The Friendship Group provides an opportunity for children to interact with others in a structured play setting.  It will help teach basic friendship skills, such as using eye contact, greeting others, taking turns and practicing conversation. Groups often include games and snacks.

Play & Friendship Groups- Fall 2010
Deadline to Submit Applications: August 18, 2010

All Groups Facilitated by: Patti Boheme & Mary Crissman

For Boys and Girls
Each of the 4 groups runs 6 weeks
Cost: $360, due at first group
(no refunds for missed sessions)

Group 1. Social Detective
Ages: 10 -12 year olds
Day & Time: Mondays, 5-6 p.m.
Dates: September 13-October 18

Focus: During the group, participants will learn to identify the facial expressions for happy, sad, and angry; what makes them feel that emotion; how others might feel when we display that emotion; and what they can do when they feel that emotion. To make the classes fun, usable, and concrete, we will go on  facial emotion hunts; learn to use our eyes, brains and ears  to determine what and why the person is feeling an emotion; play Build A Body; and make a paper-mache mask.  A snack will be provided for each detective. Each participant will receive a notebook for the feelings we explore. There will be activities to do at home.
 
Group 2. Getting to Know Your Way Around the Kitchen
Ages: 13-15 year olds
Day & Time: Mondays, 6:15-7:15 p.m.
Dates: September 13-October 18

Focus: Participants in this group will learn basic kitchen skills such as pouring, scooping, spreading, measuring, and using small appliances in the process of making a snack.  In addition to our cooking projects, we will work on kitchen safety, working as a team, and communicating with each other.  At the end of the group, participants will receive a binder with the recipes we made.

Group 3. Friendship Group
Ages: 7 -8 year olds
Day & Time: Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m.
Dates: September 15-October 20

Focus: Using  “I Can Do It!” from the Model Me video series, children will practice appropriate behavior during challenging situations such as losing, working as a team, trying something new, and going to and having a birthday party.  The children make a simple snack that entails using small appliance, making choices, scooping and spreading.  Our sessions end with playing a turn taking board game.

Group 4. Friendship Group
Ages: 9-10 year olds
Day & Time: Wednesdays, 5:15-6:15 p.m.
Dates: September 15– October 20 

Focus: This group will work on Conversation Skills such as when to start a conversation; when someone is interested in talking and when they are not; how to start a conversation, how to stay on topic; and how to maintain a conversation.  The participants will learn to work together as they make a simple snack.  Each session ends with the playing of a board game.

Application Process

Please complete the application below and fax to: (630) 305-4785 or mail to:

Little Friends Center for Autism
Attn: Friendship Group
1001 E. Chicago Avenue, Suite 151
Naperville, IL 60540

To download the application, please click here.