SOCIAL SKILLS GROUP

Middle School Age 10-14  |  Thursdays at 6:30 PM  |  October 15 to November 19

Cost is $180 for (6) One-Hour Sessions 

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Many children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities need help in learning how to act in different types of social situations. They often have the desire to interact with others but may not know how to engage friends or may be overwhelmed by the idea of new experiences.

Research indicates that regardless of the diagnosis, social skills can be extremely effective in increasing a person’s ability to be successful in peer situations. From learning how to greet a person they want to start a conversation with, to learning how to keep a conversation going, and how to take turns while speaking - these are subtle but extremely important aspects of communication and relationship development.

The Autism Society of Greater Akron is pleased to pilot a program for both middle and high school students to encourage social, reciprocal, and communicative skills in a fun and encouraging atmosphere. Role-playing, interactive games, and themed conversation starters will be utilized to foster these skills.

Emphasis will be placed on age-appropriate behaviors to apply in social situations to include:

• Initiating and responding to interactions with others
• Practicing active listening
• Taking turns
• Sharing thoughts and feelings
• Asking and answering questions

WHEN, WHERE, & HOW MUCH

• Middle School ages 10-14 meet at 6:30pm every Thursday from October 15 through November 19.
• Program is delivered via Zoom virtual platform.  Participants receive link prior to start of program.
• Cost per program is $180 for 6 sessions, one hour in length. ($450 Value)  Sorry, but ASGA is not a Medicaid or Waiver provider and refunds cannot be given for missed sessions.  County Board of DD family engagement funds may be utilized for this program.
  

PRE-REQUISITES

Middle School group is for participants age 10-14

All participants should have the following:

• Basic language to communicate wants and needs. Unfortunately, this program cannot accommodate augmentative devices at this time.
• Reliable access to computer, tablet or phone with internet (WIFI), sound and video to accomodate use of Zoom meeting platform.
• The technical and verbal ability to participate in a "virtual" group.
• In order to maintain consistency within the group, please try to ensure participant can attend all sessions.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR

Hello, my name is Jocelyn Eskenazi, I am a certified Board-Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst. I started teaching in 1974, yes I know a long time ago, and have been a BCaBA since 2004. I have been a classroom teacher, outreach consultant, behavior consultant and now a social skills facilitator. I have lived in Cleveland, Ohio my entire life, I have three grown children and a cat with one eye. My favorite movie is As Good As It Gets or anything on the Hallmark channel. I love to eat popcorn and ice cream. I am excited to get to know all of our participants through this unique experience.

WHO TO CONTACT

If you have questions about the program or need additional information, please contact Lisa Thompson, Director of Programs via email here or by calling 330.940.1441 ext 2.