Young Sprouts

Autism Therapy for Kids & Teens in Vaughan & Thornhill

If your child has autism or you're exploring an autism spectrum diagnosis, you don't have to navigate this alone. Young Sprouts Therapy offers warm, play-based autism therapy for kids and teens in Vaughan, Thornhill, and across Ontario. Our child-centred therapists help children build communication, emotional regulation, and social skills while supporting the whole family.

Young Sprouts

Autism Therapy for Kids & Teens in Vaughan & Thornhill

Compassionate Autism Therapy for Kids in Vaughan & Thornhill

Autism therapy at Young Sprouts is designed specifically for children and teens on the autism spectrum (ASD). We focus on helping your child feel understood, safe, and confident while developing practical skills they can use at home, at school, and in the community. Our team of child and teen therapists provides autism services that are: Play-based and creative – using play therapy, art, sandtray, and other expressive approaches. Relationship-focused – building strong, trusting connections with your child and family. Evidence-informed – grounded in child development, mental health, and autism research. Family-centred – including parents and caregivers as partners in the process. We offer in-person sessions in Thornhill and Vaughan, with secure virtual autism therapy available for families across Ontario.

How Our Autism Therapy Supports Your Child's Growth

Every child on the spectrum is unique. We tailor autism therapy to your child's age, strengths, and challenges. Our therapists work with children and teens who experience differences in social communication, sensory processing, emotional regulation, anxiety, and behaviour.

Communication skills:
Expressing needs, using language or AAC, and understanding social cues.
Emotional regulation:
Noticing body cues, naming feelings, and using coping tools when overwhelmed.
Social skills:
Turn-taking, sharing, flexible thinking, friendship skills, and problem-solving with peers.
Managing anxiety and big feelings:
Especially around school, routines, sensory input, or transitions.
Self-esteem and identity:
Supporting your child in feeling accepted, capable, and valued.

What to Expect from Autism Therapy at Young Sprouts

During autism therapy, your child may work on the skills listed above. Our therapists may use a combination of individual child sessions, parent sessions, and family sessions. We can collaborate with schools, paediatricians, or ABA/occupational therapy providers to create a consistent support plan.

Child participating in play-based autism therapy session at Young Sprouts Therapy in Vaughan

Art and Sandtray Therapy for Autism

Creative therapies, such as art therapy and sandtray therapy, allow children to express their emotions in non-verbal ways:

Art Therapy:

Helps children communicate emotions through drawing, painting, or sculpting, supporting both emotional expression and sensory processing.

Sandtray Therapy:

A hands-on therapy that allows children to explore feelings and experiences using miniatures and sand, making it easier to understand and process difficult emotions.

Support for Parents & Caregivers

Parenting a child with autism can be rewarding and also exhausting at times. We offer parent coaching to help you respond to meltdowns, support sensory needs, and advocate for your child at school and within the Ontario Autism Program (OAP). Together, we build practical strategies you can use in daily life while caring for yourself as well.

Parent Coaching:
We work closely with parents to develop strategies that reinforce therapy goals at home, focusing on communication, behaviour management, and emotional support.
School Advocacy:
We help parents navigate school accommodations, IEP meetings, and communication with educators to ensure their child receives appropriate support.
OAP Support:
We provide guidance on accessing and using Ontario Autism Program funding for mental health services where applicable.

Family autism therapy session focused on communication and connection at Young Sprouts Therapy in Thornhill

Social Skills Development for Autism

Our social skills development programs help children and teens with autism improve their ability to interact with others:

Peer Interaction:

Through group activities and role-playing, children practice social interactions, from making eye contact to maintaining conversations.

Emotional Awareness:

Children learn to recognize emotions in themselves and others, promoting empathy and emotional regulation.

Independence:

Social skills training helps children gain confidence, enabling them to navigate social situations at school, home, and in the community.

Parenting Support for Autism

Parenting a child with autism comes with unique challenges. Our parenting support for autism services provide guidance and resources to help families navigate their child's needs:

Parent Coaching:
We work closely with parents to develop strategies that reinforce therapy goals at home, focusing on communication, behaviour management, and emotional support.
Family Involvement:
We believe in a family-centred approach to autism therapy, ensuring that parents feel supported and equipped to handle challenges.
Education & Resources:
We provide parents with educational resources on autism and parenting techniques, helping them better understand their child's development and needs.

Parent and child working with therapist on coping skills at Young Sprouts Therapy

How Our Autism Therapy Differs from ABA

Many families exploring autism support come across terms like ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis). While ABA is a structured behavioural program, our work at Young Sprouts Therapy focuses on mental health, emotional regulation, connection, and family relationships. Our approach is relationship-based, strengths-focused, and neurodiversity-affirming. Instead of targeting behaviours to "reduce," we support your child's emotional world, communication style, and sense of identity.

Therapies We Use Instead of ABA

Our team uses evidence-informed therapeutic approaches that honour your child's individuality:

Play Therapy

Helping children express feelings, reduce anxiety, and build coping skills through symbolic play.

Theraplay-Informed Techniques

Strengthening parent–child attachment, co-regulation, and trust through structured, attachment-based interactions.

Art Therapy & Creative Expression

Supporting emotional processing through art, movement, and sensory-based activities that allow non-verbal expression.

Parent–Child Interaction Approaches

Helping caregivers understand behaviour cues, co-regulate, and use calm connection strategies to support their child.

Emotion-Focused and Cognitive Strategies

Helping children name feelings, understand triggers, and practise coping tools for emotional regulation.

Social–Emotional Skills Work

Developing confidence, flexibility, friendship skills, and communication in a supportive, strengths-based environment.

Why Families Choose Therapy Instead of ABA

Parents often come to us because they want:

A Gentle, Child-Led Approach

Therapy that follows your child's lead, respects their pace, and honours their unique communication style and preferences.

Support for Big Feelings & Emotional Regulation

Help managing anxiety, meltdowns, emotional overwhelm, and developing healthy coping strategies for daily life.

Strengthening Family Relationships

Focus on building connection, understanding, and positive interactions between family members through family-centred care.

Self-Esteem, Identity & Empowerment

A therapist who supports your child's sense of self, celebrates their strengths, and empowers them to feel confident and valued.

A Space of Acceptance

A therapeutic environment where your child feels seen, accepted, and understood — not trained to mask or suppress their authentic self.

Therapy can complement ABA, occupational therapy, or speech therapy — or stand on its own, depending on your family's values and your child's needs.

Meet Our Autism Therapists

Daniela

MSW, RSW (Clinical Director)

Riki

RSW, MSW

Lianne

Registered Psychotherapist

Angie

Registered Psychotherapist

Shalheves

RSW, MSW

Jackie

RSW, MSW, Certified Family Mediator

Michelle

RSW, MSW

Sivan

Registered Psychotherapist

Marni

Registered Psychotherapist

Yakov

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)

Who We Help with Autism Therapy

We provide autism therapy and counselling for children, teens, and families.

Early Signs & Awaiting Diagnosis

Young children showing early signs of autism or awaiting a formal diagnosis can benefit from early intervention and support.

Formal ASD Diagnosis

Children and teens with a formal ASD diagnosis receive tailored therapy to support their unique strengths and challenges.

Social & Emotional Challenges

Kids experiencing social, emotional, or behavioural challenges related to autism find support through our evidence-based approaches.

Family Support & Guidance

Families needing guidance with routines, transitions, or sibling support receive comprehensive family-centred care.

If you're unsure whether autism therapy is right for your child, our free phone consult is a gentle first step. We'll listen to your concerns and help you decide what type of support fits best.

Autism Therapy Options & Funding in Ontario

Many families in Vaughan and Thornhill are navigating reports, waitlists, and funding such as the Ontario Autism Program (OAP). While Young Sprouts Therapy is a psychotherapy-based service (not an ABA clinic), our team can help you:

Complementary Therapy

Understand how counselling and play-based therapy complement ABA, OT, or speech therapy for comprehensive support.

OAP Funding Support

Use OAP funding for mental health services where applicable. We provide invoices and documentation required by funding programs.

School Accommodations

Access documentation to support school accommodations or funding applications, helping your child receive appropriate educational support.

We're happy to coordinate care with other autism services in York Region so your child receives cohesive, holistic support.

FAQs

If you're in Vaughan, Thornhill, or nearby areas and looking for autism therapy for your child, we're here to help. Book a free consultation to take the next gentle step toward supporting your child's emotional and developmental growth.