Our Services

Every family has different goals and needs. At Stepping Stones we try our best to accommodate this and build a program that fits each family's unique situation. Please read below to learn more about the services we offer to ensure that your child receives a well rounded, individualized program.

Behavior Analyst Services

Our Behavior Analysts play a crucial role in understanding and improving the behaviors of children, particularly those with developmental disorders like autism. They combine their knowledge in principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Positive Behavior Supports, Naturalistic Teaching methods, and trauma informed practices to assess a child's behavioral patterns, identify challenging behaviors, and develop personalized intervention strategies. Their work is not just about modifying behaviors, but also about teaching essential life skills, improving social interactions, and enhancing the child's overall quality of life. Through consistent monitoring and data-driven adjustments, our Behavior Analysts can make a significant difference in a child's developmental journey, helping them to reach their full potential.

The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), is another tool we use, and is a groundbreaking and evidence-based intervention method designed for young children with autism, as early as 12 months old. This model integrates the rigor of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with relationship-based approaches, promoting social-emotional growth, language skills, and cognitive development. ESDM is unique in its emphasis on play and naturalistic teaching within the context of a positive, nurturing relationship. It's not just about teaching skills, but about sparking joy and engagement in children, making learning a fun and meaningful experience. The Early Start Denver Model is a beacon of hope, helping children with autism to unlock their full potential and thrive in their early years.

The Behavior Analyst will meet the family regularly, either in the home, at the centre, over zoom or a combination. The visits are a combination of modelling and teaching, discussions and 1:1 work. They will work on everything from skill development, emotional regulation, toileting, eating, sleeping and behaviors. The goal is to bring the family into the heart of the intervention plan, giving them the skills and tools they need to feel confident, supported and to become their child's strongest advocate.

In certain cases the Behavior Analyst will add one of our Registered Behavior Technicians to the team to support more intensive programming planned by the Behavior Analyst.

Our Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT) are highly skilled professional who works closely with individuals with developmental disorders, such as autism, under the supervision of our Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA). RBTs are trained in the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and use evidence-based techniques to implement behavior intervention plans, collect data, and assist in the assessment and analysis of behavior. They play a vital role in helping individuals develop essential life skills, improve social interactions, and reduce challenging behaviors. With their compassionate and dedicated approach, our RBTs make a positive impact on the lives of those they work with, fostering growth, independence, and overall well-being.

Speech and Language Services

Our Speech and Language Pathologists (SLP) play a pivotal role in helping children overcome communication challenges. They work with children who have difficulties with speech, language, social communication, voice, or fluency. Using a variety of techniques and tools, they assess, diagnose, and treat these disorders, tailoring their approach to each child's unique needs. But their work goes beyond therapy sessions. Our SLPs also empower parents and teachers with strategies to support the child's communication skills at home and school. Their goal is not just to improve speech and language, but to enhance the child's confidence and quality of life, enabling them to communicate effectively and connect with the world around them.

Our SLPs will meet families either in the home or at the centre and will do a combination of 1:1 work and teaching parents. At times the SLP will add our Speech and Language Assistant to the team to support more intensive speech practice.

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Art Therapy

Art therapy is a transformative tool for children, offering them a unique platform to express their emotions and thoughts when words may fail. It's a creative, non-verbal form of communication that allows children to explore their feelings through the use of different art materials and techniques. Art therapy can help children to better understand their emotions, develop self-awareness, boost self-esteem, and improve their overall mental and emotional well-being. It's not just about creating art, but about the process of creation itself, which can be a therapeutic journey of self-discovery and healing for young minds.

Our art therapist is a professional clinical art therapist (PCAT). She will meet your child in the centre for a 50 minute session, regularly and work through concerns not limited to self regulation, trauma, anxiety, depression, anger management, and sensory issues.

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Social Groups

Social/life skill groups for children and youth provide invaluable opportunities for growth, learning, and connection. These groups create a supportive and inclusive environment where children and teens can develop essential social skills, such as communication, cooperation, empathy, and problem-solving. Through engaging activities and guided interactions, children learn how to navigate social situations, build friendships, and develop a sense of belonging. Additionally, life skill groups equip youth with practical skills necessary for daily living, such as self-care, organization, time management, and decision-making. These groups not only foster personal development but also promote teamwork, resilience, and confidence. By participating in social and/or life skill groups, children and youth gain the tools they need to thrive in both their personal and academic lives, setting a strong foundation for their future success.

Groups run throughout the year on all days of the week except Sundays. They are lead by qualified and well trained staff, specializing in social/life skills. The kids come once per week in their specific social group. Call for more info on which groups are currently running.

Assessments

Assessments for children facing social, speech and language, and emotional regulation challenges are crucial tools in understanding and addressing their unique needs. These comprehensive evaluations, conducted by skilled professionals, provide a detailed picture of a child's strengths and areas of difficulty. Social assessments explore how a child interacts with others and navigates social situations, while speech and language assessments examine a child's ability to express and understand language. Emotional regulation assessments, on the other hand, focus on a child's ability to manage and respond to an emotional experience. These assessments are not about labeling or defining a child, but about identifying ways to support their growth and development. They pave the way for personalized intervention strategies, helping children overcome challenges, enhance their skills, and thrive in their daily lives.

Assessments can be run to help establish programming or they can also be used as one time assessments to help determine where their child is currently at (benchmark). The report can then help to guide various services both with Stepping Stones and/or with other professionals, including schools, daycares and preschools.

If you have concerns about your child's social, emotional or language development, give us a call and we can help determine where to start.

*We cannot assess for autism or any other diagnosis. These assessments are specifically skill based assessments to determine areas of strengths and difficulties. However, we can do the speech assessment portion of a private assessment for autism.