Occupational Therapy | Autism Services | SLP | Catch A Balloon
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(289) 278-8964

Pediatric Occupational Therapy Near You

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

โœ“ Over 20 Years of Experience
โœ“ Free 30 Min Consultation
โœ“ Located in Richmond Hill
โœ“ Ages 2-16
๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Trusted by more than 1,000+ Families
Happy child holding a red balloon
COTO logo CASLPO logo CRPO logo Google 5 star review

Our Services

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

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.

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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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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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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 โ€” 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.
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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.
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We match your child with a specialist who understands their needs. Through a 360ยฐ 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.
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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.) CAOT

21+ years of clinical experience

Qualification

Verified

Parsa is a highly experienced occupational therapist and Clinical Director with expertise in Autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities. He has founded six clinics worldwide and authored numerous research articles. His approach combines parent coaching and one-on-one therapy to help children thrive.

Autism Assessment
ADHD Therapy
Clinical Supervision
Parent Coaching

Maryam Soltanzadeh

Executive Partner & Registered Psychotherapist

CRPO, OSRP

7+ years of clinical experience

Qualification

Verified

Maryam holds a Master's degree in Psychotherapy and Educational Psychology. She specializes in Autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and behavioural challenges. Guided by "Be the therapist you needed when you were a child," she fosters a safe, supportive experience for families.

Psychotherapy
Autism Support
ADHD Treatment
Family Counseling

Stafani Morassut

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

BCBA, IBAยฎONTABA

10+ years of clinical experience

Qualification

Verified

Stafani is a BCBA supervising the ABA department at Catch a Balloon. She specializes in helping children with and without autism improve social skills, self-regulation, and academic performance through individualized intervention programs.

ABA Therapy
Social Skills
Direct Instruction
Discrete Trial Teaching

Cherly Repol

Occupational Therapist Assistant

OTA

10+ years of clinical experience

Qualification

Verified

Cherly is an Occupational Therapist assistant with over a decade of experience supporting children across paediatric, disability, and community-based settings in Singapore and Canada. She specializes in sensory integration and neurodevelopmental approaches.

Sensory Integration
Neurodevelopmental
Emotional Regulation
Family-Centered Care

Sohrab Mottaghi

ABA Instructor

M.Sc. Behavioural Science, B.A. ABA

3+ years of clinical experience

Qualification

Verified

Sohrab is an experienced ABA Instructor with degrees from University of Glasgow and George Brown College. He has supported children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and developmental disabilities, bringing strong clinical judgment and evidence-based approaches.

ABA Instruction
Autism Support
Behavior Intervention
Developmental Disabilities

Femy Anna Kuriakose

Occupational Therapist Assistant

OTA

6+ years of clinical experience

Qualification

Verified

Femy is an Occupational Therapist assistant with over 6 years of experience supporting children with autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, and other developmental needs. She creates individualized treatment plans and provides one-on-one therapy, group therapy, and play therapy.

Autism Support
ADHD Treatment
Play Therapy
Group Therapy

Marina Bishay

Speech-Language Pathologist

SLP

6+ years of clinical experience

Qualification

Verified

Marina has over 6 years of experience as a Speech-Language Pathologist, working closely with children and families to support healthy speech and language development. She specializes in articulation, fluency, pragmatics and language development.

Speech Therapy
Articulation
Language Development
Family Training

Bahareh Samadzadeh

Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant

SLPA / CDA

12+ years of clinical experience

Qualification

Verified

Bahareh is a Speech-Language Therapist Assistant with over twelve years of clinical experience and previous leadership as Head of a Speech Therapy Team. She specializes in Autism Spectrum Disorder, speech delays, stuttering, and Childhood Apraxia of Speech.

Autism Spectrum Disorder
Speech Delays
Stuttering
Apraxia of Speech

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, give us a call at (289) 278-8964, or you can directly. 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 โ€“ $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 โ€“ $225
  • Intervention by CDA: $126 per hour
ABA Sessions:
  • Assessment: 60 minutes plus initial intake, ISP plan & supervision โ€“ $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 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 one hour first session 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 Programโ€”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.

โ€Practice Patience: Progress can take timeโ€”celebrate small victories along the way.

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

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

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

โ€Promote Consistency: Encourage regular therapy attendance for steady progress.

โ€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.

Didn't find the answer you are looking for? Let's get in touch