Connection Lab
A Neurodiversity-Affirming Group Program for Kids (Ages 8–12) in Regina, Saskatchewan
Where natural, authentic connections happen through shared passions.
The Connection Lab blends social-emotional resilience, self-advocacy, and genuine peer connections into one dynamic, interest-led group program. Rather than forcing unnatural "social skills" like other programs out there, the Pathways Connection Lab brings kids together around activities they genuinely love. This allows confidence, identity pride, and organic friendships to build naturally.
Led by experienced, registered professionals (Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, or Social Workers), The Connection Lab offers a safe, neurodiversity-affirming space where kids are celebrated for exactly who they are. The Connection Lab is a 6-week group program where kids can be themselves, have fun, and make connections.
THIS PAGE CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PARTICIPATION CRITERIA AND REGISTRATION PROCESS; PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR READ ALL DETAILS THOROUGHLY.
PATHWAYS IS NOT LIABLE IF A PARENT DOES NOT READ THE INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE REGARDING OUR PARTICIPATION CRITERIA, REGISTRATION PROCESS, OR GROUP PROGRAM POLICIES.
How It Works:
We know kids engage best when they are doing something they are passionate about! While our therapeutic goals remain consistent, the theme of the group changes depending on which session you choose. Parents and participants can choose the session theme that best fits their child's interests (and kids can attend multiple sessions at once or over time if they choose!):
🧩 Lego Builders & Engineers
⛏️ Minecraft Explorers
🐉 Dungeons & Dragons Quests
🎨 Creativity & Crafts Studio
✏️ Doodling, Drawing, & Design
📿 Kandi Jewelry & Beading Club
🏰 Fort Building & Cooperative Play
Does your child have a suggestion for a group theme? Email us at info@pathwayslearning.ca to share their ideas!
(Each 6-week session features one core theme, giving kids a focused, hands-on medium to connect through.)
What Your Child Will Gain (Core Outcomes)
Through our interest-based activities, our Clinician Program Leaders will help participants to build skills in:
Self-Advocacy & Identity Pride: Learning to understand their own strengths, express their needs, and embrace their unique brain style without masking or shame.
Authentic Social Connection: Building real friendships in a low-pressure environment centered around shared interests rather than forced social interactions.
Perspective-Taking & Teamwork: Navigating group plans, collaborative projects, sharing ideas, and managing winning, losing, or compromise in a fair, supportive way.
Emotional Regulation & Coping Strategies: Exploring feelings, managing frustration or social anxiety, and building everyday emotional resilience.
Self-Acceptance & Belonging: Feeling seen, heard, and valued by peers and professional leaders alike.
Who Should Attend? (Participation Criteria - IMPORTANT PLEASE READ)
To ensure a safe, supportive, and successful group dynamic for all participants, your child is an ideal fit for The Connection Lab program if they meet the following criteria:
Age: 8–12 years old.
Interest & Readiness: May feel anxious, hesitant, or uneasy in new environments/social settings, but ultimately wants to connect and participate in small group settings. Would benefit from a comfortable and safe environment to build friendships and connect with others.
Communication: Communicates effectively (through speech or via AAC/augmentative modalities) to follow along, share needs, and engage with peers and leaders.
Group Safety: Can participate safely in a 1:4 adult-to-child ratio. Children must be able to participate without 1:1 support and without aggressive, highly dysregulated, or unsafe actions. Parents are required to confirm their child’s safety at a 1:4 ratio as a condition of enrollment; refunds will not be given if a child needs to be removed from the program due to safety concerns.
If you are unsure if your child meets this criteria, unsure if your child is ready for a group program, unsure about your child’s support needs, it is impossible for our Intake Team to decide this for you without knowing your child. If your child is currently a client at Pathways, please discuss group programs with your child’s clinician(s). If you are NEW to our clinic, it may be best to book an Initial Consultation with a SLP, OT, or Parent Coach to gain a clearer understanding of your child’s readiness.
Important Details + Registration:
Cost: $540 (eligible for insurance reimbursement if you have coverage for private speech therapy or occupational therapy or if your child utilizes Autism Funding). Registration is made for all six sessions; the fee is reflective of 6 sessions at $90 each. This program is not eligible for drop-ins and missed sessions are not eligible for refunds. The fee is paid for the program, in full, at the time of registration to secure your spot in the group.
Fall 2026 Dates:
DATES + THEMES COMING SOON!
Location: Pathways Learning Centre(4420 Albert St., Regina, SK)
Format: Small group for comfort and connection
Please note: The session fee is refundable, less a $75 cancellation charge, until three weeks before the session date. Cancellations made within three weeks of the scheduled session WILL NOT BE REFUNDED.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is this a "Social Skills" group?
A: No. We do not teach masking, forced eye contact, or rigid social scripts. The Connection Lab focuses on authentic connection, self-advocacy, and emotional safety, helping neurodivergent kids find peer connection on their own terms.
Q: Can my child register for more than one theme?
A: Absolutely! Many kids return for multiple sessions throughout the year to explore different themes (or repeat the same theme!) while continuing to strengthen their social-emotional goals and friendships.
Q: My child is just outside the targeted age range, can they still apply?
A: Please email our Clinic Manager, Ally (ally@pathwayslearning.ca) to inquire. We can occasionally allow out-of-age enrollments on a case-by-case basis as we factor in the ages of the other registered participants at the time of registration.