We help children build independence and improve skills such as dressing, eating, handwriting, communication and more.
We support children with autism. We focus on building essential skills like communication, social interaction, and sensory regulation.
We help children develop clear communication, improve speech, and build confidence in expressing themselves.
Get a free no-obligation consultation today and see how we can help your child thrive.
We help children and teens ages 2-16, including those with special needs, through in-person, at-home, or virtual therapy sessions.
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 HelpDoes your child struggle with communication, social interactions, or behavioural challenges? Our ABA services empower children with autism to build essential life skills.
Learn How We HelpIs 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.
Learn How We HelpDoes 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.
Learn How We HelpWe're here to help them succeed — let's get in touch today!
We help your child gain the independence they need to move on from therapy
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.
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.
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 therapists are experienced and certified in Pediatric OT, SLP, and ABA Therapy
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Our therapy session costs vary depending on duration and therapist type:
Occupational Therapist (OT) | Occupational Therapy Assistant (OT):
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
We offer therapeutic services to children and teenagers, starting from ages 2 to 16 years old.
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.
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.
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.