Brianna HarrisonA friend of mine has a young son with autism, and for the longest time, she felt really overwhelmed. Between the communication struggles and the meltdowns, she was exhausted, and she felt like no one really “got it.”
But everything started to improve once she found the right autism centers in Toronto. They offer supportive therapists, tailored programs, and most importantly, a community that truly understands her journey.
Over time, I’m happy to report that her son’s confidence started growing (as did hers).
If you’re in a similar spot, this guide covers some of the top autism centers in Toronto that are definitely making a difference. Get the help and support you deserve by getting in touch with these centers today.
Autism Ontario
Media credit: autismontario
Website: http://www.autismontario.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autismontario/
Address: 1179 A King St W
Hours: Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM
Contact: +1 800-472-7789
For over 50 years, Autism Ontario has been supporting autistic individuals and their families across the province. They offer tailored services for kids, teens, and adults.
For children and youth, they have awesome local, community-based programs that focus on kids reaching their potential. Programs that offer help navigating AccessOAP, family support, and even Summer Support funding are available.
Now, for autistic teens or adults, they offer programs that cover life transitions, post-secondary pathways, employment prep, and social skills building.
They even offer Autism Career Solutions, where job seekers get help figuring out their strengths, building resumes, leveling up interview skills, and learning how to find work. On the flip side, employers get coaching on how to make their spaces more inclusive.
Pro Tip:
If you or someone you love is part of the Francophone community, Autism Ontario goes above and beyond. Even though French services are only legally required in certain areas, they provide French language services across the entire province.
Shining Stars Support Services
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Website: https://shiningstarssupport.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiningstarssupport/
Address: 1700 Mazo Crescent, Mississauga
Hours:
- Tue – Thurs: 9 AM – 4:30 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM – 12 PM
Contact: (289) 400-4099
Shining Stars Support Services has been helping the autism community since 2016, offering a mix of in-home and center-based therapy. They’re also known for their 1:1 and group support programs.
A huge part of what they do is Applied Behaviour Analysis Therapy. Their ABA sessions include direct instruction, tailored programming, and positive reinforcement.
Another plus is their Occupational Therapy program. Their OTs team up with parents to make sure every child’s therapy plan (which may include helping with fine motor skills, sensory processing, and daily routines) fits just right.
They even have a Shining Stars School—a Ministry of Education-recognized private and alternative school geared towards kids aged 4 to 11 on the spectrum. It offers full- and half-day programs based on a modified Ontario Curriculum.
Pro Tip:
Shining Stars offers smart, detailed assessments. Tools like the Assessment of Basic Language and Learning and the Brigance Inventory are used to help the team understand your child’s needs.
Geneva Centre for Autism
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geneva_centre/
Address: 164 Merton St
Hours: Mon – Thurs: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Contact: (416) 322-7877
Geneva Centre for Autism is one of Toronto’s best-known autism support hubs and with good reason. They’ve been doing this for decades, and they offer a full range of services for individuals of all ages on the spectrum.
Their Clinical Services are comprehensive—from intake and assessments to early intervention and communication programs. Parents can also sign up for training programs to better understand their kids.
Community Resource Services are available too, offering certificate programs, workshops, lectures, and a resource library. They even offer consultation options for agencies to build their own programs.
For those looking to give back, they offer Volunteer Services—very popular, especially for students. It’s a great way to gain experience while contributing meaningfully as well.
Pro Tip:
Geneva Centre for Autism has a Training Institute and an International Autism Symposium. These are major platforms for building professional skills and spreading awareness globally.
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
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Website: http://www.hollandbloorview.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollandbloorview/
Address: 150 Kilgour Rd
Hours:
- Mon – Fri: 8 AM – 10 PM
- Sat – Sun: 9 AM – 9 PM
Contact: (416) 425-6220
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital is the largest children’s rehabilitation hospital in Canada, with roots going all the way back to 1899. Today, it’s a warm, inclusive space where kids with disabilities, including autism, get access to top-tier care.
Their Online Family Resource Centre is packed with helpful info, tips, and real-life stories for parents and caregivers. They also offer a Family Support Fund to help families during stressful times or big transitions.
They also host an annual Recreation, Respite, and Life Skills Fair, where caregivers and pros can browse info booths and meet with reps from over 30 community programs across the GTA. You can register for summer and seasonal services.
As a bonus, they have a Youth Volunteer and Employment Program to help youth with disabilities gain real-world experience to prepare them for work life.
Pro Tip:
If you’re between 14 and 49 and looking to grow as a leader, take advantage of Holland Bloorview’s Youth Engagement opportunities. From joining the Youth Advisory Council to becoming a mentor or facilitator, there are tons of ways to get involved.
Strides Toronto
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Website: https://stridestoronto.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stridestoronto/
Address: 100 Consilium Place, Suite 600
Hours:
- Mon – Fri: 3 PM – 8 PM
- Saturday: 10 – 3 PM
Contact: 416-438-3697
Based in Toronto’s East End, Strides Toronto works with individuals with autism and developmental challenges from prenatal age up to 29.
We love their Ministry-funded OAP services, which are free for families registered with the OAP. An example is the Foundational Family Services—this is where families can learn strategies, build advocacy skills, and just feel a little less alone.
Another free service is their Entry to School Program, which they run in partnership with the Toronto Autism Network. It helps young kids with autism get ready for school life by teaching them how to engage in group play and follow classroom routines.
For weekends, they offer a Galloway Saturday Program. It’s held in a safe and supportive weekend space where youth can hang out and take part in fun activities.
Pro Tip:
If you’ve got a teen or adult with high-functioning autism, check out Strides’ AYCES School Break Program. It runs during school breaks and helps youth build connections in a low-pressure environment.
Surrey Place
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Website: https://www.surreyplace.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/surreyplaceon/
Address: 2 Surrey Pl
Hours:
- Tue – Thurs: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM
- Saturday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Contact: (416) 925-5141
Surrey Place has been supporting people with autism and developmental needs for over 60 years. We’re impressed that they help over 10,000 clients a year across their five locations in Toronto.
Their OAP Clinical Services are very flexible, offering ABA and occupational therapy, as well as mental health support. You can use your OAP funding to access these services, pay out-of-pocket, via insurance, or community funding options.
Families also love their ABA Group Therapy—group-based sessions that focus on helping kids build communication, social, and emotional skills. For added convenience, they offer evening and weekend sessions in their four locations.
If your child isn’t ready for group work, they offer 1-to-1 Focused Behavioural Intervention, which is more tailored to their learning goals.
Pro Tip:
You might want to check out their ABA Summer Camp. It has fun activities with therapy in a way that feels like a real summer camp experience.
Toronto IBI Autism Services
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Website: http://www.torontoibi.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torontoibi
Address: 1170 Sheppard Ave W #32, North York
Hours: Tue – Thurs: 9 AM – 5 PM
Contact: (416) 614-9025
Toronto IBI Autism Services is led by Kingston Chui, one of Canada’s earliest certified BCBAs. He’s also a Registered Behavior Analyst and Clinical Supervisor for families in the OAP.
We appreciate their outreach therapy services since not every family can (or wants to) do therapy in a clinic. They also offer parent training, behavior consulting, school support, and training workshops.
If your child can handle small-group settings, the Toronto IBI Social Groups are worth checking out. It’s a chill space for kids to practice social skills and have fun, too.
A similar program is their Social Skills Program, which is great for advanced learners who are ready for more nuanced social interaction. It runs all year long and is grouped by age and developmental stage.
Pro Tip:
If you want to check out their locations, feel free to give them a call and book a tour. They’d be happy to show you around and help you get a feel for their space.
TACT | The Autism Centre of Toronto
Media credit: autismtoronto
Website: https://www.autismtoronto.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autismtoronto
Address: 2180 Bayview Ave, North York
Hours: Tue – Thurs: 9 AM – 3:30 PM
Contact: (416) 544-8228
The Autism Centre of Toronto is a not-for-profit that’s doing incredible work for kids with autism and their families. We love that they’re focused not only on one’s progress but also on feeling seen and heard.
Every child gets their own customized learning path, designed based on the ACE Autism Curriculum Encyclopedia. Plus, their instructor therapists work under the guidance of a board-certified Behavior Analyst.
Their early intervention program runs Monday to Friday, with morning, afternoon, or full-day options. They also have part-time options like the Balance program or Practical Functional Assessment and Skills-Based Treatment.
For kids who are ready to interact with their peers, they run an 8-week, activity-based social skills group throughout the year. It’s an enjoyable way for children to practice communication and teamwork, as well as make friends in a structured setting.
Pro Tip:
While TACT doesn’t offer home-based services, families with children enrolled in their full-time program can schedule home visits as needed.
Kinark Autism Services
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Website: https://kinarkautismservices.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kinarkautismservices/
Address: 5399 Eglinton Ave W #101, Etobicoke
Hours: Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM
Contact: +1 800-283-3377
Kinark Autism Services has been a trusted name in the autism community for over 25 years, helping kids and teens (ages 2 to 18) and their families thrive.
Their ABA Coaching is very flexible and tailored to your family’s unique situation. This ongoing coaching program helps build skills in real-life settings.
They also run a Better Behavior Clinic for families facing more intense challenges. If your child is struggling with mild to severe disruptive behaviors, the clinic offers assessments and treatment options.
For something lighter, check out Social Time—a virtual hangout where families, teens, and kids can all join in on the fun. You can discuss topics or even participate in activities such as arts and crafts.
Pro Tip:
Kinark’s virtual programs are a total win for busy families or those who prefer support from home. Kids and teens can still access high-quality ABA services without leaving the house.
Kerry’s Place
Media credit: kerrysplaceautismservices
Website: https://kerrysplace.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerrysplaceautismservices/
Address: 222 Lesmill Rd, North York
Hours: Mon – Fri: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Contact: (416) 537-2000
For over 50 years, Kerry’s Place has been a go-to support system for those on the autism spectrum—and they’re still going strong across southeastern Ontario.
We think their Adult Services are so well-rounded, helping autistic adults gain independence and make meaningful connections. There’s a focus on real-life stuff—like making friends through shared hobbies and community activities.
They also know how to mix learning with fun when it comes to their Seasonal Day Camps. These happen year-round, giving kids a chance to try new things.
A unique offering is their support for 2SLGBTQ+ autistic youth, who sometimes struggle to find spaces where they feel fully understood. Participants will learn how to respond when a child shares their gender and/or sexual identity.
Pro Tip:
If your teen or young adult is thinking about work, they offer employment services that go beyond resume writing. These programs offer hands-on job sampling, coaching, and real-world skills training.
ABA Scarborough Centre for Autism
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Website: http://abascarborough.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aba_scarborough/
Address: 203 Markham Rd, Scarborough
Hours:
- Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 6:30 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
- Sunday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Contact: (647) 344-0400
ABA Scarborough Centre for Autism believes that kids can thrive by shaping their behavior using the environment around them.
They offer programs for social skills development—we like that they don’t just treat socializing as an add-on—it’s the focus of the entire learning experience. These include cooperative group games, communication, and safety skills.
We also love their Intensive Behavioral Intervention (20 hours a week, minimum). It combines one-on-one sessions with small group instruction, all personalized based on your child’s unique needs.
Comprehensive communication and language-building programs are available, too. These pretty popular workshops teach kids how to express what they want, ask for help, and start conversations.
Pro Tip:
For the parents, the ABA Scarborough Centre offers personalized consultations to help them understand what their child needs and how best to support them at home.
Media credit: lumenuscs
Website: https://lumenus.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lumenuscs/
Address: 1124 Finch Ave W Unit #1, North York
Hours: Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM
Contact: (416) 222-1153
Lumenus Community Services provides mental health, developmental, and community programs for people of all ages. Their autism programs are especially strong, with a big focus on early and ongoing support.
One of their most helpful offerings is their Parent and Caregiver Workshops. These give parents tools and strategies based on ABA to tackle everyday challenges—from improving communication to setting family routines.
Another cool service is their Brief Targeted Consultation. This is a 6-week focused service where families work with Lumenus experts (in-person or virtually) on specific goals using evidence-based strategies.
In terms of big transitions, they offer an Entry to School Program to help kids get ready for kindergarten or Grade 1. The first six months are all about school readiness, while the next six focus on making the actual transition to the classroom smoother.
Pro Tip:
If your child is going through a tough time and things feel like they’re escalating, Lumenus Community Services offers an Urgent Response Service—12 weeks of quick, personalized support. It can also include short-term help from your child’s team.
