Like many children, those on the autistic spectrum learn social skills at home and school, but a new enrichment program allows autistic children in the area hands-on experiences.
The Explorers Club is the brainchild of Cherry Hill-based The New Behavioral Network, which has been serving at-risk and special-needs children and families in South Jersey and Delaware since 1994.
Kelly Rogers, director of business development of New Behavioral Network, believes learning good social skills is essential for making friends and necessary for succeeding in life.
Skills vital
“Studies show that children with good social skills do well in school,” says Rogers. “We want to teach these children better social skills so they can make friends and be more successful in school.
“Children on the spectrum have trouble with this. They don’t have the abilities to recognize the social cues we use in daily interactions. These programs are for children on any developmental level, from low- to high-functioning.
“We make sure there’s always enough people on staff who are there to work with the children,” says Rogers. “If a child is lower functioning, we can provide them with one-on-one time.”
During the session, children perform activities that involve role playing or doing tasks. For example, a simple game of pretending to be in a restaurant helps a child learn to greet people, clearly communicate their needs and make eye contact. Other activities stress the importance of working together and taking turns.
“In one activity we have the children make “dirt’ pudding,” says Rogers. “We have one kid pouring in the milk and another kid crushing the Oreos. But they each did their tasks separately and everybody had to wait for the other person to finish before they could start. The kids really liked this one and waited patiently for their turn,” says Rodgers.
Learn tasks
The food-related exercises can help children learn tasks they can do at home. Children in these groups learn table manners, pick up how to set the table and discover simple foods they can make on their own.
“Things like learning to set the table or make their own breakfast can help children feel much more involved at home,” says Rogers.
“Some children aren’t able to do these things on their own and learning how to do them gives the youngsters a feeling of accomplishment and can make things less stressful at home.”
A happy time
Debra Green of Mount Laurel enrolled her 5-year-old son William. Green said she and her son both were happy with the experience.
“I think the program was very well run and I’m sure my son enjoyed himself,” says Green.
“It was a positive experience for him. At first, he had a somewhat rough time adjusting, but now he can have fun with the other kids. Now during the social functions, he can interact well with the other children there.”
