S.O.U.L.

“Skills Of Understanding Life”

Social and Life Skill Building Program

For

Autism Spectrum Disorders or Difficulties in Relating

WHEN: Dependent on Group

WHERE:Surfside, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach and Georgetown County

CONTACT:843-449-0554

S.O.U.L. Program Description

Children to Young Adult

The program focuses on helping children,pre-adolescents, adolescents and young adults develop greater awareness and understanding of perspectives different from their own as a means for improving conversation skills, developing relationships with peers, and dealing with emotions and behaviors. Younger children work on play skills as well as conversation skills.

The individual needs of participants are considered in the formation of groups so that those with similar abilities in language, cognition and social awareness are grouped together. Groups are also clustered by age range. Three to seven participants are assigned to a group unless combined for a large group event.

Assessment occurs at the start of the session and brief progress notes are recorded at the conclusion of each session.

Shannon Peterson, MS Autism Consultant supervises the program curriculum, goals and data to observe counselor interactions and program effectiveness along with Dillon Waters, Psychology Graduate, who is a Program Consultant overseeing counselors administering the program curriculum as well as monitors sessions. Each participating counselor is trained in coursework on autism spectrum disorders.

Parents must attend an initial screening with their child/young adult participant and a program consultant in order to mutually define the best group placement within the program.

S.O.U.L. Program Description

Adults

The program focuses on helping individuals develop greater awareness and understanding of perspectives different from their own. This forum allows questions and answers in a small group setting. Small group discussions will allow for developing relationships and improving conversations skills. Wewill focus on relevant life topics and understanding and coping with emotions, anxiety and stress.

The individual needs and interests are considered in the formation of groups so that those with similar abilities in language, cognition and social awareness are grouped together. Three to seven participants are assigned to a group unless combined for a large group event.

Assessment occurs at the start of the session and brief progress notes are recorded at the conclusion of each session.

Shannon Peterson, MS Autism Consultant supervises the program curriculum, goals and data to observe counselor interactions and program effectiveness along with Dillon Waters, Psychology Graduate, who is a Program Consultant overseeing counselors administering the program curriculum as well as monitors sessions. Each participating counselor is trained in coursework on autism spectrum disorders.

Parents or family/friend support members are encouraged to attend an initial introduction meeting to go over the program with all participants as well as some community events we will be coordinating.

Application for the S.O.U.L. Program – presented by S.O.S. Healthcare Inc.

Please complete the following application materials and return to the address below (either mail or fax 843-497-4861. If applicable and useful to build goals, please attach a copy of your child’s most current IEP or 504 plan and return with the application materials to:

SOS Healthcare Inc.

PO Box 7136 Myrtle Beach SC 29572

Name ______Date ______

Date of Birth ______Age ______Grade In School (if applicable)______

School District______School______

Special Education Program or Services Received (if applicable)______

______

Parent (s)/Legal Guardian/Represent Self______

Address ______City And State ______Zip Code:______

Home Phone ______Work Phone______Cell Phone______

Email address ______

Medical Diagnosis or Disability Category if Relevant______

Medical Alerts or Concerns Including Medications and Food Allergies ______

In The Event Of An Emergency Please Contact ______

Cell Phone ______Home Phone______Email______

The following questions are designed to assist the program director in determining what groups would be most beneficial for each participant. Please provide enough detail so that abilities and needs are clearly communicated for children up to young adult. Notes from Adult participant meetings with counselors will be filled in as needed by counselors.

  1. Identify specific social skills that you believe are most important to develop while participating in this program.
  1. Identify specific social skills to work on while participating in this program.
  1. Describe communication and language skills.
  1. Describe participant’s strengths?
  1. Describe special interests, talents or hobbies?
  1. Can a group facilitator successfully integrate these interests into the social skills sessions or will they be a source of distraction and preoccupation?
  1. Are there any behaviors (or triggers) that the group facilitatorsneed to know about? Will he or she need special accommodations or clear limitations when structuring sessions? If so, provide suggestions for addressing these behaviors.
  1. Able to participate independently in a group activity for an hour?
  1. Provide any information that will assist the group facilitator in structuring the sessions for the participants greatest success (e.g., visual schedules, behavior management suggestions).
  1. Does your child/young adult ever run or wander away or demonstrate behaviors that within their regular daily school or home schedule commonly require 1 on 1 support of an adult?