Peer Mentorship Program

We match pre-teen youth, aged 8-12 years old, with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders, with peer mentors (high school, college or university students), in their communities, to foster and develop positive and long lasting friendships. 

The pair will meet twice a month and spend time participating in mutually shared interests. The focus will be for the pre-teen to develop a new friendship and practice social communication and social interactions skills, through community-based outings with their peer mentor. 

Peer mentors will participate in an orientation program to learn about child development, strategies to support the youth and guidelines of the program, etc. 

Pairs may wish to spend time playing sports or other recreational and cultural activities, community outings, (e.g., skating, bike riding, hikes, museum, park, beach, etc.). Our clinicians will carefully match youth with a peer mentor based on mutual interests and availability.

If you are a high school, college or university student and would like to volunteer with our program, please contact us for more information. 

The hours you collect through the Growing Minds Peer Mentorship Program, can count towards your high school graduation requirements, or for applications for college/ university programs. 

You will receive support and training from a clinical psychologist, experience working with youth with diverse developmental profiles and a reference letter for future job opportunities or post secondary applications, etc. 

If you think your child may enjoy and benefit from this program and a peer mentor relationship, please contact us for more information.