Asperger’s Syndrome
and other autism spectrum disorders are soon expected to be diagnosed
in as many as 1 in 150 children living in the United States. This
unprecedented phenomenon has left the disability service system
struggling to effectively support and train this new and emerging
population of people with disabilities. Without the proper support,
many high potential individuals with autism spectrum disorders
(ASD) will remain at risk and be unable to pursue higher education,
gain meaningful employment, or successfully integrate independently
into adult society.
A common trait of individuals with ASD is a marked lack of comfort
with social interactions. This often leads to social isolation and
a reluctance to attempt new experiences, both of which prevent these
otherwise intelligent young people from continuing their education
beyond high school and ultimately finding gainful employment. A significant
number of young adults with ASD who have average to above average intelligence,
as well as high school diplomas and post-secondary educational experiences.
However, due to their social limitations they are not making a successful
transition to adult independence. Instead, they remain reliant on their
families and social welfare systems for support.
In response to these
needs, Reach for Resources, Inc. launched a unique social therapy
group for teens with autism spectrum disorders in September 2006
in partnership with John Merges, a social worker who specializes
in ASD. Today, Social Fun-Joyment has become one of Reach’s
most requested services.
Merges and Reach had a unique vision to address this unmet need
for teens with Asperger’s Syndrome and High Functioning Autism.
By collaborating to offer a program that would provide emotional
safety and support for these teens, they strove to instill and
develop confidence in the teens while they engaged in social interactions.
Reach for Resources began offering one group in 2006, and they now
currently offer five groups in the west metro alone: four at the
Depot Coffee House in Hopkins, and one at Plymouth Creek Center.
John Merges has also started a group in the White Bear Lake area.
They are now seeking funding to collaborate with the Minneapolis
Public Schools to start another new group for transition-age students
at Minneapolis Community and Technical College in downtown Minneapolis.
According to Merges, “The Social Fun-Joyment program is a huge
success because it differs from traditional autism therapy programs.” The
program builds on the strengths of the participants rather than identifying
and working on problems or deficits. “The teens in the program
are using their skills, developing confidence, and having fun,” says
Merges. Participants practice an array of social skills such as taking
turns, listening and responding to each other, ordering food from
a menu, planning and implementing social events, and participating
in typical teen activities.
Sheree Drapp, whose fourteen-year-old son Dill participates in
the program, can attest to the benefits. “Dill hates social skills
class in school,” she says, “but he looks forward to
coming to this group.” Drapp says the group has given her
son confidence, practice with critical social skills, and, most
importantly, camaraderie. Participants can interact with teens
with similar needs and cultivate a peer network in a relaxed, supportive
environment. Most importantly, they are learning crucial skills
that will help them continue their education beyond high school,
have success in finding employment as adults, and ultimately integrate
into adult society. ![]()
For more information about the Social Fun-Joyment program, contact
Reach for Resources at 952-988-4177.
