Aspire Community & Developmental Services

Aspire Community & Developmental Services Empowering neurodivergent young people to gain independence and rise to their fullest potential.

Calling all post secondary students, prospective students and families ๐Ÿ“ฃJoin us this Thursday for a *free* virtual works...
04/28/2026

Calling all post secondary students, prospective students and families ๐Ÿ“ฃ

Join us this Thursday for a *free* virtual workshop to learn about funding, accommodations, accessibility and coaching support available throughout your college or university journey

Email connect@aspireservices.ca to register!

Grocery shopping is something many people do every week, but it can feel like a lot to manage without the right supports...
04/23/2026

Grocery shopping is something many people do every week, but it can feel like a lot to manage without the right supports. With coaching, individuals can build the skills and confidence to navigate the store in a way that works for them.

Here are some ways to feel more prepared and comfortable at the grocery store:

๐Ÿ“ Create a grocery list ahead of time and organize it by sections like produce, dry goods, dairy, frozen foods, and meat

๐ŸŽง Bring supports like noise cancelling headphones, sunglasses, and comfortable clothing

โฐ Plan your visit during quieter times like early morning or evening

๐Ÿ›’ Shop at the same store consistently to learn the layout and become familiar with the aisles

โณ Set a time goal and shop for a few days at a time instead of a full week

๐Ÿ’› Plan a calming activity for after your trip like sitting in the car with music, having a snack or drink, or doing a preferred activity at home

Through 1:1 coaching, we support youth and young adults in building independence and feeling more confident in everyday community routines, like grocery shopping.

Wishing our community a happy Easter ๐Ÿ’›๐ŸฃHolidays can look different for everyone, and thatโ€™s okay. Take the time you need...
04/05/2026

Wishing our community a happy Easter ๐Ÿ’›๐Ÿฃ

Holidays can look different for everyone, and thatโ€™s okay. Take the time you need, celebrate in a way that works for you, and be gentle with yourself.

April is Autism Acceptance Month, and today we also recognize World Autism Awareness Day ๐Ÿ’›At Aspire, we celebrate neurod...
04/02/2026

April is Autism Acceptance Month, and today we also recognize World Autism Awareness Day ๐Ÿ’›

At Aspire, we celebrate neurodiverse minds and focus on strengths, not deficits. Creating a positive and supportive environment helps youth and young adults thrive. Here are some ways to do that:

๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Maintain predictable routines to provide structure and reduce stress
๐Ÿ’ฌ Use flexible communication styles that meet each personโ€™s needs
๐ŸŽง Offer sensory accommodations like quiet spaces, headphones, or lighting adjustments
๐Ÿค Respect boundaries and personal space
โณ Allow extra processing time to support understanding and participation

Letโ€™s honour neurodiversity by fostering spaces where everyone can feel confident, supported, and celebrated ๐ŸŒŸ

Heading to a new place in your community can be overwhelming, but coaching support is here to help you navigate new spac...
03/30/2026

Heading to a new place in your community can be overwhelming, but coaching support is here to help you navigate new spaces with confidence!

Hereโ€™s how you can feel more prepared and comfortable when visiting a gym or recreation centre:

โœจ Ask for a tour of the facility

๐Ÿ‘€ Check out important features of the space like the bathroom ๐Ÿšป, change room ๐Ÿฉณ, front desk ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ, and water fountain ๐Ÿ’ง

๐Ÿ“… Make a plan for when you want to go and what activities you will do while you are there

๐Ÿค Review social expectations with a trusted support. These may include leaving appropriate space between yourself and others, asking for help if needed, and focusing on yourself rather than comparing to others

Coaching helps youth and young adults explore new spaces, build independence, and feel confident in their community ๐Ÿ’›

What is self-control? ๐Ÿง Self-control is the ability to stop and think before acting. It helps us manage impulses, emotion...
03/24/2026

What is self-control? ๐Ÿง 

Self-control is the ability to stop and think before acting. It helps us manage impulses, emotions, and behaviours so we can respond thoughtfully instead of reacting automatically.

๐Ÿ’ก Swipe for practical tips to improve your self-control and strengthen your executive functioning skills!

This spring, we are offering programs designed to help youth and adults connect, grow, and have fun! ๐Ÿง‘๐Ÿฝโ€๐Ÿณ Cook, Bake, Ea...
03/11/2026

This spring, we are offering programs designed to help youth and adults connect, grow, and have fun!

๐Ÿง‘๐Ÿฝโ€๐Ÿณ Cook, Bake, Eat โ€“ a 10-week culinary program for adults designed to build confidence in the kitchen, where participants can learn new recipes and cooking skills. Choose the Tuesday or Thursday session that works best for you.

๐Ÿค The Meeting Place โ€“ a weekly social club for neurodiverse adults to meet new people and explore the community.

๐Ÿง  Life Skills 1:1 Coaching โ€“ personalized support to build independence and confidence in daily living.

๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿปโ€๐Ÿซ Skills for Success โ€“ for teens ages 14 to 16, this program helps build employment readiness, practice social skills, and collect high school volunteer hours.

Swipe for program details and register online at aspireservices.ca.

This International Womenโ€™s Day, we honor the incredible achievements of women who show that neurodiversity is a strength...
03/08/2026

This International Womenโ€™s Day, we honor the incredible achievements of women who show that neurodiversity is a strength, not a limitation.

"The world needs all kinds of minds" - Temple Grandin (Autism)

Here are some other remarkable women who inspire us to embrace our differences and shine:

Billie Eilish (Touretteโ€™s)

Simone Biles (ADHD)

Erna Solberg - Former Prime Minister of Norway (Dyslexia)

Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine (Dyslexia and Dyspraxia)

Let's celebrate all women and all abilities, and the unique ways everyone contributes to our world!

Tag the women in your life who have beautiful minds ๐Ÿซถ

๐ŸŒŸ Celebrating Social Work Week at Aspire! ๐ŸŒŸFrom March 2 to 8, weโ€™re joining the national celebration of Social Work Week...
03/02/2026

๐ŸŒŸ Celebrating Social Work Week at Aspire! ๐ŸŒŸ

From March 2 to 8, weโ€™re joining the national celebration of Social Work Week 2026, themed Care. Insight. Together.

This week, we recognize the incredible social workers on our team who make a difference every day.

Our Social Workers provide individual coaching, lead group programs, including our full day summer programs, and run workshops for our youth, young adults and families.

Social Workers are eligible professionals with the Ontario Autism Program, making our programs eligible for OAP funding.

Together, we celebrate the care, insight, and collaboration that make our Aspire community so special.

Address

4 Cedar Pointe Drive, Unit N
Barrie, ON
L4N5R7

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 8pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 6pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 6pm
Thursday 8:30am - 6pm
Friday 8:30am - 6pm
Saturday 8:30am - 3pm

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