The Community Connections Program:

What is the Community Connections Program?

The Community Connections Program is a therapeutic recreation treatment program for children ages 6 to 18 years old that includes community-based activities.  The program occurs after school and throughout the summer. This program focuses on increasing children’s access to the community and opportunities for individuals of varying abilities to improve social, communication, and independent living skills. The program and each of its component activities have goals and objectives.  Structured weekly events may include bowling, swimming, horseback riding, gymnastics, art and music therapy, vocational opportunities and field trips to local places of interest.  We have partnered with local organizations and professionals to foster relationships between our children and the community.  As with all our programs, we incorporate the principles of applied behavior analysis and the science of learning in this treatment program.  

This program focuses on increasing children’s access to the community and opportunities to learn in recreational settings. All children participate in mealtime routines and we target socially appropriate behaviors while eating with friends. On occasion, the meals will take place at local restaurants so 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 or day where siblings can join in structured, collaborative art or recreational projects.

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. Meal time activities are prompted and reinforced while appropriate dinner conversation and behavior is encouraged and taught. 

 Schedule

The after school portion of the program runs September through May, three days a week, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.  During the summer, the program runs June to August, three or five days a week, 9:00-3:30 p.m.

2009-2010 Community Connections Calendar

Admissions

Contact info@altavista-autism.org or call 303-759-1192 ext 10 regarding admission.