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Our Autism Specialist's Current Programs
Person Centered Planning
This process allows a time and space for you and your “village” to come together and develop quality of life goals, a team driven action plan, and to discuss your collective fears, concerns, hopes, and dreams in relation to the person in your community who has a disability. Inclusive Play Group
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Resources
I would like to share some materials I have developed to help families during this holiday season. Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks, celebrate our friends and families, and enjoy some time together around a meal. For many people with Autism, all of these things can feel confusing, out of the ordinary routine, and overwhelming. We want to support our children to be successful and participate fully with our families in our important traditions.
Here are my top 5 tips for Thanksgiving Success: 1. Prepare your child ahead of time (see materials below or follow this link for a social story 2. Provide leisure activities/games that your child enjoys and would feel comfortable sharing with cousins/friends who are there for the holiday. They can all play connect 4, play a video game together, build a marble tower together, play with trains together, etc. Set up an organized and familiar play area and encourage cousins and friends to play in the room as well. If going to visit others, back a "to-go" bag! 3. If it is appropriate for their age, encourage your children to participate in preparing for the meal, setting the table, greeting visitors, and cleaning up after dinner. (see Unique Learning's task analysis examples for chores) 4. Offer a quiet space, where they can take a sensory break if they get overwhelmed. If you are visiting, explain the concept to your family or friend and see if they can set up a small space in their home and show your child the space when you first arrive. 5. Maintain perspective. The most important thing is that you, your children, and your friends and family enjoy each other and share the evening comfortably. As much predictability (and flexibility for the plan) as you can provide will help. 
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