I am looking to start a social skills group in the Livermore/Pleasanton/Dublin/San Ramon area for children ages 6-9. I have a son with Asbergers Syndrome and I am highly educated on all aspects of the ASD spectrum.

This group would include educational outings (zoos, aquariums, museums, planetariums, etc) as well as meeting in play groups for structured social play. The goal is to induce typical social pragmatics scenarios and teach these children to interact together collaboratively as opposed to parallel play, and to encourage physical fitness play which has been shown to stimulate ASD spectrum children in a positive way.

Additionally my goal is to create a support group among parents of these children, as we often feel isolated in our challenges. How many of you feel comfortable leaving your child on a sleepover or playdate with parents who do not understand the complexities of our children, let alone on a simple date night? Do you feel like you need to leave an instruction manual? Not all of us have local family here, and we need to band together. Many know that the challenges we face take a lot of time away from one another as couples, and I believe that contributes to the 80% divorce rate among married couples with children with autism.

In my research, I have found that there are very few social skills programs available, they are expensive and often not local to the areas I am scouting for. Also, most of these program are open to all areas of the austism spectrum, and I feel a deep necessity to limit this group to high functioning kids. I am willing to offer my time, organizational skills, research, and home to those that are interested. I am also willing to structure costs to the basics and according to your own personal income limitations. I am not looking for profit, other than to cover some of my time.

All replies will get timely responses. 925-202-5936 or Heather4766@aol.com