The Community Connections Program: After School
What is the Community Connections Program?
The Community Connections After School Program is for children 6 to 18 years old who want to participate in a program that emphasizes community activities and therapeutic recreation. The primary goals of this program are to provide opportunities for students of all levels of abilities to practice social, communication, and independent living skills through a variety of fun activities including art projects, community outings, and therapeutic recreational opportunities. Children with a variety of skill levels are able to participate in art projects, community outings, meal time routines, and social opportunities.
Program Description
Each child will work from an individualized set of goals that are formed in collaboration with the family. All students participate in a dinner routine, including dinner preparation and engaging in socially appropriate behaviors while eating with friends. On occasion the meals will take place at local restaurants so the children can practice their skills in the community. Typical recreational offerings include bowling, museums, parks, and recreation centers. Knowing that autism spectrum disorders affect the entire family, one of the goals of this program is to provide opportunities for siblings and other family members to be involved. At least once a quarter we will have a “sibling” night where siblings can join in structured, collaborative art or recreational projects.
We use a multidisciplinary approach to our treatment and receive ongoing consultation from a speech/language pathologist and behavior specialist. The principles of applied behavior analysis are utilized to teach the children target behaviors. Social skills are addressed through art, therapeutic recreational activities and games, and other activities in small groups. Dinner time activities are prompted and reinforced while appropriate dinner conversation and behavior is encouraged and taught.
Schedule
Our After School Program runs September through May. The program is three days a week, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Admissions
Contact info@altavista-autism.org or call 303-759-1192 ext 10 regarding admission.
