Autism-Focused Programs Created by Autistics. It’s Who We Are — It’s What We Know.
At Next Level Kids, we believe every child has the potential to thrive… and in the right environment with the right support they can take their skills to the next level — wherever that may be and wherever that may land.
Using an Autism-adapted, connection-first model of care, our therapy-based program is designed to help children aged 4 to 14 learn foundational and functional life-skills that will enhance their independence, quality of life and social engagement.
Structured to meet the unique needs and learning styles of Autistic children — our sessions are delivered and/or supervised by regulated therapists using an Autistic-aware framework that incorporates thoughtful details most people won’t even notice. From built-in transitions, sensory-based movements, slower pacing, repetition and explicit instruction through to customized content themed in a child’s special interest — when the details matter, we take note.
An Autism diagnosis is not required. If you suspect your child may be neurodivergent or has a different way of learning, they could likely benefit from a Next Level Kids approach to skill acquisition. Our space is welcoming to all who embrace an inclusive, non-judgemental mindset to supporting children’s growth and development — using whatever style, pace or special-interest adapted programming that may be.
We breakdown, adapt and gamify the Science of Reading principles to help neuro-divergent kids master the art of reading. From learning to read to reading to learn — we help guide every step.
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Speech & Language Therapy
Our ACCESS Autism approach helps kids expand key language, peer interaction & social skills through fun, interest-led sessions, designed to build their confidence to make friends & healthy relationships.
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Social & Emotional Regulation
Helping children learn to recognize and regulate their emotions is at the core of our connection-first model of care. We build social and emotional regulation skills so kids feel safe, connected and ready to learn.
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Special-Interest Therapy Pods
Unique to Next Level Kids, our Special-Interest Therapy Learning Pods provide a fun and innovative approach to autism treatment that breaks down traditional barriers to learning and child development.
Navigating Autism Can be Overwhelming. Finding The Right Provider Doesn’t Have to Be.
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Connect with us by clicking “Complete Our Intake” to tell us about your areas of interest so you will be the first to learn about our upcoming program dates and availability.
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We’ll set up a time to chat about your child’s needs, family goals and program options. This let’s us both get to know each other better to see if our program sounds like the right fit.
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Once you’ve considered your options and made a decision, we will reconnect and set up a meet & greet with a member of our team to welcome you to the Next Level Kids family and get you set-up with the next steps to starting.
A Vision Rooted in a Better Future
Mothers’ Love Sparked Our Mission. Every Child’s Future Fuels It.
Developed by professionals and parents with lived-personal experience, our programs are child-led and trauma informed. We know the system is broken and the old way of doing things simply doesn’t work.
With the inspiration to ‘be the change you wish to see in the world’ we are revolutionizing how autism services are delivered in Niagara.
Laura Ricciuto, Autistic Program Director, Co-Founder and Mama to 3
Our developmental, play-based approach focuses on teaching essential life skills, communication, self-regulation, and confidence-building, helping kids flourish on their unique paths. Together, we’re creating a brighter future where more autistic children will have the opportunity to discover their hidden strengths while embracing the unique beauty of their brains.
Our Values are Founded in ACCESS
Autism Focused & Autistic Led
Collaborative & Child-Led Play
Engagement & Empowerment
Safety & Secure Attachment
ACCESS is at the heart of everything we do at Next Level Kids. By centering Autism, following each child’s lead, and fostering engagement through play, special interests, and secure attachment, we empower children with self-compassion, helping them embrace their uniqueness and build the skills to advocate for their needs in the world.
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE
AUTISM-ADAPTED
Therapy Rooted in Trust, Connection & Science
We design every program with Autistic voices and lived experience at the center, ensuring your child is supported in ways that respect their individuality and celebrate their strengths. We work collaboratively and thoughtfully to develop integrated therapy plans that matter to your family – a plan that is clear, value aligned and just makes sense.
We understand first hand how difficult it is to know where to start. We’ve sat through countless meetings with well-intended professionals asking about our “goals” knowing in our hearts all we truly care about is supporting our kids in the best way possible.
While from a distance standard neuro-affirming treatment goals may look the same – when compared to the the delivery of an Autism-adapted approach – the detail of lived-experience makes all the difference – Laura Ricciuto, Autistic Program Director, Co-Founder and Mama to 3
Navigating therapeutic goal setting can be overwhelming when it’s filled with technical jargon – and all you really want to say is “my goal is for my child to be OK – whatever that may mean and however we accomplish that.”
We’ve been there and we are still there navigating the uncertainties that spring up as children grow, develop and enter new stages and phases of life. As they say, it takes a village and we want to share the journey with you as we work tirelessly to build services, supports and solutions that might make a very hard road a bit easier. Here’s a few concrete ways we can help your child:
Speech & Language
We work together to build meaningful connection through communication, unlocking each child’s authentic voice .
Common examples of SLP-targeted goals can include:
Expressive Communication – using words, gestures or alternate methods to convey ideas.
Receptive Communication – understanding language, instructions and cues.
We foster a love of stories and words,building confidence and skill through each child’s unique learning style and special interests .
Common examples of SLP-targeted goals can include:
Phonological Awareness– recognizing and manipulating sounds in words.
Vocabulary Development – expanding word knowledge for reading and comprehension.
Language Comprehension – understanding sentences, stories, and written instruction.
Social Communication
We support each child in connecting with others, celebrating differences while strengthening social confidence.
Common examples of SLP-targeted goals can include:
Pragmatic Skills – turn-taking, perspective-taking, conversational skills and asking questions.
Self-Advocacy Communication – expressing needs, preferences, or discomfort
Listening & Auditory Processing – attending to , processing, and responding to spoken information.
Emotional Regulation
We guide children to understand and express their needs and emotions safely, promoting self-awareness, regulation and resilience.
Examples of SLP / OT targeted goals include:
Emotion Identification – recognizing and labeling feelings in self and others.
Self-Calming Strategies – using breathing, movement, or sensory tools regulate arousal.
Coping & Resilience Skills – applying strategies to recover from challenges and setbacks.
AUTISM-ADAPTED
KAIZEN APPROACH
Kaizen: Big Changes Start Small — Celebrate Each Win. Move Forward With Focus, Clarity & Intention.
We are committed to using a Kaizen approach to continuous improvement by developing and refining programming and solutions that actually help autistic kids thrive. ‘Kaizen’ is quite simply a growth-minded philosophy that recognizes small -sometimes negligible little nudges in the right direction -can lead to greater results through small incremental change.
At Next Level Kids we assume capability and competence of all children — It’s our goal to find the key that unlocks their potential.
By using organic and non-invasive methods of results-driven data collection, we will be able to extrapolate the finer details that will help us understand what Autistic children need to take their learning, retention and skill integration to the next level — and in many cases this means exhibiting the courage to revisit the research, science and literature to develop unique solutions that are truly designed for how an Autistic brain processes information — not taking approaches that excluded Autistic individuals from their research studies, try to apply a neuro-typical solution to a neuro-divergent brain and then claim reduced capacity of Autistics.
AUTISM-ADAPTED
SPEECH THERAPY
$120
/per therapy hour
Mighty Mates Therapy Buddies Program
Unsure where to start? The “Mighty Mates” program bridges the Autism-adapted individual and pod therapy programs by introducing one other child into the therapy session. Our buddy program matches children of similar ages/interests who are targeting similar goals. These sessions are 60 minutes (50 min direct) and provide natural opportunities for peer interactions with the benefit of therapist-modeled and supported social communication engagement.
Great for children with limited socialization opportunities
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Can be stand-alone or to supplement other therapy options
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Buddy learning helps kids transfer ‘therapy’ skills to friendships
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Enhanced opportunities for social emotional skill development
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Cost effective with weekly or bi-weekly options
$180
/per therapy hour
Autism-Adapted Individual Speech Therapy
Sometimes there is a need for more specialized direct speech interventions. Our Autism-adapted individual Speech Therapy provides 1:1 support while incorporating sensory activities into every session to support regulation. These sessions are offered in 60 or 90 minute (50 min and 80 min direct) to allow for spontaneous conversational turn-taking, slower-paced introductions to encourage shared interests and parent modeling for at-home integration strategies.
Supportive relationships form the foundation that is essential to building brain connections and, in turn, the future capacity for behavioral control and executive function
– Dr. Mona Delahooke, Child Psychologist & Best Selling Author of Brain-Body Parenting
