OUTREACH
OUTREACH MISSION
Autism York is committed to expanding our offerings to more fully meet the needs of the local autism community. We hope to be able to increase the accessibility of our current support programs such as meetings and events. We are also looking for new and creative ways to provide support to individuals and families affected by autism, with a focus on concepts that are not otherwise offered in our area. Several new Outreach Initiatives will be launched in 2012.
OUTREACH INITIATIVES
THE BUDDY PROJECT
Many children with Asperger’s Syndrome or High Functioning Autism have difficulty maneuvering through the social aspects of life. The Buddy Project pairs neurotypical students with students on the autism spectrum to help the student with autism develop positive relationships with peers. MENTORS will become more sensitive to individuals with developmental differences and BUDDIES will benefit by having a safe place to learn and practice social skills.
The pairs will be required to participate in at least one social activity per month and communicate by phone, e-mail, Facebook, or in person weekly. Monthly activities can include activities such as trips to the mall, movies, a restaurant or just a casual meeting at a home. Expenses will be reimbursed by Autism York. Yearly events will be planned to bring all BUDDIES, MENTORS, and their families together.
The Buddy Project is recruiting both BUDDIES (students with AS or HFA in grades 5-12) and MENTORS (typical students in grades 5-12) to participate in this program. BUDDIES and MENTORS are required to complete application packets. MENTORS will be required to attend a mandatory training session to learn more about how students with AS or HFA see the world and how they can best socially engage their BUDDY.
After a match is made, an initial visit will be scheduled and introductions will be made. Goals and expectations will be discussed at that time. Following that meeting it is the responsibility of the MENTOR and BUDDY and/or their families to set up a schedule of activities and contact times. The program facilitator will communicate with all MENTORS and BUDDIES at least once a month to discuss progress and needs for both parties.
Please contact Barb Reed at breed@autismyork.org for more information on The Buddy Project.
DOWNLOAD BUDDY PACKET HERE
DOWNLOAD MENTOR PACKET HERE
BUDDY PROJECT REIMBURSEMENT FORM
SPECIAL SIBLINGS
The Special Siblings group is brought to you by Autism York in collaboration with Easter Seals Central PA. This group has been specifically designed for the siblings (ages 6-12), of children on the autism spectrum. These workshops, held in both the Spring and Fall, were designed to showcase the typical child and help them learn to celebrate the special gifts of their siblings with autism. They will have the opportunity to make connections with others who are experiencing similar circumstances. Sessions will include games, information, crafts, discussion, special guests, and snacks.
Four week sessions will be held in both the Spring and the Fall. Classes will be held once monthly, Saturday mornings from 9:30-12:00 at York Alliance Church, 501 Rathton Road, York, PA 17403. Dates for the Spring 2012 session are as follows: March 10th , April 21st, May 12th & June 9th
The group will be facilitated by Michelle Overmiller, who has come on board with Easter Seals to oversee and operate this program. Overmiller is a parent coach/educator with more than ten years of experience in the mental health and education fields combined. She holds a Master’s Degree of Education and certification in elementary school counseling. Michelle has worked with both children on the autism spectrum and their siblings.
The cost of the program is $20 for the 4 week session. Registration is for the entire group of workshops. No individual session registrations will be accepted. Preregistration for the Spring session is required by February 24th, 2012. A limited number of spots are available. For further information or to register, please contact Matt Ernst at Easter Seals - 741-3891 or mernst@eastersealscentralpa.org
For the Special Siblings flyer, please click HERE
AUTISM YORK SOUTH
Autism York has responded to the many requests we have had to host a support group in the southern end of York County. We have many families who reside in Southern York County and find it difficult to make the commute to our monthly meetings being held at Rebecca’s Place. The addition of a monthly meeting in South York is intended to support the many families we have in this area. Of course, anyone is welcome to attend any one of our meetings! We are very excited about this opportunity and hope this provides a way for more families to become involved with Autism York.
Autism York South support meetings are being held at Stewartstown Elementary School, 17945 Barren Road North, Stewartstown, PA 17363 on the 2nd Wednesday of each month throughout the school year. AYS will host both informal, chat type meetings as well as speaker format meetings. Childcare is provided at no cost by individuals experienced with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Please visit our Meetings and Events calendar for specific information on a meeting. Questions regarding Autism York South can be directed to south@autismyork.org