For families of children with autism, the hours after school can be just as important as the school day itself. Finding quality autism day care and after-school programming that is both therapeutically meaningful and genuinely safe is a challenge many GTA families face. Spectrum of Autism Counselling offers structured After School Programs in North York that combine expert autism support with engaging, fun activities — giving children a place to grow and families peace of mind.
Not all autism day care is created equal. Many after-school care options offer supervision but little structured therapeutic support. At Spectrum of Autism Counselling, every after-school session is led by trained behavioral therapists under BCBA supervision. This means your child is not just being cared for — they are actively building skills in a purposeful, evidence-based environment.
Our after-school program is the best of both worlds: quality autism day care that gives families a reliable, safe care option after school, combined with meaningful ABA-informed therapeutic activities that support your child's ongoing development.
• ABA-Guided Group Activities: Structured social and communication skill-building activities led by trained therapists
• Fine Motor Skills Development: Arts, crafts, drawing, bead work, and hands-on activities that build precision and coordination
• Gross Motor Play: Physical activities that support sensory integration, body awareness, and coordination
• Snack & Self-Care Routines: Building independence through structured snack time, hygiene routines, and self-management skills
• Homework Support: Guided academic time using ABA strategies to support focus, task completion, and learning
• Parent Debrief at Pickup: A brief daily update so you always know what your child worked on and achieved
Fine motor skills are a key developmental area for many children with autism. These are the small, controlled movements that allow children to write, draw, use scissors, do up buttons, manipulate puzzle pieces, and handle everyday objects with precision. Many autistic children have underdeveloped fine motor skills that affect their school performance, independence, and social participation.
Our after-school program dedicates focused time to fine motor skills development through purposeful activities that children genuinely enjoy. From threading beads to finger painting to building with small construction sets, every activity is chosen to build hand strength, bilateral coordination, pencil grip, and precise movement control.
The after-school hours represent a critical window of opportunity. Children with autism who have unstructured time after school can experience increased anxiety, behavioral challenges, and skill regression. A structured, therapeutic after-school environment maintains the positive momentum built during the school day and clinic therapy sessions, keeps skills sharp, and gives children a positive social experience in a safe and understanding environment.
Our autism day care and after-school program at Spectrum of Autism Counselling ensures that the hours between 3PM and 7PM are not lost hours — they are hours of growth.
We understand that every family's schedule is different. Our after-school program runs Monday through Saturday, and we work with families to accommodate varying pickup times and scheduling needs. Whether you need care two days a week or five, our team will work with you to create a schedule that fits.
Give your child a safe, therapeutic, and fun place to be after school. Visit our After School Programs page or call 365-654-2789 to learn more. Spectrum of Autism Counselling — North York's trusted autism day care and after-school therapy provider.