Social Skills and Coding
Program in Whitby

Ages 6–12 | Two Age-Based Groups | Weekly 1.5–2-Hour Sessions | Fall, Winter and Spring

The Social Skills Through Coding Program at The Insight Clinic helps children develop communication, cooperation, emotional regulation and friendship skills through engaging coding projects and group challenges.

Rather than teaching social skills only through discussion, the program gives children structured opportunities to practise them while creating, problem-solving and working with peers.

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Social Skills Practised Through Coding

Children participate in age-appropriate coding activities that encourage them to communicate, exchange ideas and work toward shared goals. Coding provides a motivating structure for practising patience, flexibility, teamwork and problem-solving.

No previous coding experience is required. Activities are adapted to each group’s age, experience and learning needs.

Two Age-Based Groups

To provide developmentally appropriate activities and peer interaction, children are placed in one of two groups:

Group placement may also consider each child’s developmental level, communication skills and support needs.

Program Schedule

The program operates weekly during three terms:

Each weekly session is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the group and planned activities. Current dates, times and registration details will be provided before each term.

Social Skills Children Practise

Through guided coding activities, partner projects and group challenges, children practise:

Starting and joining conversations
Listening and responding to others
Taking turns and sharing materials
Asking for help and offering assistance
Expressing ideas clearly
Reading verbal and non-verbal social cues

Respecting different ideas and perspectives
Managing frustration and disappointment
Solving problems and disagreements
Giving and receiving constructive feedback
Building confidence in group settings
Developing and maintaining positive peer relationships

How Coding Supports Social Development

Coding gives children a shared purpose and a clear reason to interact. During collaborative projects, children learn to explain their ideas, listen to teammates, make joint decisions and adapt when something does not work as expected.

Activities may include:

Coding is the learning medium, while communication, teamwork and social confidence remain the program’s central goals.

Predictable Routines. Guided Practice. Shared Success.

Each session may include:

A welcome activity and review of the group expectations

Introduction of the week’s social skill

A guided coding or technology activity

Partner or small-group practice

A movement or regulation break

A collaborative coding challenge

Group reflection and closing activity

Predictable routines help children understand what to expect and participate with greater confidence.

Skills Practised in Real-Time

Program themes may include:

Joining In and Starting Conversations

Children practise greetings, conversation starters, asking questions and joining an ongoing activity appropriately.

Teamwork and Cooperation

Coding partners practise sharing responsibilities, taking turns and working toward a common goal.

Understanding Social Cues

Stories, characters and digital activities help children explore facial expressions, tone of voice, body language and context.

Flexible Thinking

Children learn that coding problems can have more than one solution. They practise adapting plans and considering another person’s ideas.

Managing Frustration

Children develop strategies for responding when a project does not work, a peer disagrees or an activity feels challenging.

Social Problem-Solving

Participants practise identifying a problem, considering possible solutions and selecting a respectful response.

Conflict and Repair

Children learn how to communicate during disagreements, take responsibility and reconnect after a difficult interaction.

Friendship and Confidence

Participants practise showing interest, offering encouragement, maintaining conversations and recognizing qualities that support healthy friendships.

Who May Benefit

The program may be suitable for children who:

Find it difficult to initiate or maintain peer interactions
Need practice with turn-taking, cooperation or group participation
Experience ADHD, autism, anxiety or other learning differences
Benefit from predictable routines and guided social practice
Become frustrated when plans change or mistakes occur
Enjoy coding, technology, games or creative problem-solving
Want to build confidence and make stronger peer connections

A diagnosis is not required to inquire about the program.

Support at the Right Pace

The program uses small groups so facilitators can provide guidance, model appropriate communication and support meaningful participation.

Children are encouraged to contribute at their own pace. Activities can be adjusted based on the group’s interests, abilities and communication needs.

This is a supportive skill-building program. It is not intended to replace individualized psychotherapy, ABA therapy or other clinical services a child may require.

What We Are Working Toward

The Social Skills Through Coding Program is designed to help children:

Communicate more confidently with peers
Participate more effectively in group activities
Strengthen cooperation and perspective-taking
Develop flexible thinking and problem-solving skills
Manage frustration during challenging tasks
Increase independence and self-confidence
Apply social skills at school, at home and in the community
Build foundational coding and digital-creation skills

Individual outcomes vary according to each child’s needs, participation and opportunities to practise skills outside the program.

Keeping Families Informed

Families receive information about the skills and themes covered during the program. Where appropriate, parents may also receive suggestions for reinforcing those skills at home.

Progress is considered through participation, communication, cooperation, flexibility and increasing independence-not simply through the completion of coding projects.

A Brief Intake Helps Us Understand Your Child

Before enrollment, families complete a brief intake process. This helps our team understand the child’s:

Age and developmental level
Communication style
Interests and strengths
Social and emotional goals
Previous group experience
Learning or support needs
Ability to participate safely in a small group

Children requiring continuous one-to-one behavioural or personal-care support may need a different service or additional support arrangements.

A Simple Path to Getting Started

Submit the program inquiry form.

Complete a brief intake consultation.

Receive confirmation of the recommended age group.

Select the fall, winter or spring term.

Receive the schedule and program information.

Begin weekly Social Skills Through Coding sessions.

Serving Families Across Durham Region

The program is offered at The Insight Clinic in Whitby for families from Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, Oshawa, Courtice and surrounding Durham Region communities.

Help Your Child Connect, Create and Grow

Coding becomes more than a technology activity when children use it to exchange ideas, solve problems and create something together. The Social Skills Through Coding Program gives children a structured and encouraging place to practise real-world social skills while participating in activities they enjoy.

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The Insight Clinic

20+ Therapists | Over 7+ Years’ Experience