In accordance with Ontario’s vaccine certificate policy, all visitors aged 12 and older are required to show proof of being fully vaccinated (paper or digital copy) along with valid ID to visit the Ontario Science Centre. All visitors, including Members, need to book a timed ticket in advance. We thank you for your cooperation.
The Ontario Science Centre has partnered with Geneva Centre for Autism to offer sensory-friendly events and programming the first Saturday of every month.
While our doors remain closed, we’re offering Sensory-friendly Saturdays virtually! Join us for free, educational and engaging online workshops that are open to and appropriate for all ages and abilities.
Each 60-minute workshop includes:
Workshops are free, but preregistration is required and spaces are limited. Be the first to know about our monthly sensory-friendly programming by signing up for our newsletter. Check out our Virtual Events + Programs schedule to see what's coming up.
Don’t worry if you can’t make the live event. We’ll share recorded versions of virtual Sensory-friendly Saturdays on this page.
School Strategies & Resources
Saturday, September 11 at 11 a.m.
This features a discussion led by a training specialist from Sonderly, Geneva Centre for Autism’s learning and training division with special guest, Sherron Grant, a TDSB school principal, founder of the Black Parent Support Group and a parent of a child with autism. Learn more about Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and ways to support students with autism in the classroom. Plus, find out how to be an advocate for your child and encourage them to self-advocate at school.
Sound and Music
Saturday, August 7 at 11 a.m.
Find out how to bring sound and music into your child’s life. Get advice from a neurologic music therapist and musicians from Xenia Concerts, an organization that presents sensory-friendly concerts. Explore the ways in which music can support cognitive development, emotions, speech, motor skills and more. Learn how to approach music lessons and performances for your child, and get tips to play with sound using common household items as instruments.
Saturday, July 10
Discover the many benefits of yoga and exercise for individuals with autism. Learn how simple stretching, moving and breathing techniques can help promote self-regulation and alleviate stress. Led by a clinical supervisor and trained yoga instructor from Geneva Centre for Autism, this session explores the positive effects of a yoga practice and offers practical tips to incorporate movement into a child’s day.
Saturday, June 5
Come learn about the experiences of girls and women on the spectrum. Plus, discover how researchers are extending their studies to include gender diverse people. Join us for a discussion with a representative from Geneva Centre for Autism and psychologist Isabelle Hénault, PhD, Director of the Autism & Asperger Clinic of Montreal, to gain a better understanding about the role that gender plays in identifying autism.
Saturday, May 1
Explore the use of visuals for individuals with autism. Learn how to effectively improve communication, routines and more. Led by special guests from Geneva Centre for Autism, this recorded webinar will help break down barriers and stereotypes about visual tools and supports, and provide practical tips for parents, caregivers and educators.
Saturday, April 10
Research suggests that crafting can have a positive effect on individuals who live with anxiety, depression and other mood disorders. Crafting together in a group setting can also provide a positive environment for people with autism and other neurodiverse conditions. Join us for a panel discussion with experts, including developmental paediatrician Dr. Melanie Penner from Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, to look at the many benefits of crafting and creating social community.
Saturday, March 6
Introducing a child to their diagnosis or explaining autism to school-age children can be challenging. Learn about strategies, tips and resources, including books and videos, for talking about autism with kids. Led by a Geneva Centre for Autism social worker, this session support parents, caregivers and teachers in raising awareness of and discussing autism with kids in an honest, open and constructive way.
Saturday, February 6
Dr. Sharon Smile and Clovis Grant talk about anti-racism in autism care. Share your own experiences, ask questions and learn about the effects of structural racism on people with autism and their caregivers in a safe and welcoming environment.
Saturday, December 5
Toilet training can be a challenging journey for most children (and their caregivers!). Learn strategies to make toilet training easier—from recognizing signs of readiness to preparing your child to dealing with setbacks. Discover tips and tricks to make toilet training your child a success.
Make play dough you can pull, squeeze, twist and poke! Measure, mix and knead your ingredients for multi-sensory play.
Saturday, November 7
Caring for a child with autism presents daily challenges and stresses that can affect a caregiver’s overall well-being. Respite care is a valuable tool that benefits both the caregiver and their loved ones. Learn about the importance of respite, and find out about different options and resources to meet your family’s needs from respiteservices.com.
Create colourful leaf art! Collect as many different types of leaves as you can for this leaf rubbing activity. How many trees can you identify by their leaves?
Saturday, October 3
Discover the benefits and practices of positive parenting! The most common parenting challenges are compounded for parents of children with special needs. Learn strategies for consistently parenting your child with mindfulness, compassion and care to best support their learning and development.
It’s a liquid. No, it’s a solid. Wait… it’s both?!? Make Oobleck, and learn about the properties of this non-Newtonian substance. Stir it, squeeze it and jab it, and discover what happens.
Saturday, September 12
Independence is a step-by-step process. Find out how to help your child gradually build their independence in different areas—from self-care to leisure activities—and get tips for reinforcing independent behaviour.
Blow big, beautiful bubbles using our famous KidSpark bubble recipe! Plus, learn how to turn household items like spatulas, string, straws and even socks into bubble wands.
Saturday, August 1
September is just around the corner. Going back to school means changing routines, which can be stressful and anxiety-inducing for children who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Discover different tried, tested and true strategies to help prepare for the new school year, making the transition from summer to school smooth and successful.
Feathers and sparkles and beads—oh my! Upcycle household materials to create a colourful carnival headpiece. Then turn up the soca and parade proudly in your creation.
Saturday, July 4
An established routine is important for kids, especially those who have ASD. Get practical tips for building and sticking to a realistic routine—from planning to reinforcing to practicing.
Make a squishy, sensory stress ball using balloons and flour to relieve stress and anxiety. Experiment with other textures to create your ideal sensory experience.