Tikvah Family Services Oakville & Vaughan: Specialized Child Therapy for Autism ADHD PDA Anxiety and Foster Care Support
Child Therapy for Autism ADHD PDA Anxiety and Foster Care Support-Tikvah Family Services provides compassionate, expert therapy for children, teens and families in Oakville and Vaughan. Our clinicians specialize in evidence-based interventions tailored to each child’s unique needs – whether the challenge is autism, ADHD, anxiety, or the trauma of foster care. For example, Tikvah’s team uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, play and art therapy, social skills training and family counseling to support children facing autism, ADHD and Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA).
We emphasize early intervention because research shows children who receive prompt, sensitive therapy often gain lasting improvements in emotional regulation, self-esteem, and social confidence. With both in-person and virtual options available at our Oakville and Vaughan clinics, busy families can access therapy when and how they need it.
Every service at Tikvah is trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming – our therapists understand the impact of trauma and respect each child’s brain wiring, cultural background, and family values.
Whether you’re a parent, educator or child welfare professional, Tikvah Family Services in Oakville and Vaughan offers expert, family-centered support to help every child thrive. Tikvah’s clinics are conveniently located near Halton and York Region schools and communities. Each clinic is a warm, welcoming space where children can play, draw or use toys during sessions. Therapists often let children lead with toys or art supplies, interpreting play themes to guide therapy.
For faith-based or cultural families, our team is known for sensitivity and respect – we regularly work with Orthodox Jewish families and other cultural communities in a way that honors their values. Across all services, parents are involved: Tikvah offers parent coaching, family therapy and workshops so caregivers learn tools to reinforce progress at home. In short, Tikvah believes in treating the whole family, not just the child.
Child Therapy for Autism ADHD PDA Anxiety and Foster Care Support-Autism Spectrum Therapy in Oakville & Vaughan
Child Therapy for Autism ADHD PDA Anxiety and Foster Care Support-Children on the autism spectrum benefit from Tikvah’s evidence-based, play-centered therapy programs. Our clinics are staffed by licensed psychotherapists, speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists who create flexible programs around each child’s strengths.
Core interventions include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help children identify and manage anxious thoughts or challenging behaviors
- Play and Art Therapy, which use games and creative activities to build communication skills, emotional awareness and social play in a natural, relaxed setting
- The Miller Method, a proven autism therapy that helps children engage and improve eye contact and social reciprocity
- Speech and Occupational Therapy, providing targeted support for language development, sensory processing, motor skills or daily living skills as needed
- Parent Training and Counseling to teach strategies (visual schedules, positive reinforcement) that support the child’s progress at home and school
These therapies align with Ontario Autism Program (OAP) guidelines, so families can use provincial funding to cover costs.
Tikvah does not focus on rigid behavior protocols like some ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) programs. Instead, our approach is holistic and child-led. We follow the child’s interests and pace – if a child loves trains, therapy might revolve around train-themed play to teach skills. This neurodiversity-affirming style builds on each child’s motivations, often leading to greater engagement and confidence.
Our therapists tailor care to family traditions and languages and accommodate religious schedules and modesty concerns where needed. Rooms are stocked with age-appropriate toys, puzzles, art supplies, and even a therapy dog for comfort. Parents report that their children gradually reduce behavioral outbursts, connect more with peers, and feel more secure in family routines.
By emphasizing emotional development – self-awareness, coping skills and healthy interactions – we help children reach their full potential at school and in life.
ADHD Therapy in Oakville & Vaughan
Tikvah Family Services specializes in helping kids with ADHD learn self-regulation and focus through engaging, personalized therapy. Therapists use a combination of CBT, behavioral coaching and play-based techniques to address inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity.
Sessions might include games to practice turn-taking or role-playing to teach problem-solving. Early intervention is key: therapists teach parents how to set consistent routines, structure homework time and use effective communication strategies. Children are taught to break tasks into small steps, use checklists, and practice breathing exercises.
Our therapy improves attention span, impulse control and emotional regulation. Therapists praise effort and help kids set achievable goals, working with schools and doctors to ensure consistent routines across environments.
We also identify and address co-occurring learning or emotional issues. Our therapists help children channel their energy into positive outlets such as art, sports or building projects. Over time, kids become calmer, more organized and confident in their abilities.
Support for Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
PDA is a behavior profile related to autism where children feel extreme anxiety about everyday requests. Tikvah uses an empathetic, low-pressure style to reduce anxiety, not impose discipline.
Therapy often includes art therapy, play therapy and modified CBT. Requests are introduced gently, often disguised as part of a game or story. Children feel more in control and less panicked.
We involve caregivers by teaching communication strategies, how to offer choices, use positive language, and celebrate small wins. With this approach, children become more flexible and cooperative over time, replacing resistance with trust.
Anxiety Treatment for Children & Teens
Tikvah provides therapy for generalized anxiety, social anxiety, phobias, and more. Therapists use trauma-informed, evidence-based treatments like CBT, mindfulness and family therapy.
Sessions may include drawing, storytelling or play to help kids express fears. CBT techniques help reframe anxious thoughts. Therapists also teach relaxation skills like breathing exercises and guided imagery.
For teens, Tikvah integrates stress management and solution-focused therapy. Parents are coached in gradual exposure and how to reward brave behavior. Early therapy builds long-term resilience, emotional regulation and self-confidence.
Foster Care and Adoption Support
Children in care may struggle with loss, trust and attachment. Tikvah offers attachment-based therapy, trauma counseling and support for transitions.
We use structured parent-child play to build trust and emotional safety. Transition support helps children and caregivers prepare for changes through storytelling, role-play and counseling.
Therapists coordinate care with schools and agencies, supporting each child’s emotional adjustment and helping families feel more secure and connected.
Summary of Services by Condition and Location
| Condition / Need | Tikvah Oakville Clinic | Tikvah Vaughan Clinic |
|---|---|---|
| Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) | CBT, play/art therapy, speech/OT, Miller Method, parent coaching (OAP-funded) | Same comprehensive ASD therapies: CBT, play/art therapy, speech/OT, Miller Method, and parent support (OAP-funded) |
| ADHD | CBT, behavior coaching, executive function, play-based therapy, parent training | CBT, play/role-play, parent strategies, focus/impulse control therapy |
| Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) | Child-led therapy: art/play/CBT and parent coaching | Specialized PDA therapy and family support |
| Anxiety (Children & Teens) | CBT, play therapy, mindfulness, family therapy | CBT, play for kids, mindfulness for teens, trauma-informed support |
| Foster/Adoption Support | Attachment-based therapy, transition counseling, trauma therapy | Same trauma-informed, attachment-focused support and adjustment counseling |
Early Intervention and a Family-Centered, Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach
We emphasize early therapy – helping preschoolers and young children develop skills before challenges escalate. Our model is family-centered: parents are included in sessions and taught how to support progress at home.
We also treat siblings if needed. Our approach surrounds the child with a consistent support system. Therapists create individualized plans, respecting cultural traditions and family structure.
Tikvah’s services are neurodiversity-affirming – we celebrate differences, avoiding shame or stigma. Instead of labeling behaviors as “problems,” we explore what the child needs to feel safe and understood.
Conclusion
Tikvah Family Services supports children and teens with autism, ADHD, PDA, anxiety, and foster care needs in Oakville and Vaughan. We provide early, compassionate, evidence-based therapy that supports the entire family. Our flexible in-person and virtual services ensure that every family has access to expert, culturally sensitive, neurodiversity-affirming care.
