Social Enjoyment Groups for Children, Teens and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Guiding Toward Growth

by John Merges

Overview

Young people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) often feel uncomfortable and anxious in social situations, but socializing with classmates and colleagues can be made easier - and more enjoyable - with Guiding Toward Growth group sessions.

John Merges' simple yet effective program for teaching social enjoyment skills is based on the concept that there are ten hurdles that make it challenging for people with ASD to enjoy social interaction. This book guides the reader through planning, running, and assessing group sessions that have been designed to help participants overcome these hurdles, interact with confidence, and ultimately enjoy more independent and fulfilling lives. As social interaction is a vital element of any work environment, this book also teaches young adults with ASD an important employment skill.

This adaptable book can be used with a wide range of ages and communicative abilities, and will be an invaluable resource for all professionals working with groups of children and young people with ASD.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781849058346
Publisher:	Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Publication date:	12/15/2010
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

John Merges is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, currently working in private practice with young people with ASD and their families. He is based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments 7

Part I Introduction and Guiding Principles

1 Beginnings 11

2 Enjoyment - A Skill 18

3 The Band of Regulation 27

Part II The Hurdles

4 Introduction to the Hurdles 35

5 Keeping Things the Same 37

6 Attention Challenges 42

7 Emotional Regulation Problems 46

8 Organization Deficits 51

9 Language Processing Issues 55

10 Associative Thinking 60

11 Sensory Sensitivities 65

12 "Unlearning" Rituals 72

13 Stereotyping by Neurotypical Individuals 77

14 Motivational Deficits 82

Part III FunJoyment Groups

15 Introduction to FunJoyment Groups 89

16 Concepts Important in All Groups 91

17 School-Based Groups for Five-, Six-, and Seven-Year-Old Youngsters 99

18 School-Based Groups for Seven- through Eleven-Year-Old Youngsters 112

19 School-Based Groups for Junior High and High School Students 121

20 Notes About Community-Based Groups 127

21 Community-Based Groups for Ten- and Eleven-Year-Old Youngsters 132

22 Community-Based Groups for Junior High and Senior High Students 139

23 Community-Based Groups for Older High Students and Young Adults 148

Part IV Materials and Activities

24 Sample Permission Letters 155

25 Scoreboard 160

26 Activities for Five-, Six- and Seven-Year-Olds 161

Big Dice 161

Ask to Play 164

Charades 169

Ask for Help 170

Ask to Share 172

Interrupting a Adult 174

Bean Bag Toss 176

27 Activities for All Other Groups 178

A Through Z Game 178

Apples to Apples 179

Bean Bag Toss 180

Bocce Ball 180

Dominion 181

First/Last Game 181

Frisbee Golf 182

Imaginiff 183

In a Pickle 183

Introductory Questions 184

Killer Bunnies 185

Kinder Bunnies 186

Loaded Questions 186

Mr M's Minefield 187

Mr M's Uno 189

Moose in the House 190

Password 191

Perudo 192

Pick It 193

Pit 195

Question Cards 195

Smart Ass 196

Sort it Out 197

Tsuro 198

Turnabout 198

Twenty Questions 198

Up the River 199

Index 205

Editorial Reviews

The best thing I have ever done for [my children]... I hope to continue to have them involved for a long time.

Parent of two Funjoyment group participants

John's work aids people in understanding the barriers that interfere with social interaction and gives people clear, profound ways to improve social functioning. He keeps the 'fun' in functional.

Janet L. Oliver

John Merges has a wealth of knowledge in working with and advocating for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders Students who have attended reported their enjoyment in the social interactions and the friendships that they have developed during the group. Elements of John's strategies can be readily applied and duplicated in the school setting.

Lynn Peal

John has developed a key for teachers and students to have FUN while learning how to read the map of our complex social world. Bravo!

Kathy Stuhler

Readers can refer to the final section of the book for vivid descriptions of the fun activities and even templates for parental permission letters and game boards... He offers novice practitioners helpful tips and ways of conceptualizing working with groups on the spectrum.

Journal of Autism Developmental Disorders

This book is structured well and easily accessible. The refreshing focus throughout is on supporting young people with autism spectrum disorders to develop the skills needed to enjoy interaction. There is also an emphasis on supporting young people to develop skills that will allow them to function better within the workplace.

The information provided would allow an experienced practitioner to set up and run the groups described.

This book would be very useful for speech and language therapists working with children with autism spectrum disorders within educational and community settings.

Speech & Language Therapy in Practice