Oshkosh Public Library

Social enjoyment groups for children, teens and young adults with autism spectrum disorders, guiding toward growth, John Merges

eng

illustrations

index present

non fiction

Social enjoyment groups for children, teens and young adults with autism spectrum disorders

613293562

John Merges

guiding toward growth

Young people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) often feel uncomfortable and anxious in social situations, but socializing with classmates and colleagues can be made easier and more enjoyable with Guiding Toward Growth group sessions. The author's program for teaching social enjoyment skills is based on the concept that there are ten hurdles that make it challenging for people with ASD to enjoy social interaction. This book guides the reader through planning, running, and assessing group sessions that have been designed to help participants overcome these hurdles, interact with confidence, and ultimately enjoy more independent and fulfilling lives. As social interaction is a vital element of any work environment, this book also teaches young adults with ASD an important employment skill. It can be used with a wide range of ages and communicative abilities, and is a resource for those working with groups of children and young people with ASD

Introduction and Guiding Principles. -- Beginnings -- Enjoyment, a skill -- The band of regulation -- The Hurdles. -- Introduction to the hurdles -- Keeping things the same -- Attention challenges -- Emotional regulation problems -- Organization deficits -- Language processing issues -- Associative thinking -- Sensory sensitivities -- Unlearning rituals -- Stereotyping by neurotypical individuals -- Motivational deficits -- FunJoyment Groups. -- Introduction to funjoyment groups -- Concepts important in all groups -- School-based groups for five, six, and seven year old youngsters -- School-based groups for junior high and high school students -- Notes about community-based groups -- Community-based groups for ten and eleven year old youngsters -- Community-based groups for junior high and senior high students -- Community-based groups for older high students and young adults -- Materials and Activities. -- Sample permission letters -- Scoreboard -- Activities for five, six, and seven year olds -- Activities for all other groups