025

  • 1.5 hours weekly

  • In-person at 900 Hopkins Street, Whitby

Eligibility

Eligible Adults will be 18 years and older and have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or intellectual disabilities (ID). For virtual groups click here to view Virtual Participation Requirements.

INDIVIDUAL SKILL REQUIREMENTS

Joint attention skills • Discrimination skills • Echoic skills • Motor imitation skills • Ability to follow common 1- step instructions • Participate in session with limited caregiver assistance • Safety concerns and challenging behaviour are low and/or caregivers are able to safely manage any challenging behaviour.

TO REGISTER

For DSO-eligible clients residing in the Durham Region make a referral through Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) at 1-855-277-2121.

Register by February 10, 2025.

Fee: FREE

Due to capacity limits, making a referral through the DSO does not guarantee a spot until Lake Ridge has confirmed your registration.

For non-DSO eligible clients or those residing outside of the Durham Region, a group fee applies. Book a call with the Service Navigator here.

Register by January 27, 2025.

Fee: $845.11

Stay in the Know

Join our email list or follow us on social media to be notified of upcoming groups.

 
 

Healthy Relationships for Adults

 

Contact Natalie Driscoll for more information: Call 343-227-6822 or email adultgroups@lrcss.com

Eligibility

Eligible Adults will be 18 years and older, have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or intellectual disabilities (ID) and reside in the Durham Region. Click here to view Virtual Participation Requirements.

INDIVIDUAL SKILL REQUIREMENTS

  • Joint attention skills

  • Discrimination skills

  • Echoic skills

  • Motor imitation skills

  • Ability to follow common 1-step instructions

  • Participate in session with limited caregiver assistance

  • Safety concerns and challenging behaviour are low and/or caregivers are able to safely manage any challenging behaviour.

skills for building safe, healthy, and mutually beneficial relationships in all aspects of life

A 9-week group for adults with autism or intellectual disabilities on understanding and developing relationship skills.

Topics can include:

  • Types of relationships

  • Public vs Private

  • Unhealthy vs healthy relationships

  • Conflict Resolution

  • Self-Esteem

  • Assertiveness in relationships

  • Consent

  • Rights and Responsibilities

Session Dates

  • 9 Week Program

  • Starting week of March 24, 2025

  • In-person or Virtual TBD

To Register

Registration is now closed.

STAY IN THE KNOW

Join our email list or follow us on social media to be notified of upcoming groups.

 

Internet Safety for Adults

A 9-week group program teaching safe and secure internet usage for adults with autism or intellectual disabilities.

 
 

Topics can include:

  • Phishing and Scams

  • Trading personal information online

  • Talking with people online

  • Recognizing unsafe people online

  • Online Bullying

Session Dates

  • 9 Week Program

  • Next Group will be in 2025

  • 1.5 hours weekly on Tuesdays from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm

  • In-person or Virtual TBD

Eligibility

Individuals must be 18 years and older with intellectual/developmental disabilities or a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.

INDIVIDUAL SKILL REQUIREMENTS

  • Joint attention skills

  • Discrimination skills

  • Participate in sessions with limited caregiver assistance

  • Safety concerns and challenging behaviour are low and/or caregivers are able to safely manage any challenging behaviour

Need more information?

Contact Natalie Driscoll for more information: Call 343-227-6822 or email adultgroups@lrcss.com

Registration

Registration is now closed.

Stay in the Know

Join our email list or follow us on social media to be notified of upcoming groups.

 
 

Anger Management for Adults

 

Contact Natalie Driscoll for more information: Call 343-227-6822 or email adultgroups@lrcss.com

Developing practical skills to cope with anger

A 9-week group program delivered virtually over video conference providing coping strategies for adults with autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disabilities.

Topics can include

  • Identify and communicate feelings

  • Types of anger

  • Helpful and unhelpful ways of dealing with anger

  • Coping strategies

  • Problem-solving

  • Assertiveness skills

Session Dates

  • Join our mailing list below to stay up to date on future programs.

Eligibility

Participants must be 18 years and older with intellectual/developmental disabilities (ID) or a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

INDIVIDUAL SKILL REQUIREMENTS

Joint attention skills • Discrimination skills • Echoic skills • Motor imitation skills • Ability to follow common 1-step instructions • Participate in session with limited caregiver assistance • Safety concerns and challenging behaviour are low and/or caregivers are able to safely manage any challenging behaviour

TO REGISTER

For DSO-eligible clients residing in the Durham Region make a referral through Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) at 1-855-277-2121.

Register by TBD

Fee: FREE

Due to capacity limits, making a referral through the DSO does not guarantee a spot until Lake Ridge has confirmed your registration.

For non-DSO eligible clients or those residing outside of the Durham Region, a group fee applies. Book a call with the Service Navigator here.

Register by TBD

Fee: $TBD

Stay in the Know

Join our email list or follow us on social media to be notified of upcoming groups.

 
 

Adapted-Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

 

An educational group that aims to enhance skills in the areas of mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. The learning environment will include role-playing, written activities, and group discussions.

The group welcomes participants who may be struggling with the following:

  • Managing emotions (e.g. anger, jealousy, sadness, etc.)

  • Managing situations in which one feels distressed

  • Getting along with others

  • Have negative thoughts, suicidal ideation or engage in self-harm

  • Have difficulty self-soothing

Session Dates

  • 27 Week Program

  • Starting September 25, 2024 - April 16, 2025

  • Weekly on Wednesdays from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM or 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM

  • In-person at 900 Hopkins St. Unit 8, Whitby, ON. L1N 6A9

Contact Natalie Driscoll for more information: Call 343-227-6822 or email adultgroups@lrcss.com

ELIGIBILITY

Individuals must be 18 years and older with intellectual/developmental disabilities or a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.

INDIVIDUAL SKILL REQUIREMENTS

  • Joint attention skills

  • Discrimination skills

  • Participate in sessions with limited caregiver assistance

  • Safety concerns and challenging behaviour are low and/or caregivers are able to safely manage any challenging behaviour

to Register

For DSO-eligible clients residing in Durham please contact Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) at 1-855-277-2121. Deadline for Registration: September 3, 2024

Fee: FREE

For non-DSO eligible clients or those residing outside of the Durham Region, a group fee applies. Book a call with the Service Navigator here. Deadline for Registration: September 3, 2024

Fee: TBD

Stay in the Know

Join our email list or follow us on social media to be notified of upcoming groups.