LAFAYETTE, Calif. (PRWEB) January 20, 2015
Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) today announced the launch of social skills groups for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) between the ages of five to 18 at its office in Lafayette, Calif. at 3738 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Suite 200. Social skills groups help increase an individuals reciprocal conversation and ability to initiate, maintain, and take turns during conversation. The groups also help individuals identify and cope with the symptoms of anxiety related to new social situations and allow individuals to learn alongside peers with similar social skills. To participate, you must have an autism diagnosis; however, you do not need to be a CARD client. For more information and to get started call (855) 345-2273. Current CARD clients should contact the Lafayette office directly at (925) 283-3073.
We are thrilled to offer social skills groups to help teach important skills to individuals with autism, said CARD operations manager in Lafayette, Abdullah Hamidi. Skills taught include greetings, taking turns, initiating play, gaining attention, sharing, offering assistance, accepting and giving, complimenting and apologizing, safety awareness, telephone skills, restaurant skills, social referencing, and joining play. Groups are constructed based on age and current language and social skill set. To be considered, individuals must participate in an initial interview.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), estimates that one in every 68 children in America is diagnosed with ASD, with one in 42 boys and one in 189 girls diagnosed. This is more than a 30 percent increase since the 2008 report. As the prevalence of ASD has increased, services for children with ASD have not always kept pace with demand. Services such as social skills groups are vital for individuals with autism to reach their fullest potential and interact effectively with peers.
About Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) CARD treats individuals of all ages who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at its 29 treatment centers around the globe. CARD was founded in 1990 by leading autism expert and clinical psychologist Doreen Granpeesheh, PhD, BCBA-D. CARD treats individuals with ASD using the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA), which is empirically proven to be the most effective method for treating individuals with ASD and recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the US Surgeon General. CARD employs a dedicated team of nearly 2,000 individuals across the nation and internationally. For more information, visit http://www.centerforautism.com or call (855) 345-2273.
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Center for Autism and Related Disorders Launches Social Skills Groups in Lafayette for Individuals with Autism Ages ...