Helping Your Child Build Skills & Independence with Proven OT Methods

Occupational Therapy

We help children build independence and improve skills such as dressing, eating, handwriting, communication and more.

Autism Services (ABA)

We support children with autism. We focus on building essential skills like communication, social interaction, and sensory regulation.

Speech Language Pathology (SLP)

We help children develop clear communication, improve speech, and build confidence in expressing themselves.

Free 30 Minute Consultation

Get a free no-obligation consultation today and see how we can help your child thrive.

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Our Services

We help children and teens ages 2-16, including those with special needs, through in-person, at-home, or virtual therapy sessions.

Starting from $81 per session

Occupational Therapy (OT)

Is your child struggling with fine motor skills, coordination, or sensory challenges? Our OT sessions help them build essential skills to thrive with confidence and independence.

Learn How We Help
Starting from $73 per session

Autism Services (ABA)

Does your child struggle with communication, social interactions, or behavioural challenges? Our ABA services empower children with autism to build essential life skills.

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Starting from $95 per session

Speech Language Pathology (SLP)

Is your child struggling to speak clearly, understand language, or express their needs? Our SLP helps children build the communication skills they need to connect with confidence.

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Starting from $167 per day

School Readiness Program

Does your child need extra support with social skills, daily routines, or academic readiness? Our special group programs provide a structured environment with personalized care to help children overcome challenges, build independence, and thrive in group settings.

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Your Child Deserves the Best

We're here to help them succeed — let's get in touch today!

How We Help Your Child

We help your child gain the independence they need to move on from therapy

1

Get in Touch

Contact us today for a free 30-minute consultation.

We'll take the time to understand your child's needs and answer any questions you may have.

Get a Free 30 Minute Consultation

2

A Therapist They Will Love!

We'll set your child up with the right therapist.

We match your child with a specialist who understands their needs. Through a 360° assessment, we identify their strengths and challenges. Then, with collaborative goal-setting, we create a personalized therapy plan for real progress.

3

Empowering your child for success

Start seeing real progress.

Your child receives expert, results-driven therapy tailored to their goals. We provide ongoing support for families and track progress with regular reviews, ensuring continuous growth and success.

Our Team

Our therapists are experienced and certified in Pediatric OT, SLP, and ABA Therapy

Parsa Houshvar

Clinic Director and Occupational Therapist
M.Sc.OT Reg. (Ont.) WFOT, CAOT, COTO

Parsa is a highly experienced occupational therapist and Clinical Director with over 19 years of expertise in Autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities. He has founded six clinics worldwide, including Catch a Balloon, and worked in diverse settings like hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers. Parsa has authored research articles, led 70+ workshops on child development, and taught as a university lecturer. His approach combines parent coaching and one-on-one therapy to help children thrive.

Maryam Soltanzadeh

Internal manager and Registered Psychotherapist

CRPO, OSRP

As the Internal Manager at Catch a Balloon, Maryam is your first point of contact. She conducts the initial 30-minute consultation, ensuring each child is matched with the right therapist for their needs. She is also a registered psychotherapist with over 6 years of experience, she specializes in Autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and behavioral challenges. Guided by the mantra, "Be the therapist you needed when you were a child," Maryam creates a safe and supportive experience for both children and families.

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Stafani Morassut

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
BCBA, IBA®ONTABA

Stafani is a BCBA with over 9 years of practical experience in applied behaviour analysis (ABA). She specializes in helping children with and without autism improve social skills, self-regulation, and academic performance through individualized intervention programs. Stafani excels in direct instruction and discrete trial teaching (DTT), providing effective 1:1 therapy and leading social skills groups.

Deborah Kolanjiappan

Communication Disorders Assistant

As a Communication Disorders Assistant, Deborah Kolanjiappan has over five years of experience helping children improve language, voice, and fluency. She uses a play-based approach to make therapy engaging and effective, tailoring strategies to each child's unique needs. Deborah believes communication builds confidence and connection, working closely with parents to support every step of the journey.

Ali Poursafa

Occupational Therapist
M.Sc.OT Reg. (Ont.), CAOT, COTO

Ali is an Occupational Therapist with over 9 years of expertise in child development and school-based therapy. Ali works closely with families and educators to help children overcome challenges and thrive in their natural environments. With a focus on play and tailored strategies, he supports skills like motor development, academic readiness, and self-regulation through personalized therapy and parent coaching.

Roza Hosseini

Occupational Therapist Assistant
M.Sc. Kin

Roza is an Occupational Therapist Assistant with over 10 years of expertise supporting children and adults. Trained as an Occupational Therapist, Roza specializes in sensory integration, cognitive development, and physical rehabilitation. She is passionate about creating individualized, client-centered plans to help children build essential skills, overcome challenges, and achieve independence.

Janessa Delshahid

Ontario Certified Teacher
OCT BA, M.Ed.

Janessa is an Ontario Certified Teacher with extensive experience supporting children from infancy to elementary school. She specializes in teaching students with learning disabilities, creating inclusive and engaging learning environments. With a background in curriculum development and special education, she is committed to helping every child succeed.

Cherly Repol

Occupational Therapist Assistant
M.Sc. Kin

Cherly is an Occupational Therapy Assistant with a strong passion for helping children and young adults succeed. She has worked extensively with individuals aged 6 to 12 and 16 to 21, specializing in fine and gross motor skills, self-care, cognitive functioning, and social skills. Through a personalized, one-on-one approach, she empowers individuals to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How are you different from other therapy clinics?

Our clinic is dedicated to helping your child achieve independence and eventually transition away from therapy. We specialize in Occupational Therapy (OT), Speech-Language Pathology (SLP), Teaching and tutoring by OCTs and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), as well as offering unique group programs that provide real-world practice for skills like socialization, school readiness, and daily living.What truly sets us apart is the expertise behind our care.

Our Clinical Director, with over 20 years of experience in diverse settings like Universities,Daycares, schools, and rehabilitation centers, leads our team. He has authored research articles, conducted workshops on child development, and ensures that our approach is backed by the latest evidence-based practices. With this leadership, we focus on building the skills your child needs to thrive independently and confidently in the future.

How can I make an appointment?

To get started with your child's journey, please feel free to contact us directly, send us an email at info@catchaballoon.com or give us a call at (289) 278-8964 and we will set your child with a therapist tailored to their needs today.

What is the cost of a therapy session?

Our therapy session costs vary depending on duration and therapist type:
Occupational Therapist (OT) | Occupational Therapy Assistant (OT):

Occupational Therapy One-on-One Sessions:
  • Assessment: 45 minutes in person + 60 minutes goal setting, clinical interview & treatment plan – $230
  • 30 minutes: $54 (OTA) | $72 (OT)
  • 45 minutes: $81 (OTA) | $108 (OT)
  • 60 minutes: $108 (OTA) | $144 (OT)
Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) Sessions:
  • Assessment: 60 minutes plus treatment plan & supervision – $225
  • Intervention by CDA: $126 per hour
ABA Sessions:
  • Assessment: 60 minutes plus initial intake, ISP plan & supervision – $250
  • Intervention by RBT: $73 per hour
Day Program:
  • Customizable up to 6 hours per day, combining group activities and one-on-one services.
  • Costs range from $167 to $175 per day and are claimable through OAP funding.
  • One-on-one support within a structured group setting.
  • Eligible for OAP funding and covered by insurance plans with OT benefits.
Small Group Program:
  • 45-minute sessions focusing on social skills, academic readiness, and more.
  • Cost: $65 per session.
Academic Tutoring by Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT):
  • 30 minutes: $45
  • 45 minutes: $60
  • 60 minutes: $80

Do you offer in-person sessions? If so, where?

We do! Our clinic is located at 9040 Leslie St Unit 7, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3M4. We have 18 therapy rooms designed to support various therapy needs. In addition to in-clinic services, we also offer at-home therapy in the surrounding area and virtual sessions for your convenience.

Do you offer online sessions?

We do! We offer online therapy sessions from the comfort of your home. All you'll need is a stable internet connection and a private space to participate.

Is therapy covered by insurance?

Many private insurance plans cover therapy services, including Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Coverage depends on your provider and plan, so it's best to check with your insurance company for details.

For children diagnosed with autism, our services are covered under the Ontario Autism Program (OAP), making therapy more accessible for families. If you're unsure about coverage, our team can guide you through the process and provide the necessary documentation.

When should my child start therapy?

Your child should start therapy as soon as they face challenges with daily tasks like motor skills, sensory processing, self-care, or school readiness. Early intervention is key to addressing these issues and helping them build essential skills for independence and success. If you're unsure, we offer a free consultation to help determine the best time to begin therapy.

How do I know if my child is on the autism spectrum?

Signs of autism can vary but often include difficulties with social interaction, delayed speech or communication, repetitive behaviors, and challenges with sensory processing. You might notice your child avoiding eye contact, struggling to engage in play with peers, or showing intense interest in specific activities.If you suspect your child may be on the autism spectrum, it's important to seek a professional assessment.

Our team can guide you through the process, including evaluations and recommendations for therapy or further diagnostic steps. Early identification and support can make a significant difference in your child's development.

How long does it take to see progress in speech therapy?

Progress varies depending on the child's specific needs and goals. Some children may show improvement in a few weeks, while others may require several months of consistent therapy. Regular sessions and practice at home can accelerate progress.

How often should my child attend sessions?

The frequency of therapy sessions depends on your child's unique needs and goals. For most children, weekly or biweekly sessions provide consistency and allow for steady progress. In some cases, more intensive programs, such as our day program or multiple sessions per week, may be recommended to address specific challenges or accelerate development.

Our team will work with you to create a personalized plan that best supports your child's growth and independence.

When should my child start Occupational Therapy?

A child should start Occupational Therapy when they face challenges with daily tasks like motor skills, self-care, sensory processing, or school readiness. Early intervention can make a big difference by helping them build essential skills and gain independence. If you're unsure, we offer a free consultation to assess your child's needs.

How do I know if my child needs speech therapy?

Your child may benefit from speech therapy if they have difficulty pronouncing words, understanding or using language, following directions, or engaging in conversations. Other signs include delays in speech milestones, difficulty with social interactions, or challenges with reading and writing.

What is included in your Day Program?

Our Day Program combines group activities and one-on-one therapy to help children develop essential skills in socialization, school readiness, self-care, and emotional regulation. The program also focuses on behavior management, academic skills, and motor development, tailored to each child's needs.

The main philosophy of the program is to simulate real-life school settings and practice common everyday scenarios with children. That's why we call it a Bridging Program—helping children transition to more demanding environments like school and the community.

A key feature of our program is the 1:1 caregiver-to-child ratio, even in a small group setting. This ensures that every child has an experienced staff member providing immediate feedback, practicing skills, and addressing their unique needs.

The program helps children develop essential skills such as:

  • Academic readiness and school simulation
  • Social interactions and group play
  • Following the mainstream and practicing smooth transitions between tasks
  • Self-care routines like toilet training, dressing, eating, and feeding
  • Emotional regulation and behavior management
  • Motor skills, including fine and gross motor development

Who runs the Day Program?

The program is supervised by experienced professionals, including Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Psychotherapists, and Ontario Certified Teachers (OCT). Our team works together to provide comprehensive care and support for your child.

Is the Day Program claimable through OAP funding?

Yes, the Day Program is fully covered by OAP funding, making it easier for families to access professional care. Occupational Therapy is also covered by insurance plans that include OT benefits.

How long is a day in the program?

The program is customizable and can run up to 6 hours per day, depending on your child's needs and goals. We offer flexible schedules, including half-day and full-day options for 2, 3, or 5 days per week.

In many cases, we start with a higher frequency, such as 5 days a week, to provide intensive support. As your child shows readiness to transition into school, we gradually reduce their time in the Day Program and increase school attendance.

We maintain consistent collaboration with school staff (upon parental consent) to ensure a smooth and effective transition. Our team works alongside educators to develop and follow a shared plan, helping your child integrate successfully into a school setting.

What age groups do you work with?

We offer therapeutic services to children and teenagers, starting from ages 2 to 16 years old.

Is therapy confidential? Will you share information with us as parents?

Therapy is confidential. However, with children, therapists ensure safety and well-being first. We'll discuss general progress with parents and share specific details only with the child's consent or if there's a safety concern.

How can I support my child during therapy?

Foster Open Communication: Encourage your child to talk about their feelings without fear of judgment.

Practice Patience: Progress can take time—celebrate small victories along the way.

Stay Involved: Keep in touch with the therapist to stay informed and follow any recommendations.

Create a Safe Space: Ensure your child has a quiet, comfortable space at home to express themselves.

Educate Yourself: Learn about the therapy process and techniques to better support your child.

Promote Consistency: Encourage regular therapy attendance for steady progress.

Avoid Pressure: Let your child share their experiences when they're ready, without pushing them.

How do you help if my child feels nervous about starting therapy?

It's natural for children to feel nervous about something new. Our therapists are experienced in creating a warm, welcoming environment to help your child feel comfortable. We start with gentle, play-based activities to build trust and make the experience enjoyable. We also involve parents in the process to provide reassurance and support as your child adjusts to therapy.

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