Children’s Program
Mission Statement
We collaborate with existing organizations to provide an alternative educational environment to accommodate the needs of children with Aspergers Syndrome (AS) by facilitating individualized education, facilitation of behavior modification, and skill-building, small group sizes, and a sensory integrated environment. We encourage children with AS to feel comfortable with their uniqueness, while helping them learn the skills they need to develop meaningful relationships with others and cope with a variety of social situations in a safe, supportive environment.
Philosophy
The philosophy of our program is built upon an individualized educational program, the principals of Relational Development Intervention (RDI) (Gutstein) and the philosophies of Dr. David Pitonyak, PhD. (www.dimagine.com). Although all skill development is important, we believe one of the most critical developments for children with AS/, is the ability to form and maintain meaningful relationships. As Dr. Pitonyak emphasizes, loneliness is the only real disability. Children with AS have unique learning styles, are overwhelmed by sensory stimulating environments, and experience anxiety in large groups of people. The PAS program is designed to help children learn in a comfortable and suitable environment with opportunities for generalizing acquired skills into multiple environments including social groups.
Result of meaningful relationships
Children with AS desire to have relationships with others, but do not have the skills or understanding of how to do so. When children do not have meaningful friendships, anxiety, depression, and isolation result. However, when children develop meaningful relationships, anxiety decreases and self-confidence and self-esteem increase, thus enhancing the quality of life for the child. When children have even one friend, life is more enjoyable and the children have more motivation to stretch beyond their patterns of isolation.
Building friendships
Our program promotes social skill acquisition in a motivating environment with enjoyable activities with the support of trained staff. Friendships will be nurtured and social interactions will be facilitated. The groups will remain small in order to promote the feelings of security and emotional safety and to avoid overwhelming stimuli.