Your child will work directly with Amy Simon, the founder of Mini Minds and a senior behaviour therapist with more than 15 years of experience in autism and behavioural therapy.

This is one of the most important ways Mini Minds is different from larger therapy clinics. At many clinics, you might meet with a senior therapist for an initial assessment, but then your child is assigned to a junior therapist or rotating staff members for ongoing sessions. That inconsistency can be really challenging for children with autism, who often thrive on routine and familiar relationships.

At Mini Minds, you get a personal, boutique approach. From the free consultation all the way through ongoing therapy, you're working directly with Amy. She's the one who gets to know your child, builds a therapeutic relationship with them, creates their personalized plan, delivers their therapy sessions, and provides regular updates to you and your child's support circle.

Why does this matter?

Consistency: Your child works with the same person every time, which helps them feel safe, build trust, and engage more fully in therapy.

Expertise: You're getting direct access to a senior-level professional with 15+ years of experience, not a newly graduated therapist still learning the ropes. Amy has worked with hundreds of families and has seen what works and what doesn't.

Relationship: Amy takes the time to truly understand your child as an individual, their personality, their strengths, their challenges, what motivates them, and what makes them unique. That deep understanding makes therapy more effective.

Accountability: There's no wondering who's responsible for your child's progress or who to talk to if you have questions. It's Amy, every time.

Many families come to Mini Minds specifically because they want this level of personal attention and consistency. They've had experiences at larger clinics where they felt like just another case number, or where their child struggled with constantly changing therapists. At Mini Minds, you're not a number. You're a family that Amy knows, cares about, and is personally invested in helping.

This direct, personal approach also means Amy is deeply involved in every aspect of your child's care. She's the one meeting with teachers, providing parent training, adjusting strategies, and advocating for your child's needs. You're not working with a team of people you barely know. You're working with Amy, and that makes all the difference.

One of Mini Minds' testimonials comes from a family who worked with Amy for over three years. That kind of long-term relationship, built on trust and consistency, is only possible because of this personal, boutique model.

Want to meet Amy and see if she's the right fit for your child? Book your free consultation today.

We know cost is an important consideration for families, and Mini Minds believes in being completely transparent about pricing from the very beginning.

All services at Mini Minds are billed at Amy's hourly rate, which is discussed openly during your free consultation. There are no hidden fees, no surprise charges, and no pressure. You'll know exactly what to expect before you make any commitment.

The hourly rate covers everything: one-on-one behavioural therapy sessions with your child, regular progress reports and updates, training and strategy sessions with you as parents or caregivers, meetings with educators and school staff, and ongoing advocacy and day-to-day support. You're not just paying for therapy sessions. You're getting comprehensive support for your entire family.

What about insurance or funding?

Mini Minds is a private practice, which means services are private pay. Amy doesn't bill insurance companies or government funding programs like FSCD directly. However, many families are able to get reimbursement or support in other ways.

Amy provides detailed receipts and documentation for all services, which many families successfully submit to their private insurance providers for reimbursement. Some insurance plans cover behavioural therapy, psychological services, or autism-related supports. It's worth checking your specific plan to see what's covered.

Additionally, some families use these receipts for tax purposes, as therapy services may be eligible for medical expense deductions. Amy can work with you to provide whatever documentation you need.

The advantage of private pay is that you get immediate access to a senior-level therapist with 15+ years of experience. There are no waitlists, no bureaucratic approvals, and no restrictions on the number of sessions or type of support your child can receive. You and Amy decide together what your child needs, and you move forward at the pace that's right for your family

The free consultation is the perfect time to discuss your specific financial situation and explore what works for your family. Amy understands that every family's circumstances are different, and she's happy to have an honest conversation about how Mini Minds can fit into your life.

Have questions about pricing or want to discuss your options? Book your free consultation to get all the details.

Yes, absolutely. Mini Minds works with children experiencing a wide range of behavioural and developmental challenges, and Amy has 15+ years of experience creating solutions that work.

Whether your child is struggling with emotional regulation and frequent meltdowns, anxiety about school or specific situations, social skills and making friends, communication difficulties, challenging behaviours at home or school, daily living skills like eating or personal hygiene, or academic struggles and focus issues, Amy can help.

Here's how Mini Minds addresses specific challenges:

Meltdowns and emotional regulation: Amy uses a combination of ABA therapy and CBT techniques to help children recognize their emotions, understand what triggers big feelings, and develop healthy coping strategies. This might include deep breathing exercises, visual supports to identify emotions, sensory tools, or structured routines that reduce stress. Over time, children learn to manage frustration and anxiety more effectively, leading to fewer and less intense meltdowns.

School refusal and anxiety: If your child is anxious about school, Amy works to understand the root cause. Is it sensory overload, social challenges, academic pressure, or fear of transitions? Once the trigger is identified, Amy creates a gradual, supportive plan to help your child feel safe and confident. This often includes working directly with the school, creating visual schedules and predictability, teaching coping skills, and building positive associations with school.

Social skills development: Many children with autism want to connect with peers but don't know how. Amy uses play-based therapy and structured social skills training to teach things like initiating conversation, sharing and taking turns, reading social cues, managing conflicts, and understanding friendships. These skills are practiced in real-world settings, like playdates, school recess, or community activities, so they actually stick. You can read more about social skills development on the blog.

Communication challenges: Whether your child is non-verbal, has limited language, or struggles to express their needs, Amy uses evidence-based strategies to build communication skills. This might include picture exchange systems, sign language, verbal prompts and modelling, or augmentative communication tools. The goal is to help your child communicate effectively in whatever way works best for them.

Daily living skills: Things like getting dressed, brushing teeth, eating meals, or following bedtime routines can be major sources of stress for families. Amy breaks these tasks down into small, manageable steps and uses positive reinforcement to help your child master them. These skills are taught in your home, where your child will actually use them, making success more likely.

Academic and focus challenges: If your child struggles to pay attention, complete tasks, or succeed in the classroom, Amy works on building skills like sustained attention, following multi-step directions, transitioning between activities, and task completion. She also collaborates with teachers to create strategies that work in the school environment.

The key to all of this is personalization. Amy doesn't use cookie-cutter programs or one-size-fits-all approaches. Every plan is built around your child's specific challenges, strengths, and goals. What works for one child might not work for another, and Amy's experience helps her find the right strategies for your unique situation.

During the in-person observation phase of the Mini Minds process, Amy sees your child in action and identifies exactly what's happening and why. That real-world understanding is what makes her strategies so effective.

Ready to tackle the specific challenges your child is facing? Get in touch for a free consultation.

One of the things families love most about Mini Minds is the flexibility. There's no clinic to travel to, no waiting room, and no unfamiliar environment that might make your child anxious or uncomfortable.

Instead, Mini Minds brings therapy to where your child is most comfortable, whether that's at home, at school, at daycare, at camp, or even in community settings like a park or library.

Why does location matter?

Children with autism often learn best in familiar, comfortable environments. When therapy happens at home, your child can practice skills in the place where they'll actually use them. Things like getting dressed, following morning routines, managing mealtime behaviours, or playing with siblings. These are real-world skills practiced in real-world settings, which means they stick better.

When therapy happens at school, Amy can observe and support your child in the classroom environment, working on things like following instructions, staying focused, interacting with peers, and managing transitions between activities. This in-school support helps your child succeed academically and socially right where it matters most.

What about virtual/online therapy?

Amy also offers secure, online therapy for families who prefer remote sessions or live farther away from Toronto and the GTA. Virtual therapy has been surprisingly effective for many children, and it helps families who might have scheduling challenges or live outside the primary service area stay connected with consistent, high-quality support.

Online sessions work well for parent training and coaching, strategy discussions, check-ins and progress reviews, and even some direct work with children depending on their age and needs.

The benefits of this flexible approach:

Your child feels safe and comfortable, which helps them engage more fully in therapy. Skills are learned in the environments where they'll actually be used, leading to better generalization. You don't have to deal with the stress and logistics of travelling to appointments, especially if you have other children or a busy schedule. Therapy fits into your life, not the other way around.

This multi-setting, flexible approach is part of what makes Mini Minds different from traditional clinic-based services. You get the convenience and comfort of therapy that comes to you, combined with the expertise of a senior therapist with 15+ years of experience.

Whether you prefer in-home support, in-school support, online sessions, or a combination of all three, Amy will work with you to create a plan that fits your family's needs and your child's comfort level.

Want to discuss which setting would work best for your child? Reach out for your free consultation.

This is one of the most common questions parents ask, and it's an important one. Both ABA therapy (Applied Behaviour Analysis) and CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) are evidence-based approaches that help children with autism, but they work in different ways.

ABA therapy is a science-based method that helps children develop meaningful skills and behaviours through positive reinforcement and consistency. When your child does something positive, it gets noticed and rewarded, and over time, those positive behaviours become habits. ABA is particularly effective for building communication and social skills, helping with emotional regulation, teaching daily living skills like getting dressed or brushing teeth, and preparing children for academic success. Skills are broken down into manageable steps, making learning feel achievable and building confidence along the way.

CBT, on the other hand, is a goal-oriented therapy that teaches children to recognize and reframe unhelpful thinking patterns. For children with autism, CBT is adapted using visual supports, concrete examples, and structured routines to make abstract ideas understandable and engaging. CBT helps children improve their emotional awareness, reduce anxiety and frustration, develop better problem-solving skills and flexibility, and create healthier behavioural responses. Instead of just reacting impulsively, children learn to understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and actions.

The good news? You don't have to choose. At Mini Minds, we often integrate both approaches because they work beautifully together. ABA builds practical skills through positive reinforcement, while CBT emphasizes self-awareness and emotional understanding. Together, they create a holistic framework for learning and growth.

During your free consultation and in-person observation, Amy will get to know your child and determine which approach, or combination of approaches, will work best. Every child is unique, and the therapy plan is tailored specifically to your child's learning style, personality, and needs. Many children benefit from an integrated approach that draws on the strengths of both ABA and CBT, along with play-based therapy techniques.

Ready to learn more about which approach is right for your child? Book your free consultation with Amy today.

Every parent wants to know when they'll start seeing results, and that's completely understandable. The honest answer is that every child is different, and progress looks different for everyone. However, many families begin noticing small positive changes within the first few weeks of starting behavioural therapy.

These early wins might look like your child making better eye contact, using a new word or phrase, managing frustration a bit better, staying focused on a task longer, or showing more interest in playing with siblings or peers. These small shifts are meaningful because they're the foundation for bigger changes down the road.

Meaningful, lasting progress typically develops over several months of consistent therapy. Some skills, like communication or emotional regulation, take time to build and strengthen. Other skills, like following routines or completing daily tasks, might develop more quickly depending on your child's starting point. The key is consistency and a personalized approach that meets your child exactly where they are.

At Mini Minds, you'll never be left wondering about progress. Amy provides regular progress updates and detailed reports so you can see exactly how your child is developing. These updates are shared with you and anyone else in your child's support circle, including teachers and caregivers. If something isn't working as well as hoped, Amy adjusts strategies in real time based on what your child needs. This responsive, data-driven approach helps optimize your child's timeline for success.

Amy's 15+ years of experience also means she knows how to recognize progress, even when it's subtle, and how to keep building momentum. She's worked with hundreds of families and knows what realistic timelines look like for different goals and different children. That experience helps ensure your child is moving forward at the right pace, without rushing or holding back.

The bottom line? Progress takes time, but you won't be waiting in the dark. You'll see changes, receive regular updates, and have Amy's ongoing support every step of the way. Our approach is built for long-term success, not quick fixes.

Want to talk about realistic timelines for your child's specific goals? Reach out for a free consultation.

Absolutely! That’s a core part of how we operate and what makes us different. One of the things that sets Mini Minds apart is the commitment to working across all the environments where your child spends time, and school is a huge part of that.

Amy regularly meets with educators and school staff to ensure everyone is on the same page and working toward the same goals. This collaborative approach means your child gets consistent support whether they're at home, at school, or in the community. When strategies are reinforced across settings, skills generalize much more effectively.

Here's what school collaboration looks like at Mini Minds:

In-school observations: Amy conducts observations in your child's classroom to see firsthand how they interact with teachers, peers, and the school environment. This helps identify specific challenges and opportunities that might not be visible at home.

Strategy sessions with teachers: Amy works directly with teachers and educational staff to share practical strategies they can use in the classroom. These aren't complicated or time-consuming techniques. They're evidence-based, realistic approaches that fit into a teacher's existing routine and help your child succeed.

Ongoing communication: School collaboration doesn't stop after one meeting. Amy maintains regular communication with teachers to monitor progress, troubleshoot challenges, and adjust strategies as needed. This ensures your child continues to get the support they need as they grow and develop.

Advocacy: Amy acts as an advocate for your child, helping to ensure their needs are understood and met within the school system. If there are accommodations or supports your child needs, Amy can help communicate those needs clearly and effectively.

This multi-setting approach is part of Mini Minds' personalized support model. Whether your child needs help with focus and attention in the classroom, social skills during recess, emotional regulation during transitions, or following classroom routines and instructions, Amy works with the school to create solutions that actually work.

Parents often tell us how relieved they feel knowing their child has consistent support across home and school. It takes so much pressure off you as a parent when you know everyone is working together.

Ready to create a custom support plan for your child? Get in touch today.

The free consultation is designed to be as comfortable and pressure-free as possible. It's simply a conversation, a chance for you to share your child's story and for Amy to learn about what you're hoping to achieve.

Here's what to expect:

The consultation is completely free, with no cost and no obligation to move forward. It usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes, though it can be shorter or longer depending on what you need. You can do it over the phone, via video call, or in person, whatever feels most comfortable for you.

During the consultation, you'll have the opportunity to talk about your child. Share their strengths, what they love, what makes them unique, and also talk about the challenges you're facing. Maybe it's meltdowns, difficulty with communication, trouble at school, or social skills. Whatever it is, Amy wants to hear it.

Amy will listen carefully and ask some questions to better understand your child's needs and your family's goals. This isn't an interrogation. It's a supportive conversation where Amy is genuinely trying to understand how she can help.

You'll also have the chance to ask Amy anything you want to know. Questions about her experience and approach, what therapy will look like, timelines for progress, costs and logistics, or anything else on your mind. There are no silly questions, and Amy wants you to feel informed and confident.

Amy will explain how Mini Minds can help based on what you've shared, including what the next steps would look like if you decide to move forward. But again, there's absolutely no pressure to commit. This is about exploring whether Mini Minds is the right fit for your family.

What should you prepare?

Honestly, you don't need to prepare anything formal. There's no paperwork to fill out ahead of time, no reports you need to bring (though if you have a diagnosis or assessment, feel free to mention it), and no "right" way to tell your story.

Just come ready to talk about your child. Think about what's been worrying you, what you're hoping will improve, and what questions you have. That's all you need.

Many parents feel nervous before their first consultation, especially if they're newly navigating an autism diagnosis. That's completely normal. Amy has talked with hundreds of families in your exact position, and she knows how to make this conversation feel supportive, not stressful.

By the end of the consultation, you'll have a much clearer sense of what support is available, whether Mini Minds is a good fit, and what your next steps could be. And if you decide Mini Minds isn't right for you, that's okay too. The goal is to help you find the best path forward for your child, whatever that looks like.

Ready to take the first step? Book your free consultation with Amy today.

First, take a deep breath. If you're feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, scared, or even relieved to finally have answers, all of those feelings are completely normal.

You're not alone, and you don't have to figure this all out on your own.

Many parents describe the period right after their child's autism diagnosis as one of the most confusing and emotional times in their lives. There's so much information out there, so many therapy options, and so many people telling you what you should do. It's a lot.

Here's the truth: you don't need to have all the answers right now.

The best place to start is with a simple conversation. Book a free consultation with Amy, and use that time to talk about what you're experiencing, what you're worried about, and what you're hoping for your child. Amy has worked with hundreds of families in your exact situation, and she knows how to help you make sense of things.

During that consultation, Amy will help you understand your child's unique needs and what kind of support would be most helpful right now. Not six months from now, not in some abstract future, but right now. She'll create a clear path forward so you know what the next steps are and what to expect.

You don't have to become an expert in autism overnight. You don't have to read every book or research every therapy method. You just need someone experienced and compassionate to guide you, and that's exactly what Amy does.

What you can do right now:

Give yourself permission to feel whatever you're feeling. There's no "right" way to respond to your child's diagnosis.

Focus on one step at a time. You don't need a five-year plan today. You just need to take the first step.

Reach out for support. Whether that's a consultation with Mini Minds, connecting with other parents, or talking to your child's pediatrician, don't try to do this alone.

Remember that your child is still the same wonderful kid they were before the diagnosis. The diagnosis doesn't change who they are. It just helps you understand them better and get them the right support.

What happens after the consultation?

If you and Amy decide to work together, she'll conduct an in-person observation with your child to see them in action and understand their behaviours and routines. From there, Amy creates a fully personalized plan tailored to your child's needs, strengths, and goals. Then you move into ongoing support, with regular therapy sessions, progress updates, and Amy by your side every step of the way.

But you don't have to worry about any of that right now. Just start with the conversation. Let Amy help you take things one step at a time.

Many families tell us that just having that first consultation lifted a huge weight off their shoulders. Suddenly, they weren't alone anymore. They had a plan, a guide, and someone who genuinely cared about their child's success.

You can have that too.

Take the first step today. Book your free consultation and let Amy help you navigate this journey.

If you're researching autism therapy options in Toronto and the GTA, you've probably come across a lot of choices: large clinics, hospital programs, private practitioners, and everything in between. So what makes Mini Minds different?

You work directly with an experienced, senior-level therapist.

At Mini Minds, your child works one-on-one with Amy Simon, the founder and a senior behaviour therapist with more than 15 years of experience. You're not assigned to a junior therapist or rotating staff. You're getting direct access to someone with deep expertise, and that consistency makes a huge difference in outcomes and trust.

Every plan is 100% personalized.

Amy doesn't believe in cookie-cutter programs. Every child is unique, and every plan is built specifically around your child's strengths, challenges, personality, and goals. What works for one child might not work for another, and Amy takes the time to understand your child as an individual. Your plan is tailored to your family's needs and adjusted as your child grows and changes.

Therapy happens where your child needs it.

There's no clinic to travel to. Amy brings therapy to your home, your child's school, daycare, camp, or wherever your child spends time. This flexibility means your child learns skills in the environments where they'll actually use them, and you don't have to deal with the stress of appointments across town. Amy also offers secure online/virtual support for families who prefer remote sessions.

Mini Minds uses multiple evidence-based approaches.

Many providers specialize in just one therapy method, but Amy integrates ABA therapy, CBT, and play-based therapy techniques depending on what your child needs. This multi-modal approach gives your child access to the best strategies from multiple disciplines, creating a more holistic and effective support plan.

You're a partner, not just a recipient of services.

At Mini Minds, parents and caregivers are active partners in their child's progress. Amy provides ongoing coaching, training, and strategy sessions so you can reinforce skills at home. You're not left wondering what's happening or what you should be doing. You're empowered with knowledge and tools, and you're part of the team working toward your child's success.

Amy works with your child's school and educators.

Mini Minds doesn't operate in a silo. Amy regularly meets with teachers and school staff to ensure consistency and collaboration across all environments. She advocates for your child's needs and helps create solutions that work in the classroom, not just at home. This comprehensive approach sets your child up for success everywhere.

You get long-term support, not just a short-term program.

Some therapy providers work with families for a set period and then move on. At Mini Minds, Amy is committed to your child's long-term success. Families often work with Amy for years, and she provides ongoing check-ins, follow-ups, and support even after formal therapy ends. One family's testimonial mentions working with Amy for over five years, and that kind of lasting relationship is the norm, not the exception.

You start with a free consultation.

Amy offers a completely free, no-obligation consultation so you can meet her, share your child's story, and explore whether Mini Minds is the right fit. There's no pressure and no cost. It's just a conversation to help you make the best decision for your family. This transparency and respect for families is part of what makes the Mini Minds experience so positive.

The approach is compassionate and strengths-based.

Mini Minds doesn't focus on "fixing" your child or pushing them to meet neurotypical standards. Instead, Amy celebrates neurodiversity and works within a framework of inclusivity. The goal is to help your child find their place in their world, feel empowered and happy, and build on their existing strengths. Therapy is about supporting your child to thrive as themselves, not about trying to change who they are.

No waitlists, immediate access.

As a private practice, Mini Minds doesn't have the long waitlists that come with publicly funded programs. When you're ready to start, you can start. You don't have to wait months or even years to get your child the support they need.

These differences add up to a therapy experience that feels personal, supportive, and genuinely effective. Families choose Mini Minds because they want a therapist who knows their child, cares about their progress, and is personally invested in their success. That's exactly what you get.

Ready to experience the Mini Minds difference? Book your free consultation with Amy and see for yourself.