SOCIAL SKILLS AND ACTIVITY GROUPS ACROSS VICTORIA

The following organisations have advised us they may be suitable for providing social skills development opportunities or have been recommended by our members.  Please note that inclusion in these lists does not imply Aspergers Victoria endorses or recommends a particular group.  This is a free information referral service only.  If you would like to have your group included, please email our Website Coordinator via the Contact Us page 

Multiple locations - Secret Agent Society

The Secret Agent Society (SAS) social skills program creates a fun, non-threatening environment in which children help learn the skills they need to become happy, well-adjusted and valued members of our society. Various practitioners are trained to deliver this program.  Click here to go to their website to find out more.

Aberfeldie - My Song Music Classes

Children are guided to explore and enjoy music while targeting social and communication goals through back-and-forth musical play interactions. Multiple locations (choose studio base in Aberfeldie or in home sessions). Classes are one-on-one and are suitable for non-verbal and verbal children with ASD ages 2 to 10 years. Classes run for one hour and parents are encouraged to join the class for the last ten minutes to enjoy music with their child and also receive feedback. Alternatively classes can be structured for those parents who wish to attend the full session/be more involved in the class with their child. See website for further details: http://mysong4kids.com

Ascot Vale - Social Learning Studio

The Social Learning Studio runs a number of groups for children, teens and adults.  To get involved, individuals that are new to The Social Learning Studio are asked to attend an initial session with Connie to discuss their individual needs and goals. Individual Sessions are costed at $140 for 50 minutes. A valid Mental Health Care Plan can be used to access a Medicare Claimable rebate of $86.20. 

What to Expect: These groups are designed to be educational and social. Participants arrive at The Social Learning Studio and can prepare themselves a hot drink until everyone arrives. Once everyone is ready, we introduce ourselves and the group structure and purpose will be discussed. 

Every group program presented by Connie is individualised to it's members and the group dynamics as a whole. Each program is delivered differently depending on the personalities, skill levels, goals and learning styles of it's members. See their website for more details

Ashwood - MyTime Lego Club 

A club for preschool kids so their parents can have some time-out. MyTime is an Australian Government funded program designed to enable parents, carers and families of children with developmental delays to have some ‘time-out’ from their day – to –day responsibilities, spend some time with other parents in a similar situation, share experiences and gain support.

We usually meet on the second Saturday of the month at Power Neighbourhood House, 54 Power Avenue, Ashwood, Melways 60 H12 from 1.00 to 4.00. This includes setting up and packing up. The children are encouraged to help with this but families are able to arrive later and leave earlier if they wish.

A play helper will support the children in their play, however, children remain the responsibility of their parent(s) or carer(s) while they are at the neighbourhood house. Children are encourgaged to play together and to work on joint or group Lego projects together depending upon their level of ability and their age and stage of development. Lego play is a recognized form of play therapy that can benefit children with developmental delays, such as autism. There is a research literature showing enhanced social skills from this kind of ‘therapy’. If you would like to know more about Lego play therapy see www.asdaid.org/lego-and-asd/lego-therapy

Ashwood - Spectrum Speech Pathology

Speech Pathologists Christine Kendall and Gloria Staios and their team have extensive experience working with children on the spectrum.  They run private and small group social skills programs during term time and school holidays.  They also run holiday programs specifically for pre-school aged children. Please visit www.spectrumspeech.com.au for details. 

Ashwood - Connecting Teens - Social Group for Teens

Connecting Teens provides an opportunity for young people (13-18yrs) with an ASD, ADHD and other similar conditions to experience friendship in a safe, supported social setting on a regular basis. Two groups are run fortnightly on Friday nights during school terms and are facilitated by two qualified adult workers. Contact person – Carol Berger

Objectives of Connecting Teens:

1. Connecting Teens aims to provide an opportunity for teenagers who have difficulties connecting with others, to assist them to develop their self-confidence, social skills and ability to make and maintain friendships.
2. To run a social club whereby the teenagers can not only become part of their own social group, but also be encouraged to contact each other outside of the group to enhance individual friendships.
3. To provide social outings, recreational activities as well as regular games nights to ensure that these teens are participating in social activities that are healthy and fun and part of what it is that young kids do.

• Two groups: Group 1 is for 13 to 15 year olds and Group 2 is for 15-18 year olds

• Location: Power Neighbourhood House, 54 Power Avenue, Ashwood, 3147 Phone: 9807 3589 mobile: 0432 150 799 or email Carol at – office@powernh.org.au. Website www.powernh.org.au

Ashwood - Kids Connect Therapy

Integrated paediatric therapy service offering individual OT and speech pathology sessions, social skills programs, school holiday programs and aquatic OT.  Registered FaHCSIA provider

• 45 Vannam Drive, Ashwood
• W: www.kidsconnect.com.au 
• E: info@kidsconnecttherapy.com.au 
• P: 03 98071114

Balwyn North - Spectrum House

Spectrum House is a psychology practise who run evidence-based intensive school holiday social skills programs for children. Programs are run for kinder and school-aged children. The groups are run over a week (Monday-Friday) for 2.5 hours a day (April programs run over four days due to Easter break).

The groups are designed and created by Psychologists and are catered towards the specific needs of participants. Each new client has an intake assessment with a psychologist prior to starting the program to allow for the client to have specific skills targeted throughout the program.

The group is facilitated by psychologists, provisional psychologists and behavioural intervention specialists and has a high facilitator to child ration.  Each group also has a project that is completed throughout the week, which culminates in a fun and engaging final day activity. This project is used to develop and generalise skills learned throughout the week. The number of children within each group is limited to ensure each child has individual goals and support from the facilitators.

The purpose of the social skils group is to teach foundation skills required for social interactions. Skills taught in the group may include:

• Theory of mind
• problem solving
• play and social skills
• relaxation, coping skills and stress management
• conversation skills
• understanding and responding to bullying
• non verbal communication skills
• understanding and responding to sarcasm
• team work (including the group project and skills such as negotiation and compromise)
• reducing self-stimulatory behaviour 

Spectrum House is at 1 Morris Street, Balwyn North 3104 Ph: 03 9888 4000 E: info@spectrumhouse.net W: www.spectrumhouse.net 

Bayswater - Aquatic Occupational Therapy

Irabina offers weekly Aquatic Occupational Therapy sessions for children with an autism spectrum disorder

Time:  Individual sessions run for 30 minutes
Cost: $95 (can be funded using HCWA funding, Medicare or fee for service)
Bookings: to enquire about this program and find available times, please contact Jannelle on ph: 03 9720-1118
Children: pre-school and school aged children welcome 

Aquatic Occupational Therapy aims to help children in the following ways: 

• Encourages motor development including motor planning, balance, postural control, muscle strength and coordination
• Supports effective sensory processing in areas of touch, movement, oral motor and self-regulation
• Develops water safety awareness and water confidence
• Promote self care skills such as tolerating hair and face washing, independent dressing 
• Develop basic independent swimming skills with a goal of transitioning into mainstream lessons 
• Develop effective social interaction, play and communication skills 

For more information please click here to download an information flyer

Irabina Childhood Autism Services 

Bentleigh - Speech4kids

Speech4Kids runs a number of social skills groups for children aged 3 to 12.  Most groups run on school nights 4:30 - 5:30 pm.

Please contact Felicia Schmaman, Practice Principal Speech4kids on 1300 701 737 for more information or to register your interest.

Bentleigh East - Kids At Max (Psychology | Speech | OT | Education)

www.kidsatmax.com.au/groups

Kids At Max offers groups every school term. We have Social Skills Groups, Builders Club (for kids who love Lego!) and School Readiness Programs. Our groups are facilitated by 2 practitioners, including a psychologist, speech pathologist, teacher or occupational therapist. 

The programs are tailored to the individual needs of the children attending. We cover areas such as:

• Understanding friendships
• Problem solving
• Initiating and sustaining play
• Being flexible with play ideas
• Understanding other people’s perspective
• Following routines
• Greeting peers
• Identifying emotions
• Playing cooperatively
• Sharing
• Turn taking

Family-centred support for children and adolescents between 2-18 years of age: assessments, counselling, therapy, autism, HCWA (FaHCSIA provider), social skills group, school readiness programs, school visits & consultations. For a full list of services, please visit our website. 

689 Centre Road Bentleigh East VIC 3165 P: 03 9702 4447 E: info@kidsatmax.com.au W: www.kidsatmax.com.au

Blackburn North - Social Thinking / Social Interaction Skills Programs for Term Four

SPLAT Speech Pathology services will be operating the following structured "Social Thinking" programs from the clinic office at 146 Springfield Rd, Blackburn North in Term Four 2015   - commencing Saturday 17th October (8 week programs).

1.  " We can make it better "   (Prep-Grade 2  @ 9.15am - 10.15am)   $90 per hour session x 8  =  $720 Term fee

Through the adventures of Bob and Maria, students are provided with the opportunity to learn and develop social thinking and related social skills in an enjoyable and engaging format.  Using the "We can make it better" stories, students develop a connection to the characters and are eager to learn about the new adventures each session, thus providing a strong foundation for teaching and developing a variety of ways to approach different situations. 

By reflecting on what the characters are "doing, thinking and feeling" throughout each story, the students have multiple opportunities to process and analyse verbal and nonverbal behaviours - a process that students then apply to problem solve their own social experiences.  

2.  "MOVIE TIME"  (Grades 3-6  @ 10.30am - 11.30am )   $75 per hour session x 8  =  $600 Term fee

Movie time social learning helps to link the components of social thinking in a structured but dynamic learning process, supporting children in identifying contextual and fundamental "thinking with your eyes" information, expanding emotional vocabulary, understanding and tracking multiple perspectives, interpreting tone / facial/ nonverbal and gestural information, discussing expected and unexpected behaviours and consequences and experiencing empathy with characters.

* Please contact Meg for additional information and registration forms.

SPLAT also offers individual therapy to meet the specific needs of your child. Please contact Meg if you have any questions or wish to discuss any of the programs further. 

Meg Dicker (Ba.Sp.Path) Speech Pathologist  CPSP   M.S.P.A.   M.A.V.   M.R.C.S.L.T.

P.O. Box 330,Kerrimuir 3129

Ph: 0424 272 650

Specialising in Autism Spectrum Disorders and Inclusive Education

Box Hill  - Launch Pad: Skills for Life

Launch Pad – skills for life, is an independently run program that specialises in social intervention strategies for children, teens or adults who suspect, or have been diagnosed with High functioning Autism, Aspergers Syndrome, PDD Nos. or ADD/ADHD. 

All classes are designed to provide an holistic approach to the learning of social and interpersonal skills and intervention: fun role play scenarios, direct instruction, games, drama activities and teamwork.  Each class, either private or group, is designed with a specific aim, tailored to meet the needs of the individual student or students. 

Covering: 

• Communication skills including non verbal skills – body language, voice usage
• Friendship and relationship skills
• Social skills and intervention strategies
• Accepting yourself – self esteem, self confidence and resilience

Each class runs weekly for 50 minutes. This allows time at the end of each class for a general overview and questions from concerned parents or caregivers.

Classes offered – individual and group classes (5 or 10 week term)

For further information please contact Linda via Ph: 0466 882 939 or email: launchpadskills@gmail.com

Box Hill - Managing Feelings Group

Melinda Gladman & Dr. Sonia Prescott, Clinincal Psychologists

Terms 2, 3 & 4 2015, 3pm to 4.30pm each Thursday for 8 weeks at ‘BIALA’ - 10 ROSE STREET, BOX HILL 

FAHCSIA APPROVED PROGRAM.  TO REGISTER PLEASE CONTACT:

Melinda Gladman                   Ph: 0402 454 286                 melindagladman@bigpond.com

Dr. Sonia Prescott                 Ph: 0421 220 378                 acfsoniaprescott@gmail.com

• The Managing Feelings Group is aimed at children with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder aged between 5 and 7 years. The group will consist of approximately 6 children.
• The group will be conducted by 2 Clinical Psychologists experienced in the assessment and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders.
• Children are taught a wide range of strategies to identify and express their feelings in an acceptable manner. In addition, the children will be prompted and guided to use a variety of skills to promote successful social interaction.
• The program has a particular focus on managing the feelings of anxiety and anger, and developing cooperative play skills.
• A variety of age appropriate and fun activities are used including games, songs, stories, visual aides and puppet plays to assist children to identify, measure and manage their feelings, and to interact with each other in a cooperative and age appropriate manner.
• Each week parents are provided with verbal and written information outlining the content of each session and detailing home practice tasks to ensure parents and teachers are able to use a consistent approach to help the child generalise their new skills.

Box Hill South - Talk'n Tumble - A Gymnastics Based Social Skills Group

Talk’n Tumble is a new and exciting social skills program for kinder aged children. The class

runs similarly to a gymnastics class with all the fun and gross motor benefits but with a clear

focus on social skills. Class will be capped at 6 children to maximise therapeutic benefit. The

purpose is for children to learn foundation social skills and social thinking, practice them in a

fun and safe environment and develop the confidence and self-esteem to carry these into

their day to day lives. The program will also help kinder aged children prepare for prep

transition.

Key goals for children in the program:

• Whole body listening and following instructions
• Transitioning between activities/tasks
• Respecting and encouraging others
• Introducing self and greetings
• Group play, turn taking
• Waiting in line and body awareness
• Being part of a team
• Understanding body language
• Playing in a fun and safe way
• Coping with winning and losing in a positive way

• Emotional understanding and regulation
• Flexible thinking and problem solving
• Attention and concentration
• Organising belongings

Time: 1hr weekly sessions over 5 weeks (classes are run in the early afternoon on weekdays) Cost: $50 (can be funded using Medicare)

Location: Eastern Gymnastics Club, 21 Clarice Rd Box Hill South, VIC, 3128

Naomi Tesdorpf, Paediatric Occupational Therapist - W: www.talkntumble.com.au E: naomi.talkntumble@gmail.com P: 0432513380

Brighton - PEERS Social Skills Programs

Psychologist Kasia Scully runs 14 week P.E.E.R.S social skills and friendship classes for teenagers, 14-16 year old girls, and 7-12 year old children groups. PEERS is a social skills training intervention that follows the curriculum of the evidence based Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills developed by Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson and Dr. Fred Frankel at UCLA (2010). The primary aim is to help teenagers make and keep their own friends. Teenagers with ASD participating in this program have shown significant increases in social responsivity and their parents and teachers have reported more frequent peer interactions and improved social etiquette.

Download a brochure with full details here

Burwood East - Social Interaction Skills Program

Our group sessions are designed for young people with Language disorders,  PDD-NOS, Asperger syndrome or High Functioning Autism  who experience difficulties with:

• Interacting with same age peers & developing friendships
• Planning, organization, shifting attention, self- monitoring, flexible thought and action (executive functions) 
• Playing games with others and following rules
• Becoming too rigid or coping with unstructured times
• Understanding and expressing emotions (awareness of self and others)
• Negotiating conflict and compromise

Our main goal is to provide a long-term affordable social interaction program for children and families on a weekly basis in a familiar and comfortable environment (school classroom setting).

The groups consist of informal activities, structured tasks and discussions with a main focus on cognitive, emotional and social skills. Role-plays and videoing are also used for rehearsal and to reinforce learning of targeted areas. Parents will receive resources for ongoing practice and to encourage generalisation into the home and school environments.   

When & where?

• Burwood East Primary School, cnr Highbury & Blackburn Rds
• Saturday mornings weekly at 9.30am, 10.30am and 11.30am 
• 50 minute duration

Cost: $40 per session, or 8 week term $320  -  full payment due upon registration (each term)

FAHCSIA Funded program $400 per term (additional administrative cost)

Meg Dicker - Speech Pathologist, Toni Grimes and Debbie Johnston - Integration Aides

Email meg@s-p-l-a-t.com.au or call 0424 272 650

Caroline Springs - Dandelion Kids

Dandelion Kids offer Friendship Groups and Social Skills Training for children with High Functioning Autism, Aspergers and associated conditions in Melbourne's west.

At Dandelion Kids we recognise that practising your social skills will lead to greater success in the outside world. That's why we offer weekly Friendship Groups and Social Skills Training for children aged between 6-12 with High Functioning Autism, Aspergers and associated conditions.

Friendship Groups

We have 3 Friendship Groups on offer (Construct-a-Club, Art-ism and Bean Bag Club)

Each Friendship group has been developed to encourage group play, build on your child's interests and assist with equipping your child for everyday life.

What's more, we accept enrolments for siblings as well. Through guided play and learning we aim to encourage siblings to learn to accept each other's differences and learn to play together in a safe and constructive way.

Friendship groups run throughout the school terms.

Social Skills Training

Dandelion Kids offers Social Skills Training for children aged between 6-12 years of age. Groups of between 3-7 will meet weekly focusing on developing and enhancing individuals social skills, relationship building, appropriate play, fostering and developing friendships and reading non-verbal social cues.

Groups will use a number of methods to achieve the group's goals including discussion, role plays, game playing and practise. Classes will run for 45 minutes with a 10 minute recap for parents at the end of each session.

Social Skills Training runs throughout the school terms.

Please visit our website for further information www.dandelionkids.com.au

Coburg - ASD Playgroup

For children with autism and their families. What to Expect: 

• regular visits from speech therapists, occupational therapists, and early childhood nurses
• Structured activites that support your child's edcuationanl and social experiences.
• Lots of fun!

Where: Robinson Reserve Neighbourhood House, 104A Reynard St, Coburg

When: Every Friday term time, 9:30-11:30am. Contact: 03 9386 7128

BYO: Snack and water bottle

The Lab

What is the Lab?

The Lab is a technology club for young people with Aspergers or High Functioning Autism. It offers a safe social environment and tuition by technology professionals in areas such as programming, digital design and gaming. At each weekly two-hour lab session, two or more computer programmers and designers work individually with between 12 and 20 young people to develop their technology skills and interests. Young people also learn social skills and make friends with others who share their interests. Parents meet in a separate room to swap notes and strategies.

More information can be found here: http://www.thelab.org.au/

FERNTREE GULLY - THE LAB

Mondays 4.00—6.00pm for 13– 18 year olds

At Mountain District Learning Centre, 13-15 The Avenue, Ferntree Gully

$20 per session (paid by the term) concession $15 per session

To enrol please contact each venue directly for enrolment forms. Open to ages 12-16 years.

For more information visit www.thelab.org.au 

FOOTSCRAY - THE LAB

All sessions are at Footscray Community Arts Centre,  and go for the whole school term. Session times are as follows:

Wednesdays 4.30pm - 6.30pm (social session)

Thursdays 4.30pm - 6.30pm (tech session - for more advanced programming/designing)

Saturdays 1.00pm - 3.00pm (social session)

Cost for the term (payable as a block in advance) will be $121 for the social session term including GST, and $181.50 for the tech sessions (these are more because we have fewer children and more individual mentoring). Concessions are available.

FRANKSTON - THE LAB

The Lab Frankston is located at the Karingal Neighbourhood House computer room, Karingal Place, 103 Ashleigh Avenue, Frankston. Entry is via the car park on the left of the building. (Map link: http://goo.gl/gC299z )

Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptop – there is a limited supply of desktops available.

We are currently running the following sessions Tuesdays only:

4:30pm – 6:30pm

6:30pm – 8:30pm

The cost is $15 per session, payable each school term. Your payment covers the cost of the mentors, who are professional programmers and software designers. If you have a child who is interested in joining The Lab Frankston please fill out their online application form and they will let you know when places become available.

Contact Stefan, Dale and the Lab team at The Lab (www.thelab.org.au)

GEELONG - THE LAB

The Lab Geelong was established in March 2013. It is located at 74-78 Mckillop Street And Yarra Street Geelong, Greater Geelong City, Victoria.

The cost is $15 per session. This covers the cost of our mentors, who are professional programmers and software designers. The Lab Geelong is thankful for the support of the following organisation, Just Better Care

The Lab Geelong currently runs the following sessions;

Friday  Social Session  5:00pm-7:00pm

Saturday  Social Session  9.30am-11.30am

Saturday Social Session  11.30am-1.30pm

If you have a child who is interested in joining The Lab Geelong please fill out our online application form and we will let you know when places become available.

Contact Stefan, Dale and the Lab team at The Lab (www.thelab.org.au)

NORTH CROYDON - THE LAB

For more information about times and costs, please contact: Mike McDermott, Customer and Community Engagement Manager East, Scope. Tel: (03) 9902 1076 | Mobile: 0419755142 Email: mmcdermott@scopevic.org.au

Doncaster East - Social Lights Program

Social Lights offers a highly individualised, integrative and dynamic program catered to each child’s individual areas of difficulty and strength. The program is designed for children and teenagers with High Functioning Autism, Asperger Syndrome, ADD/ADHD, or those who are struggling in the area of social and emotional development.

Some of the specific areas that can be covered in sessions include:

• Communication – conversation skills and non-verbal skills, body language
• Friendship and interpersonal – appropriate play, making and maintaining friendships
• Emotions – understanding feelings, relaxation, coping skills, anger and stress management
• Flexible thinking – negotiation, compromise, dealing with change
• Confidence – Self-esteem, assertiveness, resilience
• Problem Solving – conflict resolution, bullying prevention and response strategies
• Attention – planning, organisation , self-monitoring, shifting and dividing attention

Sessions are designed to meet the collective goals of parents and children, which is achieved through an all-inclusive and multidisciplinary approach to learning. Social Lights recognises that all children and families are different and have different needs. The aim of Social Lights is to use these unique differences to help young people and their families to grow, and learn new skills. This is achieved through positive behaviour support in teaching social skills. It encompasses a variety of fun learning techniques such as role-plays, games, imagination, art, drama, teamwork activities, video feedback, demonstration, and guided instruction.

Social Lights sessions run each term for 10 weeks and sessions are 55 minutes. They are organised at a time suited to parents and practitioner and are suitable for preschool children to young adults. The following sessions are available:
-  Individual
-  Group
-  Siblings
-  Girls only groups
-  We can also come to your home or school

Please contact Elizabeth for further information on  mobile 0401 958 750 or  email  social.lights.melbourne@gmail.com

Fairfield - Drama Solutions for Social Skills

An exciting alternative non-clinical educational child centred approach using positive behaviour support. Trevor Dunn is an experienced social skills and drama coach/educator of many years experience.

Drama Solutions for Social Skills now offering free assessment for primary school aged students for their current Saturday Morning Drama and Social Skills Class by appointment only. 

• Primary age - Kid's Club 
• When - Saturdays 11am to 12pm
• Where - St Andrew's Uniting Church, 85 Giles Street, Fairfield
• Cost - $30 per class no fixed term
• Expressions of interest are now being taken for a young teen Drama and Social Skills Class, starting soon. 

Trevor is willing to conduct Drama and Social Skills Classes for any group of 8 persons in any location. Cost is negotiable and discounts are available.

Trevor also offers intensive individual social skills training for all ages.

Intensive Individual Social Skills Training 

• When- Mon to Fri  9.30 am to 9.30pm
• Where- Nest Coworking, 829a High St Thornbury
• Cost- $75 per class no fixed term
• Free assessment now being offered by appointment only. 

For more information please contact- 

• Trevor Dunn
• Social Skills & Drama Coach
• M: 0413407728
• E: dunntrev@hotmail.com

Flemington - Special Needs Recreation

At the Creative Learning Centre we create an environment where students who may have difficulty accessing regular classes can connect with others and develop creativity.  Classes are small and are designed for children who have a serious interest/talent as well as for those who want to have fun.  Our goal is for all students to experience the arts in a joyful way.Recreation classes cannot be funded by organisations such as FaHCSIA or Medicare.

Drama Group (9-12 years) Tuesdays 4:30 - 5:30pm

Dance & Create (13+) Thursdays 5:45 - 6:30pm 

Special Needs Dance (5-12 years) Saturdays 3:45-4:30pm

There is currently a waiting list for the Drama Group and Special Needs Dance classes. Please contact us to express your interest on 9375 7239 or info@creativelc.com.au or www.springintoaction.com.au

Glen Iris - Social Interaction Skills for Preschoolers

On Track Services is a specialist multi-disciplinary team providing prompt and comprehensive assessments, counselling and intervention programs for children with

• Autism
• Asperger's Syndrome
• Global Developmental Delay
• Intellectual Disabilities
• Emotional and behavioural problems
• Speech and language disorders   

The team includes psychologists, speech pathologists and early childhood education consultants highly experienced and specialised in:

• Comprehensive Autism Spectrum Disorder assessments
• Cognitive assessments
• Speech therapy in various community locations (home, school, kinders, child
• care) and assessments
• Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis
• Individual intervention plans
• Unique and specialised one-on-one treatments
• Social Skills groups 
• Family counselling
• Support groups

They offer a range of social interaction skills programs for preschool aged children (4-6) such as:

• Skills to Start
• Skills for School
• Transistion to School

Visit their website at www.ontracktherapygroup.com.au for up to date details

Glen Waverley - Creative Moves for teens with Aspergers

Creative Moves - Moving from the inside our for youth with mild Autism- Aspergers

Creative Moves is a new and exciting art form that offers special needs children with an opportunity to move from the inside out and be part of a movement-based expressive arts group. We dance our moves with the support of music, intuitively draw and use props to express our creativity and life themes. 

Creative Moves uses specific Life/Art processes to explore:

• Personal communication skills and relationships with self & peers.
• Enhances awareness with a focus on the intelligent body & self-image in motion.
• The exploration of movement range and possibilities to open to their creative expression 

Monash Studio is at 1 Forest Crt, Glen Waverley 3150 VIC   www.moveintolife.com.au

For inquiries / registration phone: Mandy 0437 348808 (9-13yrs) or Tiana 0421 045 438 (14-17yrs)

Keilor - Keilor Psychology 

Justine Knott at Keilor Psychology provides social skills groups for children with Aspergers, between age 4 to 13.  This includes the Secret Agent Society groups.  Please contact reception on 9331 7391 for more details or visit the website www.keilorpsychology.com.au.  Medicare rebates may be available for group programs.

Melbourne - Sound Beginnings

Special Needs Access Program – Early Intervention

Making music is a great way to inspire people of all ages and develop new skills in a fun and interesting way.

This program brings children with special needs together with their families to create and share music. Held over six 45 minute sessions in small groups, the program is run by Registered Music Therapists and is tailored to suit children’s individual needs.

See http://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/whats-on/event.aspx?id=3385 for more details

Malvern & Niddrie – Solution Psychology Australia

FRIENDSHIP TRAINING FOR PRESCHOOLERS | Social Skills Program for Kinder Children. 

This monthly group will focus on building social skills with the aim of creating a successful school transition for children with social, emotional or communication difficulties. The group has a social thinking focus. 

PEERS | Social Skills Intervention for Teenagers

Melissa & Deirdre were the first Australian Psychologists to attend the training for PEERS at UCLA in 2015. PEERS® is a 14 week evidence based social skills intervention for motivated teens in secondary school who are interested in learning ways to help them make and keep friends. During each group session teens are taught important social skills and are given the opportunity to practice these skills in session during socialisation activities. 

Parents attend separate sessions at the same time and are taught how to assist their teens in making and keeping friends by helping to expand their teen’s social network and providing feedback through coaching during weekly socialization homework assignments.

SOCIAL SPIES | School Holiday Program for Children aged 5-8 years. 

Social Spies focus is on teaching specific social skills necessary to make and maintain friendships in the school yard and beyond. Children will get a spy kit full of gadgets, use their spy gadgets to get out of tricky situations, and go bowling together to solve friendships mysteries.  Find out more by watching our video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-rWsl1lXlE

PARENT SUPPORT GROUP 

A chance to connect with parents sharing a similar journey, join us for monthly Parent Support Group meetings. Facilitation will rotate between our fabulous team of psychologists. A chance to share ideas and feel supported. Places will be limited, bookings essential. 

To find out more about all our programs call us on 99887760 or email admin@solutionpsychology.com.au

Moonee Ponds - Spectrum Speech Pathology 

Speech Pathologists Christine Kendall and Gloria Staios have extensive experience working with children on the spectrum.  They run private and small group social skills programs during term time and school holidays.  They also run holiday programs specifically for pre-school aged children.

Please visit www.spectrumspeech.com.au for details.

Moonee Ponds - Drama Club

Drama Club is a safe place to experiment with drama, mime, voice, movement and film. 

Each session starts with developing drama skills like using your voice in fun ways, using your body to express emotions or “initiating and responding” to one other person. Then everyone plans a story to act out in large or small groups. In 2013 we will also work on producing a short film together.

Lee Frances, who leads the group, makes sure that everyone gets their say and everyone gets a chance to have fun.  Near the beginning of term we make a contract together so that all members are listened to and work on drama activities that they enjoy. Don’t worry if you find social situations a bit tricky – Lee has worked a lot with other kids that do too, both as a performing arts teacher and as an Occupational Therapist. You can also have some individual sessions with Lee to help plan how you can participate better.   

Term 1 – Tues February 12th – March 26th

• 4-4.30pm – 4-7 years - $22 per session
• 4.30-5.30 – 8-12 years - $27.50 per session
• 5.30-6.30 – 13-18 years - $27.50 per session 

Also book in for the Term 2 Storytelling and Performance Making Workshop with Playback Theatre – April 30th 4.30-6.30pm - $55 

For more details contact Lee or Danielle via P: 9375 7239 M: 0437194238 E: info@creativelc.com.au or W: www.creativelc.com.au

Moonee Ponds - Yoga for Children with social difficulties and/or anxiety

Therese Ryan (Speech Pathologist, Social Thinking Specialist and Gita Style Yoga Teacher) and Piera Giansiracusa (Registered School Teacher and Yoga Teacher Gita Style, Senior accreditation Yoga Australia), offer  an 8 week program of yoga combined with social awareness skills. 

Goals of the program:

• StrengtheningSelfAwareness: Body Awareness, Emotional Awareness and Stress Management strategies
• SocialAwarenessandConnection: Social skills of working and learning in a group 

Classes are held at the Centre for Mind and Movement, Level 6, 641 Mount Alexander Road, Moonee Ponds 3039 and cost $300 per term.

For more information click here to download the flyer, or contact Therese Ryan on 0409 922 168 

Mt Waverley - Different Kids, Different People

Educational and Developmental Psychologist Dr Marged Goode has launched a range of 10 week social skills programs designed specifically for children and young people with Aspergers. Groups of between 6-10 participants are running from Marged's Mt Waverley office. Other groups may run in other locations if there is sufficient interest. 

The programs will cover topics such as anxiety, anger management, assertiveness, body language, dealing with conflict, conversations, different feelings, fear, friendship, interpersonal problem solving, interview skills, personal space, responsibility and sharing. There will be the opportunity to decide what topics are covered, and to suggest others, once the group is formed.

Groups are being, or have already formed for various age groups. Please click on the program name to download a flyer for full details.

For children aged approximately 8-10, Different Little Kids Program, and Expression of Interest form

For children aged approximately 10-13, Different Kids Program, and Expression of Interest form

For children aged approximately 13-17, Different Teens Program, and Expression of Interest form

For young people aged approximately 18-30, Different People Program, and Expression of Interest form.

Murrumbeena - Robot School

Aspie teacher and tutor Francis Witwicki runs the Robot School, for which classes can be held at his premises in Murrumbeena for up to 4 students, or at schools, youth centres or other group premises for groups of between 6 and 9 individuals.  

For students in years 5-10, Francis runs 7 one hour sessions, and provides all equipment required, including laptops for programming. He also offers Robotics Lunchtime Clubs and holiday programs.

For futher information see www.robotschool.com.au or contact Francis directly on 0406 775 309 or 03 95042363 or help@robotschool.com.au 

Reservoir (plus online only for 16-35 yo participants): Digital Enterprise Pathways

Digital Enterprise: Pathways to Education and Employment for Young People with Disabilities (http://digital-enterprise-pathways.net) is a national program funded by the Australian Government Department of Education under the Broadband- Enabled Education and Skills Service Program. Through challenging and developing their IT and entrepreneurial skills, the program aims to foster their sense of personal initiative, reduce isolation and increase their rate of participation in further education and employment. Digital Enterprise builds on the success of "The Lab” technology clubs, which started in Melbourne in 2011, for young people with High Functioning Autism.

The program is being offered free of charge to young people, aged 10 to 35, who have Autism Spectrum Disorders. Participants should have an interest in computers, gaming, graphics or programming and will need some computer skills and the ability to use a computer without assistance or with assistive technology. They should have a computer and internet access at home, so they can work on projects between sessions. The 16 to 35 age group participants must have attained a minimum of Year 10 or have equivalent competence, to participate in the training program.

Those who need assistance with mobility or everyday activities or who have other complex needs, will need to discuss their needs with the Site Leader when applying. Participation is purely voluntary and you may withdraw from the program at any time without affecting your care, now or in the future.

If you are interested in joining a Digital Enterprise group please email Eleanor, the Project Coordinator, who will refer you to the Site Leader in your area.  You can use the form (http://digital-enterprise-pathways.net/contact.php) on this website to contact the Coordinator directly.

Or Email: CIL-Digital.Enterprise@unisa.edu.au Telephone 08 8302 4623

Please supply your name and address, telephone and email address, your age, and something about yourself, your disability and any special needs, so that we can connect you with the right group. 

Ringwood - Aussie Hoops

The essence of Aussie Hoops is FUN and uses a hands-on game approach to allow kids to experience the skills of basketball whilst playing a series of games.  Aussie Hoops embraces the concept of modified sport, where participants can enjoy themselves in fun activities without the pressures of full-scale competition. 
Aussie Hoops is for boys and girls of ALL abilities, aged between 5 and 12 years old.  It can be played all year round, indoors or outdoors and many of the activities don't even require a hoop! 

When:      Thursdays 5:05pm - 5:50pm  

Where:     Maroondah Indoor Sports Centre, 362-378 Canterbury Rd Ringwood (Opposite Cadburys) 
Cost:        $65 New enrolment (Includes Aussie Hoops Pack) 

For more information, contact Beau Stokes, Facility Manager, Maroondah Indoor Sports Centre 
Ph:      03 9298 4487 
E:        bstokes@maroondah.vic.gov.au 
W:       www.maroondahleisure.com.au  

Thornbury - Drama Solutions For Social Skills

An exciting alternative non-clinical educational child centred approach using positive behaviour support. Trevor Dunn is an experienced social skills and drama coach/educator of many years experience.

Drama Solutions for Social Skills now offering free assessment for primary school aged students for their current Saturday Morning Drama and Social Skills Class by appointment only.

• Primary age - Kid's Club 
• When - Saturdays 11am to 12pm
• Where - St Andrew's Uniting Church, 85 Giles Street, Fairfield
• Cost - $30 per class no fixed term
• Expressions of interest are now being taken for a young teen Drama and Social Skills Class, starting soon.

Trevor is willing to conduct Drama and Social Skills Classes for any group of 8 persons in any location. Cost is negotiable and discounts are available. Trevor also offers intensive individual social skills training for all ages.

Intensive Individual Social Skills Training

• When- Mon to Fri  9.30 am to 9.30pm
• Where- Nest Coworking, 829a High St Thornbury
• Cost- $75 per class no fixed term
• Free assessment now being offered by appointment only.

For more information please contact- Trevor Dunn, Social Skills & Drama Coach M: 0413407728 E: dunntrev@hotmail.com

Thornbury - Be Confident Belong

Be Confident Belong (BCBL) is a group program for young people who have become insecure in their friendships, experienced bullying or feel pre-occupied about fitting in. The group is suitable for teenagers with Asperger Syndrome and meets weekly at Crisalida Child, Adolescent and Family Therapy Centre, located at 678 High St Thornbury. Before attending a BCBL group, the young person and his/her family attend a pre-program meeting.

Group facilitator Jane Maher is a Psychodramatist and a Probationary Family Therapist who believes that many young people can recover their social confidence in a group with peers. The group setting gives them an experience of exploring their curiosity about other teens, their concerns about belonging with others their age in the safety of a well facilitated group. To ensure confidentiality there are no two teenagers from the same school in the one group.

More information about the group program, including fees and contact details, can be found at http://evolvingroles.com.au/ or by contacting Crisalida on 03 9484 6299.

Entries are arranged alphabetically by suburb / town.

Upper Ferntree Gully - The Lab

Wednesdays 4.00—6.00pm for 10-12 year olds

At Coonara Community House, 22 Willow Rd, Upper Ferntree Gully. Phone 03 9758 7081 to book

What is the Lab? The Lab is a technology club for young people with Asperger’s Syndrome or High Functioning Autism. It offers a safe social environment and tuition by technology professionals in areas such as programming, digital design and gaming. At each weekly two-hour lab session, two or more computer programmers and designers work individually with between 12 and 20 young people to develop their technology skills and interests. Young people also learn social skills and make friends with others who share their interests. Parents meet in a separate room to swap notes and strategies.

More information can be found here: http://www.thelab.org.au/ $20 per session (paid by the term) concession $15 per session