ACT Learning Centre
36 Antares Drive, Suite 500 K2E 7W5 Ottawa, ON, Canada

We have a few spots left in our Summer Social Groups! Our social groups, available for both children and teens, are facilitated by trained ABA therapists and are designed to help your children develop the necessary skills to form personal connections. Send us an email at [email protected] to secure a spot today: http://actlearningcentre.ca/summer-social-group/

ACT Learning Centre had the pleasure of hosting Minister Fullerton, Minister of Child, Community and Social Services and MPP Jeremy Roberts, Parliamentary Assistant, MCCSS at our Clinic today! They toured the facility, got to know our staff, asked great questions about autism, observed therapy and met some of our incredible clients. Thanks for stopping by!

When her little brother with autism was about to start school, 5th-grader Elli created a video to introduce her brother to his new classmates. In her helpful video, she explains his autism diagnosis and how his new friends can help him navigate the sensory exposures of the school environment. Great job, Elli! Watch the video yourself and share your reactions in the comments: https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/sister-makes-video-for-bro/... #autism #ottawa #autismnews

Lets talk balance! Does your child ever have trouble balancing when standing or playing? Here’s an easy tip to incorporate in your routine Rather than having them sit on the floor, encourage your child to remain standing on one foot when putting on pants or shoes! ... #autism #autismawareness #ottawa

You’re invited!!! Have you heard of the ACT Learning Centre Social Groups? Available for both children and teens, the goal of this program is to teach your child social skills that will help them create connections with their peers. Groups are facilitated by trained ABA therapists, overseen by our Board Certified Behaviour Analyst and Speech & Language Pathologist.... Email us at [email protected] for more information!

Does your child experience anxiety when it comes to new food? On average, children need over a dozen interactions with food before consumption. For children with an autism diagnosis, this number is typically amplified. Here are some strategies to implement in your own home to introduce new food into your little one’s diet: http://actlearningcentre.ca/blog-helping-your-child-try-ne/ #autism #AutismAwareness #ottawa

Calling all Cornwall families! We have an in-home therapy block available with our incredible Cornwall-based therapist. Please contact us for more information. http://actlearningcentre.ca/contact-us/ #cornwall #autism #autismtherapy

W-sitting is a common position for infants and toddlers, where they sit on their bottom and their knees are bent toward the outside of their body in the form of a W. W-sitting is common in children who may have weaker muscles around their hips and pelvis. This position can be harmful as it places them at risk for hip complications. Does your child do this? Here’s a few physiotherapy tips to correct them - Provide your child with a stool or chair to use when playing. - ...Ask your child to switch positions between butterfly or legs out with different toys. - Work on activities that target the hip muscles like squatting or jumping. See more

Happy World Autism Awareness Day! Our clinic is celebrating with these beautiful cupcakes from a local Ottawa business, Heartbreaker Cocoa.

We have exciting news - the ACT Learning Centre clinic is expanding! We acquired additional space in the building to accommodate our growing client base with safety being our top priority. Stay tuned for photos of our new therapy rooms!

Spring is here, and the Easter holiday is right around the corner. Children on the autism spectrum often have allergies, sensitivities, or negative reactions to the dyes, sugar, and other ingredients in the candy that typically fill Easter eggs. Instead, consider hiding these non-food, sensory-friendly items in your little one's Easter eggs. * Silly putty * Sticky hands * Curly shoelaces... * Bouncy balls * Fidget spinners or cubes * Play-doh * Bracelets & necklaces * Finger puppets * Stickers or temporary tattoos See more

Frustrated with the astronomical unemployment rates for adults with autism (85% according to a study from the National Autistic Society), 20-year-old Ryan Lowry uploaded a hand-written cover letter to LinkedIn in search of a job. His heartfelt letter reached the hearts of many and he has since received over 1,000 inquiries from businesses and organizations interested in hiring him! What an incredible story of hard work and perseverance. Best of luck in your career, Ryan! Read the incredible story below: https://tanksgoodnews.com/2021/03/17/autism-letter-linkedin/

Face masks are the most popular accessory of 2021! But that doesn’t mean its an easy adjustment for children, especially those with sensory sensitivities. Teaching your child to wear a mask when outside the home may seem like an impossible task, but there are strategies that can be used to desensitize sensitivities and encourage mask wearing. Start with these three Choose a mask that your child is likely to be drawn to, one that symbolizes a favourite colour, movie charac...ter, or hobby. Set up a reward system to reinforce your child for participating. Create opportunities for the child to put a mask on you and/or a special toy. #autism #ottawa #sensoryplay

Valentines Day is right around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than making yummy Valentines treats with your family? Cooking and baking can be an incredible sensory activity for children, as they experience different scents, colours, sounds and textures throughout the process! Snap a photo of you and your little one making your favourite Valentines treat and post them in the comments below. #autism #autismtherapy #sensoryplay #ValentinesDay2021

As parents of children with an autism diagnosis, we know you want all of the information available to make the right decisions for your child. Thats why we’ve curated a list of informational articles and relevant resources! Whether you have questions about behavioural therapies, augmentative communications, or simply need support, our Resources page is sure to have your answer. http://actlearningcentre.ca/resources/ #autism #ottawa #autismtherapy

ACT Learning Centre’s clinic offers large communal therapy spaces but also individual spaces for those that prefer to have a space of their own. Our individual therapy rooms have a two-way mirror that allows for parents and supervising staff to observe their children without interrupting the therapy! Want to know more about our clinic? Send us an email at [email protected]!... #autism #autismtherapy #autismclinic #ottawa #ottawamoms #ottawalife

Anybody else planning more arts and crafts activities with stay-at-home orders on the horizon? Arts and crafts aren’t just a fun pastime! They actually help children develop language skills. Some speech and language areas that are improved through crafts include direction following, vocabulary, listening, sequencing, and memory. #ActLearningTip When doing crafts with your child, ask them questions about the craft and practice telling and retelling the steps to the acti...vity with slow, easy speech. #autism #ottawa #ottawalife

Have you heard of the new app Making Authentic Friendships? Inspired by a 22-year-old with autism, the app connects individuals aged 13+ who have special needs so they can make friends based on age, diagnosis, and interest! Check out the article to learn more and let us know how you like the app! https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/new-app-helps-adults-with-/

What is the Early Start Denver Model? The Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) is a comprehensive early intervention program for children with autism. ESDM is an evidence based behavioural intervention program that is play based and focuses on communication, social skills, imitation, play, and gross and fine motor skills. At ACT we encourage parents to be active participants in their child’s ESDM sessions. Want to learn more? Check out our ‘services’ page to explore our ESDM ser...vices. http://actlearningcentre.ca/services/ #autismottawa #autism #autismmom #autismdad

Ghosts and goblins took over the ACT Learning Centre clinic to treat our Saturday Social Group kiddos to a spooktacular surprise! From witches brew sensory bins, to pumpkin decorating, and Halloween bingo, we had tons of activities to get our little ones in the Halloween spirit. Check out these photos of our fang-tastic clinic:... #halloween #halloweencraft #autism #autismottawa

Did you know that October is Occupational Therapy month in Canada? We want to take this opportunity to recognize and celebrate our dedicated OT staff who help our clients overcome physical, mental and cognitive barriers. Happy OT Month! ... #occupationaltherapy #occupationaltherapist #autism #autismottawa

Happy 1 year anniversary to the ACT Learning Centre clinic! We take pride in fostering a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for our clients to reach their goals! Want to see it for yourself? Click the link below to schedule a no-cost initial consultation. http://actlearningcentre.ca #autism #autismtherapy #autismottawa #ottawamoms #ottawadads

Looking for indoor activities?! Get your little ones in the Halloween spirit with this 'Witches Brew’ sensory bin! Head on over to your local dollar store and pick up whatever festive items you can find: - Eyeball ping pong balls - Plastic spiders, snakes, and bugs... - Fall leaves - Black and orange marbles Throw all of these items into a bin and pour in water. Add some extra spookiness to your witches brew with purple food colouring and sparkles. Let your ‘mad scientists’ explore with their hands, shovels, and other playful tools! Snap a photo and show us your Halloween concoction in the comments. #halloween #halloweencraft #sensoryplay #sensoryplayideas #ottawa #autismottawa