Interactions I: A therapeutic social skills group for children ages 6 to 8 with a diagnosis of High Functioning Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome or Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified

Co-Leaders               Susan Edmison MClSc, RSLP and Moray McLean Dip.COT;

                              O.T.(C)

Program Content       The content of this program is based on current research  related to the social and emotional needs of this group of children.  Each session has a theme and a similar format to provide predictability and structure for the children.  Through games, activities and pictures, the children are presented with a variety of opportunities to learn social interaction skills, awareness and expression of feelings, and perspective taking.

Referral Process        Referrals may be made by parents/guardians, educators, school counselors, physicians, psychologists, and allied and mental health practitioners (see referral form). 

Intake Process          Upon receiving a referral, the family is contacted directly to allow for an initial telephone screening to determine if the child meets criteria for participating in the program.   If so, a home visit is arranged, at a mutually agreeable time.  At that time the child’s acceptance into the group is finalized. 

Group Size               Maximum of 4 children.

Program Structure     This is a 15-week program, with one group series running in the fall and one in the spring.  The 15 sessions run on consecutive weeks on Wednesday from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm.  In addition to the child sessions, there is one parent group session held midway through the group series and 2 individual in-home sessions (pre- and post-group series).

Parents/Caregivers    This is critical to the program.  Parents/caregivers are required to attend the last 15 minutes of each session.  Midway through the 15-week group series, a 1-1/2 hour evening session is scheduled for the parents.

Location                   All sessions are held at Immaculate Conception Parish Centre, 3776 West 28th Avenue Vancouver, BC V6S 1S6. 

Cost                        $2160.00 (includes a midterm and a final report)