CRG is happy to announce the line-up for groups for the spring semester! Groups provide a good opportunity to meet new friends and improve social skills. If you are interested in a group, please call our office at (371) 575-9111. Here are the descriptions of each group:
Solutions
This group has been designed for 7 to 10 year old boys to provide supportive and solution-focused group therapy aimed at enhancing the development and use of appropriate social skills. The goal of group will be to assist group members in developing a better understanding of their difficulties and learning skills to more effectively cope with their emotions and the situations they encounter. Participants will be given opportunities to work on social skills, adaptive functioning (learning to read social cues, regulating behaviors, being patient, being confident, and paying attention in social situations), and learning how to control mood and impulsive actions. We do this through role play and goal-directed interactions, where we share experiences with one another and think of new and appropriate ways to handle common situations. In order to facilitate more effective communication with parents, parents are encouraged to periodically schedule individual therapy sessions. These sessions will be focused on providing a summary of the child’s progress in group, providing an opportunity to develop specific goals for group, and monitoring progress toward each goal. Please note that these appointments will be billed at the Individual/Family therapy rate ($160). Scheduling these sessions is voluntary and are not required for participation in group.
Facilitated by Dr. Nathan Larson
Thursdays (5:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.) Year Round, $70/Session
Challengers
This group has been designed for boys ages 12 to 15 to provide eight weeks of supportive and solution-focused group therapy to enhance the development and use of appropriate social skills. The goal of group will be to assist group members in developing a better understanding of their difficulties and learning skills to more effectively cope with their emotions and the situations they encounter. Participants will be given opportunities to work on social skills, adaptive functioning (learning to read social cues, regulating behaviors, being patient, being confident, and paying attention in social situations), and learning how to control mood and impulsive actions. We do this through role play and goal-directed interactions, where we share experiences with one another and think of new and appropriate ways to handle common situations. In order to facilitate more effective communication with parents, parents are encouraged to periodically schedule individual therapy sessions. These sessions will be focused on providing a summary of the child’s progress in group, providing an opportunity to develop specific goals for group, and monitoring progress toward each goal. Please note that these appointments will be billed at the Individual/Family therapy rate ($160). Scheduling these sessions is voluntary and are not required for participation in group.
Facilitated by Dr. Nathan Larson
Thursdays (6:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.) Year Round, $70/Session
Recipes for Success
This pyschoeducational group is for parents or grandparents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Rather than provide therapy, Dr. Burkhardt will provide instruction and promote greater educational awareness. You will learn more about ASD issues and how to apply them in your family while raising your children or grandchildren. Session topics include suggestions for positive management of behaviors, handling meltdowns, structuring family time, and finding support.
Facilitated by Dr. Sandra Burkhardt
Second Monday of Every Month (4:30 P.M. – 5:30 P.M.)
Girl Power
This social skills group is designed for girls ages 8-12. Format for the spring will be similar to last year with a variety of themes and topics discussed depending on the needs of the group. The discussion is usually accompanied by some art activity, role playing or social skills game. The girls seem to work best and talk more when they are involved in an activity. In addition, the activity works on the executive functioning skills of listening, planning ahead, using time well, staying on task and completing a task in a timely manner. The art activity also helps to strengthen visual spatial, fine motor skills, and the ability to follow directions. In addition, cooperation is usually needed between the girls to complete their activity so conversational skills are strengthened.
Facilitated by Dr. Sarah Norris
Tuesdays (4:3o P.M. – 5:30 P.M.) Spring Semester, $70/Session
The Charm and Challenge of Young Adults with ASD: A Saturday Morning Workshop for Parents
Workshop #2: Realistic Expectations
After high school…then what? Many students with ASD have the intellectual potential to attend college but may need new levels of support to succeed there. Others become overwhelmed after high school, get depressed, and spend all their time gaming if allowed to. How can parents help their sons/daughters “launch” into adulthood successfully?
Dr. Sandy Burkhardt (psychologist) and Dr. David Parker (Postsecondary Disability Specialist/life coach) will conduct this workshop on Saturday, May 5th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The workshop will take place at CRG. This is the 2nd in a series of workshops for parents of young adults on the autism spectrum.
The $70.00 per person fee includes 90 minutes of instruction/discussion, educational handouts and resources, and continental breakfast.
Topics to be covered include:
- · The Parents’ Role
- Employment Options
- Activities of Daily Living
- Community Resources
- Parent Testimonials
- Resources/Q&A
Immediately following this workshop, feel free to stay for an informal conversation with Dr. Burkhardt and members of the Recipes for Success parent group. This hour-long networking opportunity will also take place at CRG over light snacks, at no additional cost. You can compare notes with other parents, share tips and resources, or just listen and learn.
You’re not in it alone! Come learn with fellow parents as we help you address valuable parenting approaches for your adult child with ASD.
Advanced registration is encouraged. Call our Intake Line (317.575.9111, Option 3) for more information or to register. Call soon – seating is limited!
