Authentically Me
An inclusive and affirming group where your child can build social-emotional resilience and learn skills for self-confidence and self-advocacy.
Looking for an inclusive space for your child to build the exact skills they need?
You are looking for a group program where your child can be celebrated for their unique strengths, talents, and perspectives. In Authentically Me, we understand that every child is wonderfully different and we embrace this diversity wholeheartedly. Rather than focusing on deficits or challenges, we believe in identifying and nurturing each child's individual strengths and abilities. Through a strengths-based approach, we empower the participants to recognize and cultivate their talents, interests, and passions. This program is designed to build social-emotional well-being, resilience, self-acceptance, confidence, and identity exploration in a supportive and inclusive environment.
If you are a seeking a fun group environment that will also build your child’s social-emotional strength, individuality, and give them a safe space to explore and gain pride in their identity, Authentically Me is it!
THIS PAGE CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PARTICIPATION CRITERIA AND REGISTRATION PROCESS; PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR READ ALL DETAILS THOROUGHLY. PATHWAYS IS NOT LIABLE IF A PARENT DOES NOT READ THE INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE REGARDING OUR PARTICIPATION CRITERIA, REGISTRATION PROCESS, OR GROUP PROGRAM POLICIES.
What this program will build in your child:
Authentically Me for ages 8-12 years will be led by a registered Social Worker who has expertise in child development, neuropsychology, and neurodiversity. Our carefully crafted program offers a wide range of activities tailored to engage and inspire children of any neurotype, neurodivergent or otherwise.
From creative arts and expressive activities, to cooperative games and team-building exercises, every activity is designed to promote social interaction, communication skills, and collaboration in a fun and encouraging atmosphere.
In addition to structured activities, Authentically Me provides ample opportunities for self-expression and personal growth. Through guided discussions, expressive arts, and reflective exercises, participants are encouraged to explore their emotions, build self-awareness, and develop coping strategies for managing stress and anxiety.
Throughout the program, our experienced staff members provide individualized support and guidance, fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance for every participant. Whether it's offering a listening ear, providing gentle encouragement, or celebrating achievements, we are dedicated to helping each child feel valued, respected, and empowered. Above all, Authentically Me is a place where children can thrive, make meaningful connections, and discover the beauty of their own uniqueness.
This group is led by a neurodiversity-affirming therapist using philosophies and methods that support, understand, and accept neurodivergent children within a safe and inclusive space.
Who should attend Pathways’ Authentically Me program?
At Pathways, we care deeply about ensuring each child’s success and safety in each group program we offer. As such, choosing the right group for your child is important. Please read through the registration criteria listed below before registering your child. If you are NOT sure if this group is a good fit for your child, contact our team at: ally@pathwayslearning.ca
Your child is a perfect fit for the Authentically Me program if:
They are 8-to-12 years old (if your child falls outside this age range but you are interested in this programming, please contact us directly as we may have alternative programming options for your child)
They can be uneasy in groups, or seem hesitant to interact with new people or in new environments/situations, but overall are interested in participating in group activities.
They can be safe and successful in a group setting with a 1:4 adult-to-child ratio. (e.g., they are not destructively, uncooperatively, and/or aggressively dysregulated when participating in groups). Please note that we care deeply about the safety and success of every child and so this criteria is very important to follow, as we are not able to provide 1:1 support in this program.
They are able to effectively communicate (either via speech or augmented modalities) for a variety of purposes (e.g., making requests, protesting, commenting, asking/answering questions) to ensure that they can follow along, engage in conversations and group activities, and so that our team can ensure their emotional and/or sensory needs can be met.
Please read this criteria carefully and ensure your child is the right fit for our program. We respectfully need to ensure that all participants are able to be safe and successful at the staffing ratio and benefit from the programming. We reserve the right to discontinue children from the program who do not meet the registration requirements due to safety and/or participation concerns.
The Important Details:
How it works:
Authentically Me offers weekly 60-minute sessions over a 6-week block. Your child will attend our group classes on each scheduled day of the program; a caregiver does not stay with them. They, and a group of same-aged peers, will work together with our team to participate in a variety of fun and engaging activities all while learning about perspective taking, winning/losing gracefully, conversation skills, flexible thinking/problem-solving, advocating for their own needs, and sharing about special interests.
Each class will be led and facilitated by a Registered Social Worker, along with additional support staff from our Centre.
Investment:
The program fee for the six weeks is an investment of $420; this equates to $70 per 60-minute session.
Receipts will be provided so you can claim up to the full amount* on your health insurance under private speech therapy coverage (*depends on individual family coverage amount). Additionally, the Counsellor running the Authentic Connections programs are listed service provider on the provincial Autism Spectrum Disorder Individualized Funding registry.
Please note: The program fee is refundable, less a $75 cancellation charge, until three weeks before the program’s start date. Cancellations made within three weeks of a program’s start date WILL NOT BE REFUNDED. Missed sessions during the program are not eligible for reduced fees or refunds. Programs may be cancelled if sufficient enrollment is not achieved; refunds will be given in such a case.
SPRING 2025
Authentically Me Sessions
**NEW> Mondays, 4:15pm-5:15pm - March 17th to April 21st*
*This round of Authentically Me is open to female participants only, or those who identify as female.
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How to Register - PLEASE READ THIS FULLY:
(Registration opened 8:00am, Friday, November 15th)
Registration will occur online through our Jane Online Booking site. Click the REGISTER HERE button below, click on Authentically Me, and select the SPECIFIC START DATE for the session in which you wish to register your child. If you are NEW to our clinic, and have never been to Pathways for services before, you must contact our Clinic Manager to be set up in our system for registration and online booking! Just hit the CONTACT US button in the top right corner of the page!
**IMPORTANT** You only need to select just the start date and complete the booking for your child in that single session; our team will complete your booking for the remaining 5 weeks of the program.
Once you have completed the booking you will receive an intake form via email from our booking system Jane. You will need to complete this form AND ENSURE you provide your credit card onto your Jane account. A FULL PAYMENT will be collected at the time of registration once our team receives your booking and processes the charge on your credit card. The full $420 will exist on your Jane account as a credit until the sessions are completed, then the credit will be applied $70/class after each class is completed.
** You will NOT receive session receipts (for insurance/funding) until AFTER each session is done. Session receipts, to show therapist details and service dates, will be automatically emailed after each session. We can NOT provide service receipts in advance of the service.