PEERS is an researched and evidenced based social skills training program for Teens with autism ages 13-17. It was developed at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). This program is assisted by their social coaches (parents, grandparents, adult siblings, etc) who also go through the program with the Teen. Social coaches support weekly rehearsal and use of skills in the teens natural social environment. Teens learn skills to start, maintain, and end conversations, be a good sport and host get togethers, navigate electronic communication, and handle bullying and disagreements.
Teens learn to:
- Start group and individual conversations
- Maintain conversation with others
- Learn qualities of good and bad friends
- Building friends based on common interests
- Using social media and electronic communication
- How to handle verbal and physical bullying
- Navigating rumors, gossip, and changing reputations
- Maintaining friendship if you disagree with someone
- Being a good sport
- Hosting get togethers with others
If you want more information please contact adc@nmsu.edu, call 575-646-3177 or view more details here.
The RUBI program gives parents of autistic children ages 4-11 a system to use as they are understanding the reasons behind their child's behavior. Every child is unique and the reason for their behavior is unique. Because of this, the RUBI program teaches parents how to become skilled in understanding their child's behavior. It also teaches parents how to use many prevention strategies to avoid disruptive behaviors in the first place. If disruptive behaviors still occur, it teaches how to respond in ways that reduce the disruption and reduces the chance of it occurring in the future. View more details here.
Some of the assumptions that RUBI is based on are:
- All behavior is communication.
- Behavior is not good or bad, it is just a child's attempt at meeting a need.
- If we can teach more skills for the child to meet their need, it is easier for the child and the family.
- There are no bad kids or bad parents. Everyone is trying to meet their needs the best they know how.
- Skilled parents can use prevention strategies to positive skills to replace disruptive behaviors.
- When you follow a system, there is less reaction from the parent and less parental energy needed to get desired results.
- A positive relationship between the parent and the child is an important prevention strategy.
Follow up services are available for families who would like support with next steps, finding resources or needing a space to process a new diagnosis. We understand this can be overwhelming, but we are here to help answer your questions and understand this chapter of your journey. Our Family Aid Support Team (FAST) are happy to schedule an individual or family session. For more information please reach out at ADC@NMSU.EDU.
Sibshops are for the siblings of children with special developmental concerns. The brother/sister who attend a Sibshop will meet other sibs (usually for the first time), have fun, laugh, talk about the good and not-so-good parts of having a sib with special needs, play some great games, learn something about the services their brothers and sister receive, and have some more fun.
https://nmsu.zoom.us/j/83150827809
Do you have questions since receiving a diagnosis? Please join the FAST team during an open zoom meeting the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month from 12-1 p.m. We’re happy to help answer any questions regarding next steps, resources etc. Individual sessions are also available to schedule by emailing ADC@nmsu.edu or view here for more details.
