Would you like to make a donation to support Autism Play Groups? Follow this link to donate money to Our Autism Specialist's "Autism Play Groups" scholarship fund. Thank you in advance! _http://www.gofundme.com/AutismPlayGroups
Our Autism Specialist's Current Programs
Social Superheroes Play Group @ ConnectedKidz SF
This group is designed to support social, imagination, cooperation, and play skills for children with Autism and related challenges. We will pretend to be superheroes while we learn to play collaboratively with a small group of peers. What is included in the cost? ($100/session) 1. 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 play group sessions: 1pm-2:30pm- Saturdays starting in August for cycle 3 (@2398 Pine st SF) (sign up for at least 3 sessions) 2. 1 intake meeting (phone or in person) with Janelle Franco (30mins) 3. 1 optional meeting with Janelle Franco at the end of the 6 sessions (40 mins) 4. A cape and mask What will the play group routine look like? 1. Members will arrive at 2pm and the facilitator will lead a group meeting a. Greetings & social conversation, songs b. Create a Group Plan for the day (based on the facilitator’s given themes/activities available for the day) c. Gross motor activities- using the obstacle course equipment, we will practice flying, jumping, throwing, catching, crawling, and swinging (like superheros) d. Table-Top or floor play- the group will play games, take turns, do arts and crafts, and sing songs (all while learning about Social Superpowers) e. Snack and Goodbye meeting Outdoor Adventure Group
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Projects
I am proud to be presenting at the TASH conference in Portland, Oregon on Friday, December 4th. I am presenting with the amazing Julie Maier. Our topic is: "Planning and Building Successful Social Supports for Students with Autism". Check out the link for more information! 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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