Virtual Learning & Socialization Opportunities for Individuals with ASD and Related Disabilities
Does your child or student with ASD need to develop executive skills, plan for and practice daily routines, or learn about community opportunities related to employment, leisure, and socialization? Scroll down to learn more about our virtual group sessions (small, multi-day, and large group community connections).
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Below you will find our current virtual Group Session offerings, open to individuals and groups from Indiana and beyond.
To be able to access these opportunities, you need to first gain a referral & follow necessary pre-registration steps from a community professional (i.e. medical, school, therapist, etc).
Small groups (up to 6 participants) are virtual and onsite learning groups that focus on a specific topic or topics each month. The group is open to Pre-ETS-eligible teenagers and young adults with autism spectrum disorder and related developmental disabilities, who would like to learn more about important life and daily function skills. The groups are also recommended as a value-add to your school or after school experience.
If you prefer to support a small group in your setting, we will work with you to meet your needs!
At times, we can feel angry or sad. These moods are OK, if there is a reason. However, for a better and happier life, it is also important to learn to understand and change them to something more positive! This month, we will explore how to do that!
Sometimes, when we look at ourselves in the mirror, we are not happy with what we see. And it is OK. What matters are your next steps - are you going to be sad and sulky about it, or will you learn how to have a positive body image! Join us to explore some strategies!
Our emotions can be overwhelming and we often feel like we are all alone. But it is not true! Join us this month to learn about services available through school and community to help you with your emotions!
There are unhealthy ways of coping or dealing with your emotions that may hurt you mentally or physically, even if at first they feel good. Let’s learn together how to avoid unhealthy coping skills and practice healthy ways of dealing with emotions.
Support networks can vary from person to person. For some people, these are family or best friends, for others these could be support groups. Let’s identify together what can help each of you to create the support network you need!
Did you know that you feeling blue or being sad can actually make you feel less healthy? Join our sessions in February and learn about these connections and also how to help yourself feel better and stay positive!
Food is the most important fuel for our body! To keep your body healthy, you need to eat right. This month, we will discuss how to have a healthy, yet yummy, diet!
Did you notice that you may get cranky if you did not sleep enough? What’s worse is that if you do not sleep enough, your body will feel worse as well. This month, we will explore some good sleep habits!
The summer is upon us! Do you already have a plan for your summer break? Are you sure that you will not just stay inside watching TV? Join us this month to start planning for a fun summer!
Multi-Day Virtual Interest Groups:
To be able to access these opportunities, you need to first gain a referral & follow necessary pre-registration steps from a community professional (i.e. medical, school, therapist, etc).
Multi-day sessions are created with a small group learning in mind. They are virtual and onsite learning groups that focus on a specific topic each month grouped under a larger topic:
At Adulting 101 sessions, you will explore and practice different skills that are important for adults – from doing taxes to renting an apartment.
At Job Exploration sessions, you will learn about different professions and what it takes to get one. We will also practice skills that are common for jobs in that profession.
At Self-Advocacy sessions, you will learn and practice skills that are critical for any self-advocate. You will also develop tools and documents that can help you in your daily life and interaction with the community.
The group is open to Pre-ETS-eligible teenagers and young adults with autism spectrum disorder and related developmental disabilities, who would like to learn more about important life and daily function skills. The groups are recommended as a value-add to your school or after school experience.
If you prefer to support a small group in your setting, we will work with you to meet your needs!
While there are jobs around the house that would require a professional, there are also a lot of small problems that you can fix with a bit of skill. Let’s explore and practice together!
Do you know how to manage your online banking accounts, use a payment card, and make sure you are safe about managing your funds online? This month, we will explore and practice basics of online banking and online financial safety!
As a young adult, it is important for you to take care of your possessions to be able to enjoy them for a long time. Let’s practice some skills that will help you with it!
Do you like building with legos? What about becoming a construction worker, when you grow up - does it sound like a cool profession? Let’s explore what it takes to work on a construction site.
Working on an assembly line, managing manufacturing robots, and making sure that products are of high quality can be a very rewarding career. Let’s learn more about these jobs.
There are a lot of careers in transportation services - from driving a bus, to repairing vehicles, to managing planes at a busy airport. Let’s learn together what it takes to have a transportation service job.
Do you like sciences, math, engineering, or medicine (STEM)? Would you like to learn more about STEM careers? Join us this month for lots of hands-on experiences and activities.
Programming, network administration, app design, IT help desk and many more opportunities are offered by the field of information technology. Let’s explore some jobs in the information technology field.
To be able to get the services and accommodations you need, it is important to learn about the key law for people with disabilities - American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Join us this month for hands-on practice that will help you become a strong self-advocate.
It is very common for self-advocates to send emails, write letters, and complete documents where you have to make a convincing statement to get an accommodation or service. Let’s practice how to make your letter persuasive and to the point to help you get what you need!
A phone call requires more than just dialing a number. You need to be prepared to discuss what you need, share your message across, but also understand what the person on the other end of the line says. Let’s practice our phone skills together.
While there are laws that help outline what services and resources you can have access to, it is also important to be able to negotiate with people, organizations, and teams on points that may not be required by law. Join us this month to practice your self-advocate negotiating skills.
Community Connections: Friday Virtual Meetups
Groups of 10 or more students connect virtually to learn about just-in-time topics allowing them to engage with and learn more about community opportunities, to hear about topics of interest or importance to them, and to connect with a group of peers. New topics are covered each week with an overarching monthly theme.
Interested in providing programming to your students, employees, or organization in a more tailored and specific way? Contact hands@iupui.edu with stated interest and a brief overview of your organization & potential needs so we can provide what’s best for you!
