School Age: We work with children from ages 8-18

Inclusive Film Groups: Film groups are offered to youth with and without autism from 8 to 18 to foster social, creative and technical skills through a media that transcends barriers in ability, language and cultural background. Participants learn computer, video and film-making techniques that include brainstorming, scripting, interviewing, directing, camera work, sound and animation. When young people are filming, they are framing their own world, allowing them to be self-defined rather than defined by other people. Through this process, we can motivate, empower and increase a kid's confidence. The teachers/guides work on socialization, conversation skills, body positioning, reciprocal communication, friendship development and negotiating skills.

Inclusive Drama Groups: Integrated Drama Groups use socio-dramatic theater techniques to support children with autism in developing critical social, emotional, and symbolic capacities while collaborating with typical peers. With its reliance on narrative, action and character, drama creates opportunities for children to take on and try out new social roles and explore the world from another person's point of view. The program allows children to write scripts, act, and develop their own plays. Through a series of guided experiences, the children learn, practice and refine skills that foster social-communication, imagination, flexible behavior, perspective-taking and a theory of mind. The groups are tailored to children's abilities and interests. Each term culminates with a theatrical performance developed and put on by the children. The plays are often video taped so children can take home memories of their work.

Inclusive Social Choice Groups for Girls: In these dynamic groups for girls, the group members decide collaboratively how they want to structure and run their sessions. Together the groups make decisions about the various activities, such art, drama, video, music, photography, claymation or animation. The facilitator is there to support and encourage interaction, communication and socialization among friends. The facilitator also provides support for the various projects and excursions.

Inclusive Social Groups for Teens: In these dynamic groups for middle and high school kids, the group members decide collaboratively how they want to structure and run their sessions. Together the groups make decisions about the various activities, such as traveling to local malls, theaters, and fast food restaurants, or staying at the Center and making jewelry or taking photographs to give to their friends and families. The facilitator is there to support and encourage interaction, communication and socialization among friends. The facilitator also provides support for the various projects and excursions.

Kids' Night Out for kids young and old.

On the last Friday night of every month, staff from Autism Social Connection and volunteers provide children with the opportunity to have fun away from their parents, play, watch movies, eat popcorn and socialize with their friends. Call or e-mail about our kids nights out events (see pictures of past Kids' Nights Out).

Inclusive Social Groups for Adults (18 and above)

Autism Social Connection has recently started integrated adult groups. Adults learn useful and interesting skills such as film production, while also exploring the world of autism with friends both with and without autism. Both groups learn new ways of thinking and knowing.