Therapeutic Day Programs for Children and Youth
Sometimes children and youth need more than a single session each week. Our OAP-approved therapeutic autism therapeutic day programs provide structured, multidisciplinary support that blends ABA, mental health services and life skills coaching into a predictable, nurturing environment.
With small group sizes, trauma-informed practices and an attachment-based approach, participants can build trust, strengthen peer relationships and practice skills they can carry into home and community life.
While our day programs are not yet active, we’re preparing to launch programs that will make a meaningful difference for families. Enrol now and sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when new groups open.
Our OAP-Approved Day Program Options
We offer therapeutic learning environments that meet autistic children and youth where they are, helping them grow academically, socially and emotionally:
- Elementary Day Program – Half-day, full-day and after-school options with low staff-to-child ratios. Focuses on social participation, emotional regulation and academic readiness for children with autism.
- Teen Day Program – Combines academic support, life skills training and mental health interventions to prepare autistic youth for independence, employment or post-secondary education.
We’re always here to help. Enrol now and sign up to our newsletter to be the first to know when new groups open.
Our Approach to Care
At Willowbridge, we walk alongside children, youth and families as they pursue what matters most to them. Rooted in our belief in people’s strength, the healing power of relationships and services grounded in best practices, our autism-focused care is:
Family-Led & Individualized
Treatment plans are co-developed with families, equipping them with the tools and confidence to support meaningful change every day.
Real-Life Focused
Services fit into where children with autism live, learn and play, with flexible delivery at home, in the community, in our office, or virtually.
Strength-Based and Outcome-Oriented
We help children with autism build on their unique abilities while pursuing practical, personalized goals.
Inclusive Across Ages and Stages
From early years to adolescence and transition to adulthood, we adapt to every stage of growth.
Evidence-Based and Trauma-Informed
Grounded in autism spectrum disorder research and delivered with empathy, respect and emotional safety.
Attachment-Focused
We recognize the central role of relationships in learning, behaviour change and resilience.
Collaborative and Coordinated
We work with mental health, trauma-specific and other professionals (with consent) to provide seamless, integrated care.
Honest About the Journey
We’re transparent about the complexities of autism-related behaviour change and mental health, supporting families through the highs and lows.
Delivered by Qualified Professionals
Every autism service is provided or supervised by regulated professionals in good standing.
Enrolling your child in our OAP-approved core clinical autism services is simple:
- Explore our autism program offerings
- Choose the program(s) that best meet your family’s needs
- Fill out our online enrolment form to let us know which service you’d like to enrol your child in.
For more information or additional support, contact us directly.
What Happens After I Enrol?
After you contact us, a member of our Behaviour Services team will follow up with you to learn more about your child and family’s needs and goals. Together, we’ll identify the program(s) that are the best fit. From there, we’ll guide you through the next steps and enrol your child in the agreed-upon services.
Our services are open to any child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). As an Ontario Autism Program (OAP)-approved provider, families who are part of the program can use their funding with us, helping to lower out-of-pocket costs.*
Eligibility at a glance:
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Children and youth ages 2–18
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A confirmed diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from a qualified professional
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Living within our designated service areas
If your child has very high or urgent needs, you may qualify for Urgent Response Services (URS) or Enhanced Needs Services (ENS). These programs require a referral from Contact Brant. To learn more, visit our Additional Autism Services page or connect with Contact Brant directly.
*Although we are an OAP-approved provider, families do not have to be enroled in the OAP to qualify for our autism services. Families without OAP funding can still access services on a fee-for-service basis.
We offer flexible options for how our services are provided. Our ABA Therapy can be accessed:
- In clinic
- At home
- In the community
- Online
We’ll work with your family to find the best solution to fit your life.
Willowbridge’s main service areas for our Autism Services are:
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Brant County
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Haldimand/Norfolk
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Six Nations of the Grand River
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Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
We provide culturally respectful care within these communities, while also offering virtual service options to families across Ontario.
The cost for Willowbridge’s Therapeutic Day Programs will be announced soon.
Many of our autism services are OAP-approved, offered on a fee-for-service basis, which means less out-of-pocket expenses for OAP-approved families.
Our Urgent Response Services and Enhanced Needs Services are funded by Contact Brant. Children and youth for this service must be enrolled in the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) and be referred to Willowbridge by Contact Brant. To learn more, visit our Additional Autism Supports page.
To learn more about fees and funding for our autism services, visit our Parent and Caregiver Support page.
Our OAP-approved autism services are delivered and/or supervised by qualified, regulated professionals who:
- Are registered and in good standing with their professional colleges (e.g., College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario, Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario).
- Bring years of experience supporting autistic children, youth and families across home, school and community settings.
- Provide services through a trauma-informed lens, ensuring safety, trust and choice.
- Use an attachment-based approach that strengthens family and peer relationships as a foundation for growth.
- Work collaboratively with families to set meaningful goals and create individualized plans across the ten OAP developmental domains.
We’ll work to match your child and family with the right professional based on your needs, preferences and goals—so you feel supported every step of the way.
The Ontario Autism Program (OAP) is a provincial government initiative that provides financial support to Ontario families of children and youth diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Funding is available until the child turns 18 and can be used to access specialized services, including those offered at Willowbridge.
Children and youth must have a confirmed diagnosis of ASD from a qualified professional to be eligible.
To learn more or to apply for OAP funding, please visit the Ontario Autism Program website.
