Social Skills


	Social Intervention Programs at the College of Saint Rose for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Difficulties in Relating A Structured Teaching Program for Children in Grades 1-6 Wednesday Evenings-6:05-7:05 p.m. October 3-December 12, 2007 (9 weeks) (no sessions 10/31, 11/22) February 6-May 7, 2008(12 weeks) (no sessions 3/5, 4/16) $99-$120 Program Description The program focuses on helping children and pre-adolescents develop greater awareness and understanding of perspectives different from their own as a means for improving conversation skills, developing relationships with peers, playing cooperatively, handling conflict and developing self regulation. The individual needs of participants are considered in the formation of groups so that those with similar abilities in language, cognition and social awareness are grouped together. Groups are also clustered by age. Three to five children are assigned to a group with 2-3 adults. Assessment occurs at the start of the session and brief progress reports are provided at the conclusion of each session. Dr. Susan DeLuke from The College of Saint Rose supervises the group sessions which are conducted by Saint Rose students enrolled in coursework on autism spectrum disorders. Homework assignments are a mandatory and important part of the program. These are given each week and carried out with the cooperation of family members and school staff. Regular attendance is expected of participants.








	The Friday Knights Recreation and Family Support Program for Children Ages 5-19 Friday Evenings 6:00-8:00 p.m Fall 2007 dates: 10/12; 10/26; 11/9; 11/16 and 12/7 Winter/Spring 2008 dates: 2/1; 2/15; 3/14; 3/28; 4/25; 5/9 (tentative dates) $25 for the fall semester and $30 for the winter/spring semester. Program Description The Recreation Program is a structured and supportive recreational environment for children and adolescents who need opportunities for social interaction beyond what is available through school settings or community recreation programs. The participants include children and adolescents who have difficulties relating to their peers and may need extra support or more opportunities to use the skills they have learned in social skills groups. Children with autism spectrum disorders or other social challenges are welcome in the program. In addition, siblings and peers without difficulties in social relating are invited to join us and to enjoy the activities while serving as role models. Role models pay the program fee until the age of 13 at which point they become "volunteers" for the program. Volunteers from the College of Saint Rose (undergraduate and graduate students) are the counselors and activity leaders. Education faculty from Saint Rose are on site to provide activities, guidance and supervision. Activities may vary by the age of the group but possibilities include structured board games, movement, drama, yoga, history, science, music and arts and crafts. Children are matched by age in groups of 6-10 children per group (depending on age). Parent meetings with special topics and speakers occur concurrent with the children's program. Participation is free of charge to parents and family members. Fees are due at the start of each semester. Scholarships available from the Albany Autism Society, Inc. and for OMRDD qualified individuals. Adolescent Social Support Groups Offered one time per year 10 week time period-TBA Program Description The program focuses on helping adolescents develop greater awareness and understanding of the hidden curriculum (the unwritten rules and expectations for social behavior in middle school and high school). The program will help adolescents improve skills in social interaction, social problem-solving and dealing with everyday life experiences. Participants are limited to those without delays in communication and cognition. Assessment will occur at the start and conclusion of the 10-week term. The program includes 2 peer mentors who will participate in the weekly sessions along with 6-8 youngsters who have difficulties in social relating. Dr. Susan DeLuke from The College of Saint Rose will co-facilitate the weekly meetings with the adolescent peer mentors. The curriculum and activities are developed and presented by the peer mentor and will address "adolescent perspectives" rather than "adult perspectives of adolescent issues." Sessions include discussion, role play, direct teaching and games as methods of instruction. Homework assignments are a mandatory and important part of the program. These are given each week and carried out with the cooperation of family members and school staff. Regular attendance is important. Social Intervention-Structered Teaching flyer Social Intervention-Structured Teaching Application Friday Knights Recreation and Family Support Flyer Friday Knights Recreation and Family Support Application Adolescent Social Support Group Flyer Adolescent Social Support Group Application Contact Susan DeLuke, Ph.D.