Helping children, teens, and adults with high cognitive autism … · MGH Aspire | 1 Maguire Road |...
Transcript of Helping children, teens, and adults with high cognitive autism … · MGH Aspire | 1 Maguire Road |...
MGH Aspire | 1 Maguire Road | Lexington, MA 02421Tel 781.860.1900 | Fax [email protected] | www.mghaspire.org
Helping children, teens, and adults with high cognitive autism spectrum disorder,
or a related profile, achieve success.
“In the Explorations program, I’ve learned how to be independent, ordering food on my own and other important skills. I’ve really enjoyed the opportunities to travel around Boston and learn skills for life at those places. Honestly, I’m happy to be here and enjoy all the nice company of teens and staff. Explorations has helped me to progress into an adult and in a way that is fun too.” Teen Program Participant
“I absolutely LOVED the Aspire Masquerade Ball! It was OUTSTANDING and the most fun that I have had in a long time! It was so organized, and I really loved how there was both a lounge room and a relax/decompress room. Many thanks to you and Aspire for hosting such an amazing event. It was a truly incredible experience that I cannot even put into words!” Teen Special Event Participant
“Aspire is the perfect balance of social and executive functioning skills and good ole fashioned summer camp fun! These kids get the extra nudge at transition times, the extra space they may need to calm down, the extra reminders, the extra supervision, the extra patience and understanding with all the same activities as neurotypical peers.” Summer Camp Program Parent
“I consistently felt like Aspire was the best program I’ve seen so far that balances celebration with intervention.” Summer Camp Staff
PROGRAM LOCATIONS
Lexington | Newton | Charlestown | WestwoodNot all programs are offered at every location. Please check MGH Aspire’s website for details.
OUR PARTICIPANTS
Our participants have high cognitive autism spectrum disorder, or a related profile. Many have challenges with stress management, anxiety, social communication, impulse control, attention, organization, or demonstrate sensory differences. Typical diagnoses include Asperger’s syndrome, high functioning autism, PDD-NOS, and non-verbal learning disabilities; however, not all participants have a formal diagnosis. MGH Aspire strives to serve all participants regardless of their economic background.
MGH ASPIRE HELPS PARTICIPANTS TO:
• Develop self-awareness and an understanding of their strengths and challenges
• Improve social competence
• Enhance the management of stress by using relaxation techniques and other effective practices
FOR CHILDREN: LEARNING TO PLAY AND PLAYING TO LEARN
In a safe and caring environment, children at MGH Aspire develop and practice essential skills needed to make friends, succeed in playdates, and participate in typical social settings. All activities are designed to engage children in fun and purposeful
group play while supporting growth and development in self-awareness, social communication, and stress management.
Programs include: Seasonal Groups, Parent Coaching, Special Events, Summer Camp, School Vacation Programs
At MGH Aspire our high-quality programs help
children, teens, and adults develop positive social
communication skills so that they can succeed at home,
school, work, or in community settings. Our focus is on
teaching and implementing our “3S” model —to improve
every individual’s self-awareness, social competence,
and management of stress and anxiety.
Each developmental stage brings new excitement as
well as new opportunities for growth. At MGH Aspire,
our participants learn fundamental ways to navigate
the social world empowering them to create happy
and meaningful social connections and develop
independence. From childhood through adulthood we’re
here for you and your family every step of the way.
FOR ADULTS: SUPPORTING SUCCESSFUL INDEPENDENCE
MGH Aspire’s adult programs are designed to meet our participants’ needs for meaningful work opportunities, succeeding in college, developing relationships, and accessing resources for community living.
Programs include: Outings, Cooking Groups, Relationships and Women’s Groups, Transitions Program, College Boot Camp
MGH ASPIRE WORKS: SUPPORTING A DIVERSE WORKFORCE
MGH Aspire Works focuses on individuals transitioning into the workplace and workforce mentoring for both employees and employers to achieve success.
Participant services include: Career Counseling, Alumni Community, Internship Program
Employer services include: Workshops, Workforce Development, Consultation, and Coaching
FOR PROFESSIONALS: IMPROVING OUTCOMES FOR STUDENTS AND CLIENTS ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM
MGH Aspire’s experienced and seasoned professionals provide consultation to professional staff regarding individual students and clients, classroom and program design, and transition planning by implementing our “3S” model: self-awareness, stress management, and social competency.
Services include: Consultation Services, Professional Development, Workshops, Training
FOR TEENS: MAKING POSITIVE CONNECTIONS AND TRANSITIONS
MGH Aspire helps teens to celebrate their strengths while enhancing their capacity to be social and develop healthy independent living skills.
Programs include: Seasonal Groups, Special Events, Summer Groups
Children and teen seasonal group topics align with participant interests and may change annually.
MGH Aspire takes pride in its careful placement of participants into groups with peers who are well matched
for each other. Criteria include: age, interests, communication style, and level of self-awareness.