AuSM Social Skills
AuSM Social Skills for 2013-2014 will be announced soon.
We live in a social world. From tweets to texts, the world is immersed in a non-stop stream of interaction. Now, more than ever, it is vital for those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to acquire the tools to help them successfully navigate social encounters. The AuSM Social Skills Program, led by an ASD expert, focuses on fostering self-awareness and self-esteem by exploring the complexities of making friends, engaging in conversations, and understanding the unwritten rules as individuals journey from the schoolyard to the workplace.
Groups are divided by age and topics and activities are tailored to the age and developmental abilities of each group.
Click here to view the AuSM Adults Social Skills goals and expectations (pdf document).
Parent/Participant Orientation
Held prior to the start of each session, the parent/participant orientation will give you the opportunity to learn about the program, view the classroom space, meet with the teacher and staff and share information about your child.
Prior to the start of each AuSM Social Skills program, parents/guardians and participants are asked to complete short questionnaires to help guide class content and drive positive results upon class completion. Click here to view the questionnaire for parents/guardians. Click here to view the questionnaire for AuSM Social Skills participants.
AuSM Social Skills Program
AuSM Social Skills for 2013-2014 will be announced soon.
AuSM Elementary (ages 8-11)
In a friendly and welcoming environment, our autism experts will use engaging activities to help AuSM Elementary group participants improve behavioral and social skills including:
• Making friends
• Sharing space effectively
• Regulating emotions
• Understanding written and unwritten rules
• Solving problems independently
AuSM Tweens (ages 12-14)
The AuSM Tweens group will focus on skills needed for group learning, conflict resolution/problem-solving, relationship building and increased behavioral regulation. This group will explore:
• Making and maintaining friendships
• Learning organizational strategies
• Handling stress
• Accepting accountability
AuSM Teens (ages 15-17)
AuSM Teens group will focus on improving communication in public social settings, learning more effective ways of handling peer pressure, dealing with family relationships and/or conflict, exploring issues related to self-image, and learning more effective ways of handling stress in school, family and social situations. The group’s main focus will be tailored to the needs of the participants, and will include:
• Individualized social skills
• Self-discovery
• Generalization skills
AuSM Adults (ages 18 and up)
The AuSM Adults group will focus on improving communication in public social settings, learning more effective ways to communicate with peers, dealing with relationships and/or conflict, and learning more effective ways of handling stress in various situations. The group’s main focus will be tailored to the needs of the participants, and will include:
• Individualized social skills
• Generalization skills
• Improving communication skills
• Learning how to fit into group situations
AuSM Cancellation Policy
Notification of cancellation: If an event is cancelled or postponed, AuSM will attempt to notify you via phone, using the phone number provided with your registration. We also will post notice of cancellations and postponements on www.ausm.org.
Cancellation by registrant: Refunds less a $10 processing fee will be given for cancellations received in writing to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 7 business days prior to the event. Following this date, no refunds will be given. Requests for transfer of registration to another individual will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Cancellation by event organizer: AuSM reserves the right to cancel an event due to low registrations or other circumstances that make the event non-viable. If AuSM cancels an event, registrants will be offered a full refund. If the event is postponed, registrants will have the option to either receive a full refund or transfer registration to the same event at the new, future date.
