Sonoma County Autism Resources

SOCIAL COMMUNICATION GROUP for young adults (18-29 years old). Group members are high functioning, typically with ASD, but also may have other neurological disorders/changes that impact their social functioning. This is a 12-week group focused on improving communication skills, building friendships, and decreasing anxiety in social situations. Sessions include education, peer role-plays with feedback, and relaxation skills. $45/session, commitment required. For more information, contact Peggy O’Toole, Ph.D. (707) 829-5057.

Start date: 11/09/10

Meeting time: Tuesdays 6-7:15pm

Friday, 10-24-08: 1-3pm at Sonoma State University, Salazar Hall, room 2016.

Topic: Overview of emotional development & primary social skill deficits of autism, plus ideas for social skill development using Social Stories
Presenter: Suzanne Tribbey, MA, NCSP, North County Consortium Preschool Psychologist

University Credit  &/or Continuing Education Units

Register: online at SSU Extended Education:  www.sonoma.edu/exed or call 664-2394
-  OR  at 1st Meeting
Drop In:  $20 Voluntary Donation

Friday, 10-17-08: 1-3pm at Sonoma State University, Salazar Hall, room 2016.

Topic: Behavioral Skill Development: Overview of Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence models & practical tips for the fundamentals of their use.

Presenter: Rose Velasquez, MS, School psychologist with advanced training in Behavior Analysis, Special Education Local Plan Area Program Specialist, and past Special Education administrator and principal.

University Credit  &/or Continuing Education Units

Register: online at SSU Extended Education:  www.sonoma.edu/exed or call 664-2394
-  OR  at 1st Meeting
Drop In:  $20 Voluntary Donation

It’s a big world out there, and there are a lot of things we need to do to keep us safe. This is the story of Lil’ Red, an independent, smart, responsible young lady making her way in the world and trying to keep safe.

Come and follow her on a journey though the transit mall, parental advice, dating tips, bus tactics, chat rooms, cell phones, and more. Lil’ Red was designed by and for individuals with special needs, ages middle school through young adulthood.

Where: Alchemia Theatre for Life Program, 6th Street playhouse in Santa Rosa

When: October 7th from 12:30-1:30 and October 12th from 3:00-4:00.

For more information and to RSVP, call Liz Jahren at 547-7644.

The Family Resource and Advocacy Center will host it’s 4th Parent Forum on October 8th from 6:00-8:00pm. This will be a great opportunity to understand what causes certain behaviors, learn some easy-to-use strategies for managing behavior, and ask questions you have.

Presenter: Xavier Polk, Ph.D. has been working as a psychologist and behavior consultant for over 25 years.

Childcare will be provided. RSVP to Sybil at 524-6725

Friday, 10-3-08: 1-3pm at Sonoma State University, Salazar Hall, room 2016.

Topic: Early Intervention Teaching Strategies: How to engage the hard-to-engage child using evidence- & practice-based strategies including structured teaching, sensory-based curriculum, and Floortime-inspired activities.
Presenter: Pat Boblitt SH/LH specialist with over 30 years experience working with young children with autism. Currently working for Early Learning Institute with children ages 12-36 months

University Credit  &/or Continuing Education Units

Register: online at SSU Extended Education:  www.sonoma.edu/exed or call 664-2394
-  OR  at 1st Meeting
Drop In:  $20 Voluntary Donation

Friday, 9-26-08: 1-3pm at Sonoma State University.

Topic for this session: How Autism Affects the Family. The seminar will be facilitated by three parents of children with autism.

For more information, contact Dr. Lorna Catford at 664-2402.

A Sibling Support Workshop will be held by Matrix Parents Network on Saturday, October 11th, in San Rafael from 10am to 2pm. Sibshops are for any child from 8-12 years old who has a sibling of any age with special needs.

Through games and stories about how others handle difficult situations, kids give and get support and learn more about special needs and issues they may encounter.  Please RSVP at 1-800-578-2592 and ask for the Sibshop registration form by October 3rd.

Cost for the workshop is $10, scholarships are available.

Friday, 9-19-08: 1-3pm at Sonoma State University.

Topic for this session: Discovering Autism—Potential Indicators of Autism Spectrum Disorders and Diagnostic Questions that Need to be Answered to Determine an Autism Diagnosis.

For more information, contact Dr. Lorna Catford at 664-2402.

This group is offered as a series of sessions on an ongoing basis. The curriculum is based on the play and interactive level of participants. Parents receive information about themes that are emerging during group session and skills that can be worked on in the home environment.
Each session lasts 50 minutes. A group of 4 children is selected according to their age and developmental level.

Among other approaches, ideas from “DIR/Floortime” approach developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan and Dr. Serena Wieder, and social skills training based on principles of Dr. Tony Attwood and Dr. Jeanette McAfee are utilized.

Instructor: Stephanie McGlynn, M.A., MFT
When: Tuesdays, 4pm
Where: Sebastopol (at hwy 12)
Cost: $30 per session (required sign-up for 6 sessions)

To sign up call: (707) 824-9106
For more information: stephaniemcglynn.com