What is the After School Social Skills Respite Program?
The Respite program offers a once a week, after school, group to support youth in enhancing their social and relationships skills while offering a break to families.
After School Social Skills Respite Program
What is the focus of the After School Social Skills Respite Program?
The focus of this group is to enhance learning in a fun and relaxed group. Proven instructional methods are combined with social, community based and recreational activities.
Our groups have a high success rate of helping create lasting friendships developed in an inclusive, safe and welcoming environment.
A number of skill areas are addressed in this program. Some of them are listed below along with some of the activities included in the program.
Social Skills
- zones of regulation (fostering self-regulation and emotional control);
- reciprocal conversations
- listening to and following directions
- problem solving skills
- turn taking
- helping others
- empathy
- building rapports
Community Access and Recreational Opportunities
- mini golf
- movies
- fitness
- swimming
- board games
Money Skills
- handling small amounts of cash
- paying for items in the community
- grocery shopping
Life Skills
- knowing personal information
- community safety
- basic cooking skills
- community appropriate hygiene
Is the After School Social Skills Respite Program right for your child?
Our After School Social Skills Respite Program is right for your child if they:
- are 7 – 17 years old;
- are a resident of Hamilton;
- are a low to moderate support needs individual with ASD;
- wants to socialize and learn with others;
- can engage in safe behaviour in a group and community setting;
- are able to toilet independently;
- are able to move independently;
- can manage in a group with 1 staff person to 4 group members; and
- the family welcomes a break
After a referral is made, your child is put on a wait list for the program.
When there is an opening you will be contacted by the Program Coordinator to arrange a time to meet.