AGXStarseed
Well-Known Member
(Not written by me)
New program helps those with autism transition better from adolescence to adulthood
Transitioning from adolescence into adulthood for people on the autism spectrum can be difficult. And for many, starting college can add to that pressure. Now there is a program that may help. NBC’s Erika Edwards has more.
Many young adults have no problem adapting to college life, but for those on the autism spectrum, this social scene can be challenging.
25-year-old Joey Juarez has autism but is high functioning. He says he has always had trouble making and keeping friends.
Along with his regular classes, Joey is involved in a program to help his social skills.
“Initiating and maintaining a conversation. Planning get togethers. The do’s and don’ts of a get together depending on whether it’s like a friendly casual get together or like dating.” said Joey Juarez, Graduate student with autism.
Researchers at UCLA’s Semel Institute developed the “program for the education and enrichment of relational skills” or “PEERS.”
It’s a 16-week program where participants engage in role-play demonstrations and behavioral rehearsal exercises that teach them how to have effective one-on-one communication.
“From there we talk about things like peer entry and exiting, and that’s just going up to people and starting conversations or joining conversations,” said Elizabeth Laugeson, Director of UCLA PEERS clinic.
The program suggests using a prop such as a cell phone when trying to join conversations because you don’t want to appear as though you are eavesdropping.
Once you figure out the topic of discussion…
“Move a little bit closer and wait for a little bit of a pause in the conversation and then join the conversation by saying something on topic,” said Laugeson.
The PEERS program even offers tips on dating.
“You give them a slight smile and then the next step is that you actually look away. From there you look back, and you repeat the whole cycle again. This is how people naturally flirt,” said Laugeson.
SOURCE: http://nbc26.tv/2015/12/28/new-prog...nsition-better-from-adolescence-to-adulthood/
New program helps those with autism transition better from adolescence to adulthood
Transitioning from adolescence into adulthood for people on the autism spectrum can be difficult. And for many, starting college can add to that pressure. Now there is a program that may help. NBC’s Erika Edwards has more.
Many young adults have no problem adapting to college life, but for those on the autism spectrum, this social scene can be challenging.
25-year-old Joey Juarez has autism but is high functioning. He says he has always had trouble making and keeping friends.
Along with his regular classes, Joey is involved in a program to help his social skills.
“Initiating and maintaining a conversation. Planning get togethers. The do’s and don’ts of a get together depending on whether it’s like a friendly casual get together or like dating.” said Joey Juarez, Graduate student with autism.
Researchers at UCLA’s Semel Institute developed the “program for the education and enrichment of relational skills” or “PEERS.”
It’s a 16-week program where participants engage in role-play demonstrations and behavioral rehearsal exercises that teach them how to have effective one-on-one communication.
“From there we talk about things like peer entry and exiting, and that’s just going up to people and starting conversations or joining conversations,” said Elizabeth Laugeson, Director of UCLA PEERS clinic.
The program suggests using a prop such as a cell phone when trying to join conversations because you don’t want to appear as though you are eavesdropping.
Once you figure out the topic of discussion…
“Move a little bit closer and wait for a little bit of a pause in the conversation and then join the conversation by saying something on topic,” said Laugeson.
The PEERS program even offers tips on dating.
“You give them a slight smile and then the next step is that you actually look away. From there you look back, and you repeat the whole cycle again. This is how people naturally flirt,” said Laugeson.
SOURCE: http://nbc26.tv/2015/12/28/new-prog...nsition-better-from-adolescence-to-adulthood/
