FRIENDSHIP CLUB
Meets 3rd Week Every Month  |  Accepts ages 7 to 12

The Autism Society of Greater Akron (ASGA) is excited to introduce a new Friendship Club for ages seven to twelve. This group provides an opportunity for school aged children with Autism and other developmental disabilities to connect and make friends in a safe, structured environment. Building up social skills with practice can help enhance participation in the community and support outcomes like happiness and friendships.  We hope you will join us!

WHAT TO EXPECT

• Planned group activities throughout ASGA's service area of Summit, Stark, Medina, Portage, and Wayne counties
• Enjoy 45 minutes of structured activities, followed by free time
• Caregivers have an opportunity to network with other caregivers

SCHEDULE & THEMES
(exact dates and times to be determined yet for progams later in the year)

Make greeting cards for residents of StoryPoint Medina and eat cookies
March 19  |  Akron Main Library – Rm 2AB  |  2-3pm

Make wildflower seed bombs and garden markers
April 15  |  Highland Library - Community Room  |  2-3pm

Themed BINGO with popcorn and prizes
May 20  |  Doylestown Library | 12:30pm-1:30pm

Snack Taste Test
June 17  |  Reed Memorial Library - Haymaker Room  |  10am-11am

Playground and Popsicles
July 10  |  Doylestown Memorial Park  |  6:30pm-7:30pm

Music with Groovy Garfoose
August 19  |  Time and Location TBA

LEGOs, Games, and More
Build something with LEGOs, explore Snap Circuits, or play other provided games like Giant Connect Four
September 2023  |  Kent Library  |  Time TBA

Pumpkin Painting and Mask Decorating
October 2023  |  Stark Parks Exploration Gateway Science Lab  |  Time TBA

Yarn Wrapping & Snacks
Enjoy some snacks while yarn-wrapping or decorating a cardboard letter with your first initial.
November 18  |  Stark Library - Jackson Community Branch  |  Time TBA

Holiday Cookie Decorating
December 9  |  Spokes Café in Medina  |  11am-12pm

COST

Nominal fee per meeting of $10

Two ways to pay

• Register for the current month's session only for $10
• Pay for 5 programs at once and get a 6th free for $50

GUIDELINES TO PARTICIPATE

• Must be between ages seven to twelve years old
• All participants must be registered to attend - including siblings age seven to twelve
• To keep the space welcoming for all attendees, we are unable to accept walk-ins
• Parents must remain on premise for the duration of the event
• Respect everyone’s physical or mental differences
• Caregivers should silence all electronics
• Make new friends and have fun!

Reminder: This social club, offered by the Autism Society of Greater Akron, is intended to foster friendships in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. They are not intended as therapy or treatment for autism or any mental health or physical disorder. The Autism Society of Greater Akron is not able to provide medical or psychotherapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
 

MEET THE LEADER
Theresa Maier is a Support Specialist at ASGA. She grew up in Cuyahoga county and enjoys visiting local parks, playgrounds, and beaches with her family. Theresa currently resides in Copley with her husband and son, who was diagnosed with Autism at 23 months old.  In her free time, Theresa also enjoys cooking and reading.

QUESTIONS
If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Theresa Maier, ASGA Support Specialist via email or via phone at 330.940.1441 ext 5.