Teaching Social Skills & Perspective Taking for Individuals with High Functioning Autism/Asperger’s Disorder

Guest presenter, Karen Guillmette, MS. CCC-SLP, Director of Speech Programs at Chapel Haven West. Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other social cognitive deficits benefit from a comprehensive social communication program that combines traditional social skills training with more complex interventions that target increasing one’s ability to make appropriate social judgments in novel situations. This training will highlight the model of social communication intervention. This model incorporates intervention provided by a range of professional staff members across a variety of settings (apartment, work, college, recreational activities, etc.). Samples of therapy session activities will be shared. Key strategies that have led to success will be highlighted. Concepts are generally introduced first in a structured setting, and then applied to additional settings. As an example, a class teaching laundry/clothing management skills will include a discussion of how an individual’s cleanliness and clothing management impacts others’ thoughts about him/her. During actual completion of these tasks, these concepts are again reinforced. Students from Chapel Haven West may present their experiences with social skills training.

When:
Friday, April 16th, 2010

Time:
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Where:
SARRC VLSA, 2225 N. 16^th Street, Phx, AZ 85006

Cost:
$40/person. Please call SARRC at (480) 603-3283

Contact & Registration:
Pilar Dowling (480) 603-3283
or email training@autismcenter.org