My Outlet Issue #6 | 2026
Ready for Fall? Here's What's New at My Outlet
Founder’s note
The end of August was bitter sweet for the My Outlet Team as we wished our co-op students well in their upcoming school year. At the beginning of May we welcomed a robust crew of co-op students from a variety of fields - animation, illustration, clinical research, creative writing, psychology, teachers college and more. We opened the door to see what they could do and what we could achieve together as a team.
Many of them far surpassed our expectations. And most, if not all of them, learned a lot about themselves, their peers and the world around them.
With every recruit we make - from employees to volunteers to collaborators and ambassadors, we do so with the hope that people will get as much - if not more - out of the experience than what they came for (and what we brought them on for). The sense of community and belonging growing at My Outlet is not limited to our service delivery. In fact it’s just the opposite. It starts with the people we bring on and the opportunity that follows, to engage, create, build momentum and excitement around shared goals and values.
This summer we set out to write a children’s story book series and a comic book series for teens and young adults. We intentionally sought out lived experience, we invited and nurtured vulnerability, we surrounded our team with supportive resources and inspiration, and maybe most importantly a strong vote of confidence in their abilities.
Not only did we complete two books and one comic, but as a bonus, we created new illustrations for our postcards, tattoos and stickers for My Outlet merch events, designed assets to communicate and visualize the evidence based research supporting our 4-block Kids Signature Program and we kicked off the development of My Outlet’s mascot, Zoomie (inspired by my Siberian Husky, Ice).
At the end of August we took a moment for casual outgoing interviews with our co-op students to understand from their perspective what they enjoyed, what they learned, what they would change, and areas they felt we could do better for the incoming cohort of co-op students next year.
What we heard was this:
Our students were not expecting the level of autonomy and creative decision making authority as was granted to them. This boosted confidence in their abilities, pride in their work, and a sense of tangible value among the team.
My Outlet offered a highly unique opportunity for them to apply their skills in very tangible ways as subject matter experts, in a cross-disciplinary environment. This encouraged learning in numerous ways that were direct and adjacent to their study discipline.
They expressed a willingness to be a resource and a guide to future incoming co-op students, showing the genuine care and interest they have for the book series’ we are establishing and the connection they have to the organization and its goals.
Almost all of our students felt the safety necessary to try something new and to take risks with their skills and abilities. From this, they were able to learn where they shine and also discover the things they don’t enjoy doing as much.
Several students expressed a strong interest in working with us again next year. We also connected with past facilitators who shared the ways in which My Outlet inspired or informed the way in which they approached new summer work experiences this year. And meanwhile others reached back out to express a strong interest in getting back involved remotely throughout the new school year.
Where can we do better?
Provide greater clarity by scoping out project elements very specifically at the outset and together with the project teams
Track progress vs. projections, and make adjustments if/where needed (more on this to come in the near future!!)
Establish role clarity and gap analysis earlier in the process (we brought on a very talented and dedicated storywriter mid-way through the project. This was suggested at one of our early focus groups and made a huge difference in the end products).
Where did we excel?
Supporting our students with resources, friends, community, inspiration and words of encouragement from Day One
Achieving impact, collectively and as a team. Not one person worked with us this summer who didn’t contribute, inform, inspire, or teach us something very valuable, in some way, shape or form.
Broadening My Outlet’s visibility and reach, and providing our co-op students with extremely valuable opportunities to interact with, inspire and connect with our Kids Program participants and focus group participants.
It’s pretty telling when focus group participants tell you they have goosebumps reading these stories, or tears of compassion or joy, or that they identify so strongly with an element or situation in the books.
Author and thought leader Roy T. Bennett said:
“Great leaders can see the greatness in others when they can’t see it themselves and lead them to their highest potential they don’t even know.”
I feel privileged to have worked with such an outstanding team of co-op students this summer; I’m grateful for their trust as they allowed me to guide them to remarkable achievements this summer.
Reflecting back on the summer gives me a huge sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. While one chapter may be closing, I’m incredibly grateful and excited to see what this new school year will bring. I’m excited to bring our kids, teen and afterschool programming to the next level, continue to engage, inspire and educate through our workshop and training programs, and continue to connect with and serve our corporate stakeholders.
Through this work, I know we will continue to deepen the sense of community, belonging and growth among our staff. No matter how small or large the contribution is to My Outlet, we’re thrilled to see students, parents, families and organizations continue to be engaged and plugged in, because this is just the beginning.
Now …. Time to crack down and get these children’s and comic books published!!
Have a wonderful start to the new school year.
— Audrie, Founder, My Outlet
News and upcoming events
Fall 2026 | Kids Signature Program
Registration is now open for everyone. Choose the location that works best for your family — both run the full program.
📍 8 sessions run on Sundays:
October 18, 25
November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
December 6
Introducing our Mini's program!
We're excited to announce a new addition to our fall lineup: our 4-6YO Mini's Program. By popular demand, we're opening the Kids Signature Program to younger children. Same signature 4-block structure, same facilitators, with an additional facilitator dedicated to the minis group to ensure age-appropriate pacing and support.
Try One Class Free!
Bring your child to an intro session at no cost to experience the program and see if it's a fit. Use PROMOCODE: 8for7 when registering.
Whether your child is neurodivergent, experiencing challenges with attention, emotional regulation, or social skills, or simply looking for a supportive and inspiring environment, we encourage you to check out our 4-block Kids Signature Program!
📍 North York location: 1947 Avenue Road (Gravitate Studio). Time: Sunday afternoons, 2:00–3:30 PM
📍 Vaughan location [NEW location]: 130 Racco Parkway, Unit #10, Thornhill (SMILE Therapy's space). Time: 10:30am–12:00pm
Want to learn more or reserve your spot? Book a free 15-minute call with Audrie or send us an enquiry.
Got a teenager who's ready for more?
Leadership In Training (LIT) Program
Our signature leadership stream for neurodiverse teens — where they don't just participate, they lead. LIT participants work alongside younger children in the Kids Signature Program, applying real leadership skills in real time. Teens leave more confident, more self-assured, and genuinely proud of who they are. They also prepare themselves for potential volunteer and work opportunities at My Outlet!
The LIT program runs at the same times and locations as the Kids Signature Program. Same dates, same commitment, powerful impact.
Spots are limited. Book a free 15-minute call with Audrie or send us an enquiry.
Recruiting: We're Hiring Facilitators
If you're passionate about supporting neurodivergent teens, building confident leaders and leveling up your own leadership skills alongside our amazing cross-disciplinary team of facilitators and professional experts, we want to hear from you! We're recruiting facilitators to co-lead our LIT program, Kids Signature Program and After School Programs this fall.
What we're looking for: Experience working with children, youth and teens, a strengths-based mindset, curiosity and desire to grow as a team, good reliability and a commitment to neuroinclusion.
Time commitment: 3-5 hours per week (program sessions + prep)
Interested? Email us at info@channelmyoutlet.com sharing your experience and a few reasons you want to join the team, and we can go from there!
SPECIAL TRIAL CLASS RECAP
What a night!
Our August 24th trial class brought families together to prepare for the back-to-school season.
Kids got to experience our 4-block program firsthand, while parents joined a Gravity Fitness class and heard from Yael Samuel from Kid Quest Consulting about navigating transitions, IEPs, and advocating for your child at school.
Families left with real strategies they could actually use, especially in these first few weeks settling in to a new routine Parents also left with a real sense of community and connection and the knowledge that they don’t need all the answers all at once, but rather, a supportive ecosystem to lean on for various resources and guidance at unknown points in the future. It was an authentic and impactful night!
Thank you to everyone who showed up. Whether your child is enrolled in our fall program now or you’re still figuring it out, we hope this class gave you a real sense of what My Outlet is all about!
Missed it? Our fall programs start October 18th at both locations — and you can try one class free to see if it works for your family.
Want to be notified about our next parent/child event? Click here to register your interest.
Music in the Park - We were there!
My Outlet was so happy to sponsor Magen Boys’s first independent production of Music In The Park this summer at the Amphitheatre at Earl Bales Park on August 17th.
It was certainly a night to remember!
The calm feel and smell of a classic summer evening combined with nostalgic music and familiar faces cannot be topped .
Families stopped by our booth to learn about our programming, services and volunteer and employment opportunities while kids got to explore our lego box curriculum, fidget toys, stickers, and pins.
We loved connecting with families, stakeholders and even security/police officers to share what My Outlet is all about, the services we offer, the qualities that make us unique, and let them know how they can get connected..
If you saw us there — thanks for coming by!
Community Spotlight: Positive Dance Experience
READY FOR SEASON 7?
September 14th is almost here!
Positive Dance Experience is getting ready to kick off their new season, and classes are filling up fast.
Already know which classes you'd like? Secure your spot now.
Still deciding? No problem!
Starting September 14th, Positive Dance Experience is offering a 4 Week Trial Period, so dancers can try out classes before committing.
Come see what Season 7 at Positive Dance Experience is all about!
Comic Book Series Update
Meet Casey
As families gear up for back-to-school season, we wanted to introduce you to someone special — Casey, the main character in our new teen comic book series.
Casey navigates friendships and high school pressures, while trying to figure out how to make her school life easier — the same things every teen deals with. Through Casey’s story, readers will be able to identify with aspects of her experiences in different ways, while stepping into her shoes to see what it’s like for a teen who thinks, feels, and moves through the world a little differently. Get ready for some sick graphics, a sprinkle of tasteful humour and an endearing story.
Here's a sneak peek:
My Outlet Comic Book Promo Poster (Illustrated by Paige Williams)
This comic series kicked off this summer with our co-op students across illustration, animation, research, creative writing and education specialties — grounded in real, lived experience. We can't wait for you to meet Casey and her friends.
Want to be first to know when it launches? Join the waitlist for exclusive sneak peeks, early access to pre-orders, and updates as we bring these stories to life
NEW on the Blog
We've added new resource to help answer questions we hear from parents all the time:
What OAP & Private Insurance Cover for Kids' Programs in Ontario
Wondering if your insurance covers programs like ours? We break down what OAP (Ontario Autism Program) and private insurance typically cover, what it doesn't, and how to navigate the options for your family.
Quick Tip
Notice What Your Child Does Well on Day One 👀
The first week of school brings a lot of emotion. If your child isn’t one to share, instead of asking questions at pickup, watch their nonverbal communication for clues, give them time to settle in at home (short rest and a snack), and then invite them to share their experience with a pointed and open ended question or two.
For example, “tell me about your homeroom class setup”, or “what did you think about recess today?”. Instead of focusing on what went wrong, pay attention to one thing your child handled well — maybe they spoke up in class, made it through lunch, or stayed calm during a transition. Point it out specifically: "I noticed you handled that change really smoothly today."
These small moments of recognition matter. They build the confidence kids need for week two, week three, and beyond.
Looking Ahead
September is here, and so is back-to-school season.
Our fall programs officially kick off October 18th, and we're excited to welcome new families alongside familiar faces. If you're still on the fence about trying us out, remember — you get one free intro class to see if it's a fit. There’s no pressure, just a real chance to experience what we do, engage with our facilitators and ask important questions.
The book series sneak peeks will continue as we get closer to launch, so follow along on Instagram and keep an eye on your inbox for updates.
Most importantly, take a breath and a quiet moment to yourself. Your kid's got this. And so do you.
Have a great start to the school year.
— The My Outlet Team
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