ASPERGER TEENAGER SOCIAL NETWORK
Join the Asperger Teenager Social Network on Facebook for Asperger teens to connect with each other rand get to know each other. Topics such as the issues that face Asperger teens and how to deal with them in day-to-day life will be discussed. http://www.facebook.com/#!/home.php?sk=group_194277097287132
AUTISMAFTER16
Autism After 16 is a website dedicated to providing information and analysis of adult autism issues, with the emphasis on analysis. The site will have short news stories, longer feature articles, guest commentary and regular columnists. Visit www.autismafter16.Com
NORTHWEST CENTER SUMMER PROGRAM FOR TEENS WITH DISABILITIES
Northwest Center has a full-day summer program for teenagers with disabilities serving youth ages 13-21, the center will be open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday throughout the summer. The program will offer monthly, weekly, full-time and part-time tuition rates. No one will be turned away based on finances. For more information, or to receive an application packet, please contact Bryan Baker bbaker@nwcenter.org or (206) 378-6352.
YOUNG ADULT GROUP
Cynthia Johnson, MA, who founded the Venture Program for unique learners on the spectrum at Bellevue College, is seeking seven persons, late teens/early twenties for a five session group focusing on relationship and daily living skills, educational, and vocational preparation. Fee. Contact Cynthia for more information at CJohnson@rethinkhighered.com or (425) 417 7984.
THE EXPERIENCE LEARNING PROJECT (ELP)
ELP is FEAT of WA’s summer service learning program targeted towards teens with high functioning autism (HFA) or Asperger's Syndrome. ELP works with teens to improve Teens’ self-management and social problem solving skills within a service learning context. The Experience Learning Project utilizes ABA and the rich context of volunteer service to help participating teens’ understand their place within the larger communities in which they live, as well as discover ways in which they may fully participate in those communities, with a special emphasis on how they can give back to others and social thinking.
For more information, please contact ELP's Program Director at: (425) 223-5126 or ali_mcmanus_tft@featwa.org or visit www.featwa.org/ELP.html
POST HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP FOR AUTISM AND ASPERGERS
The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) holds an annual Schwallie Family Scholarship Competition to support qualified individuals with autism or Asperger Syndrome residing in the United States pursuing post-secondary education. OAR will present awards of $3,000 each across three categories: 1) Four-year undergraduate college or university; 2) Two-year undergraduate college, and; 3) Trade, technical or vocational school. These will be one-time awards for any recipient. For details, visit http://www.researchautism.org/news/otherevents/scholarship.asp
NEW DIRECTIONS PROGRAM FOR YOUNG ADULTS WITH ASPERGERS, ADHD, ETC.
New Directions is a comprehensive program that provides young adults with the opportunity to pursue higher education and/or vocational goals, and transition into independence. Our staff work closely with students to enhance their skills in a variety of areas. We provide structured tutoring so as to enhance academic skills; facilitate group outings so as to develop social skills; and provide instruction in independent living skills, such as grocery shopping, cooking and paying bills. Students live independently in apartments located within the same living space as the New Directions offices/staff and receive intensive support to achieve their goals. http://newdirectionsfya.com
INTRICATE MINDS: UNDERSTANDING CLASSMATES WITH ASPERGER’S SYNDROME
This video features candid interviews with teenagers designed to promote positive interactions between classmates and reduce harassment and bullying. http://www.coultervideo.com/video/114/intricate-minds-understanding-classmates-asperger-syndrome-dvd
SEATTLE THERAPY SERVICES: TEEN SOCIAL GROUP
Looking for a social group for teens? “Connections” is a social-leisure group for teenagers needing positive social experiences with peers. Led by Shelley O’Donnell, MS, OTR/L with energetic students from the University of Washington Master of Occupational Therapy Program. Seattle Therapy Services, 2517 Eastlake Ave E, Suite 102, Seattle 98012. Contact Shelley at (206) 322-5433 or shelley@seattleot. com. Visit www.seattletherapyservices.com
TEENS TOGETHER
Teens Together is a monthly get-together for teens with disabilities and their parents for social activities and mutual support. Teens in middle school and high school are welcome. Activities for teens and parents. Parents must accompany teens to activities. Contact Shawn Andersen at (206) 963-2661 or teensTOGETHER.us@gmail.com to RSVP for events or for more information.
COLLEGE LIVING EXPERIENCE
Post-secondary program for college-aged students with learning differences who require extra support with academic, social, and independent-living skills. Visit www.experiencecle.com or contact Vanessa Lopez, outreach coordinator, at (831) 262-0566 or email vlopez@experiencecle.com
SUCCEED IN COLLEGE GROUP
This group is geared towards young adults who have the cognitive ability to succeed in college but due to emotional and motivational issues have not yet been successful on their own. This group meets twice a week, once in person and once via Skype. This group is run by both a Masters level clinician and a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. The students in this program have had previous negative experiences in college prior to starting our college group. For details, contact The Center for Family & Lifespan Development, 33305 1st Way South Suite# B-210, Federal Way 98003 at (253) 235-5956
THE SAGE COLLEGES
The Sage Colleges is launching a new program for college students with
special needs, called the Achieve Degree. This online bachelor's degree was
developed by Sage in collaboration with Excelsior College specifically for
people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders or other learning
disabilities. For more information, contact Mike Jones, Assistant Director, Graduate and Adult Admission , The Sage Colleges, (518) 292-8636 or visit www.sage.edu/academics/achieve/
KING COUNTY METRO TRANSIT INSTRUCTION PROGRAM
The King County Metro program provides FREE transit training to individuals with disabilities. Individual and group training available. Individual training consists of a transit instructor providing personalized assistance to show a senior or disabled individual how to travel one roundtrip. The group orientation includes a transit instructor briefing a class on the transit system and taking them on an escorted trip via the regular public bus. Lift and ramp training allows mobility-challenged individuals to practice moving on/off the bus securement areas. Finally, the system orientation helps individuals read schedules and find their own routes to various destinations. For more information, call (206) 749-4242 or Amanda.bryant@firstgroup.com or visit http://metro.kingcounty.gov/tops/accessible/access-ctp.html#training
OPEN DOOR SOCIAL SKILLS GROUPS FOR TEENS AND ADULTS
Social skill groups meet weekly at the Open Door Autism Clinic for teens and adult Thursday evening, Friday evening, and Saturday morning. The groups are facilitated by Patty Gee, M. Ed, Autism Therapist. Contact (360) 888-0660 for current groups and availability. The Open Door Autism Clinic, 1101 Eastside St SE, Suite B, OLYMPIA www.opendoorautism.com
PUGET SOUND PSYCHOLOGY SOCIAL SKILLS GROUPS FOR TEENS AND ADULTS
“Be Social” social skills group for teens and group for adults with ADHD, Asperger’s, HFA, Nonverbal Learning Disability and related conditions. Monday and Wednesday evenings. Patrick Gray MEd & Crystal Gray PhD, Puget Sound Psychology and Consulting, 5105 200th Street SW Suite100, Lynnwood, (425) 314-7618 or (206) 883-6175, patrickg99@gmail.com or visit www.pugetsoundpsychology.com
ASPIRING YOUTH (formerly Ryther Outdoor Leadership Program)
Activity-based social skills curriculum working on friendship skills, frustration tolerance, and flexible problem-solving. On-going programs and special summer programs. Serving middle school through young adult age groups. Special programs for young adults including community internships. Located in Seattle, Kirkland, and Bellevue. To schedule an enrollment meeting, contact Ben Wahl, Director, at (206) 517-0222 or benw@ryther.org or visit http://www.aspiringyouth.net
COLLEGEOLOGY
The Collegeology Team explores the many options for life after high school with students and helps guide them through the door of their dreams. Contact Bob Dannenhold at RD@Collegeology.com or Robyn Campbell at Robyn@Collegeology.com or call (206) 633-0443. For details visit http://collegeology.com
GOING TO COLLEGE WEBSITE FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
This new website has been developed to help high school students learn about living college life with a disability. The site provides video clips, activities, and resources that can help students get a head start in planning for college. Video interviews with college students with disabilities offer a way to hear firsthand from students with disabilities who have been successful. Modules include activities that will help students explore more about themselves, learn what to expect from college, and equip them with important considerations and tasks to complete when planning for college. http://www.going- to-college. org
EXCEPTIONAL MINDS
Exceptionalminds.org provides young adults with autism spectrum disorder with customized instruction multi-media arts in order to develop their strengths and enable them to earn a living in the fields of multi-media, computer animation, and graphic design.
MASON LIFE PROGRAM
The Mason LIFE Program is an innovative post-secondary program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who desire a university experience in a supportive academic environment – located at George Mason University. http://masonlife.gmu.edu/
REBECCA WHITMIRE, PRIVATE CARE MANAGEMENT
Private care manager with experience assisting in the transition to adulthood for individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome and related conditions. Contact Rebecca Whitmire at Rebecca@w-rehab.com or (206) 624-0928 or visit www.w-rehab.com
ASPERGER SYNDROME/AUTISM SPECTRUM: GIFT OF GAB CONVERSATION SKILLS GROUPS
Small weekly groups of 4 to 6 people learn specific conversation skills and have fun discussions. Teen, young adult, adult, women’s, and teen girl groups available and several special focus groups featuring Employment Conversations, Empathy, Relationships. Flirting, Parenting (Secrets of Motivation, Organizational Skills, Thinking Styles), Techies Groups, Video Games Discussions, and more. New series is “The Basics”, for people needing a boost to learn basic conversation skills. Call for dates and locations. Fee based. Contact Karen Roe, Certified ADHD Coach at (206) 782-2232 or MasterCoachKaren@KarenRoe.com
TALISAIL PROGRAM
Talisail is a co-ed sailing program for teens ages 13-17 with high functioning autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. Consists of eight days sailing in the San Juan Islands on the tall ship Adventuress, a 101 foot historic schooner. Space is limited. Social skills are a main focus as well as working together. For details call (888) 458-8226 or visit www.talismancamps.com/talisail.html
YOUNG LIFE OPEN DOOR – SEATTLE
Young Life Open Door meets at the University Presbyterian Church every Monday at 7:00 PM. Contact Blaine Clyde, Area Director at (206) 361-1234 or visit www.opendoor.younglife.org
YOUNG LIFE EASTIDE CAPERNAUM AND BRIDGE MINISTRIES
Fellowship meetings for young adults which include separate parent/caregiver meetings, Westminster Chapel, 136446 NE 24th Street, Bellevue, 7:30-8:30 PM. Contact Rachel at (206) 325-8477, RachelEAshley@hotmail.com or visit http://www.bridgemin.org
ONLINE ASD TEEN GROUP
This is a Yahoo group created exclusively for adolescents on the autism spectrum, offering an opportunity for them to interact in a supportive, autistic-friendly internet environment. Sponsored by the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network, an international non-profit organization run by and for autistic adults and youth, working to advance neurodiversity, disability rights and autistic culture. Visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ASANTeens, click “Join this group” and follow the instructions. For more information, email Dora at dora@aaspireproject.org . For more information about the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network, visit http://www.autisticadvocacy.org
TEEN SUPPORT GROUP STARTING IN MONROE
Interested in support for teens on the spectrum in Monroe? A Monroe mother is starting and facilitating this group. To find out more, contact Sandra Nunnelee at sandranunnelee@mac.com
SOCIAL NETWORKING SITE FOR THOSE ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM
http://WeAreAutism.org is a place for people living with autism and is a social support network similar to MySpace and FaceBook, but within a safe environment in which users know they are sharing private details of their trials and tribulations with only those who can relate and understand.
PARENT’S GUIDE TO TRANSITION
Download the FREE 86-page Life Journey Through Autism: A Guide for Transition to Adulthood: http://www.researchautism.org/resources/reading/documents/TransitionGuide.pdf
UNDERSTANDING ASPERGER’S SYNDROME: A PROFESSOR’S GUIDE
The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) released this 12-minute video for use by college students with Asperger’s Syndrome as a tool to educate their professors, teaching assistants, and other about the condition. Video includes information on reasonable accommodations in the college classroom. Download at no cost at www.researchautism.org/resources/AspergerDVDSeries.asp
GAMETALK: A SOCIAL SKILLS AND FRIENDSHIP GROUP
Gametalk is a social skills and friendship group for ages 13-18. Use of fun games to engage teens in socialization with peers. Fridays, 5:00-6:45pm, 511- 28th Ave East, Seattle. $45/group (sliding scale is available.) Ongoing group - participants can be involved for as long as they'd like. Contact Pete Weiss at (206)245-9975 or peter@seattlechildtherapy.com or visit www.seattlechildtherapy.com
TRANSITION SUPPORT GROUP – COVINGTON AND REDMOND
Elaine Duncan, MA, LMHC. Vocational and Mental Health Counselor is starting new groups in Covington at the MindSource Center and also in Redmond. These groups are for young adults on the spectrum, age 18-28, who need support for their transition from school to work and adult life. Elaine will be teaching job search, job-retention, and social skills as well as providing an emotionally safe and uplifting place for young people to ask questions and support one another. $360/8-week program. Contact Elaine at (425) 883-4939 or elaineaduncan@msn.com or visit www.elaineaduncan.com.
TRANSITION AND EVENT CLUB
Alliance of People with disAbilities sponsors Transition and Event Club. Meetings at Shorewood High School, 17300 Fremont Ave N, Shoreline, Portable 1, optional social time from 2:30-3PM. Contact Emily Gorchels at (206) 633-6623 or Emily@disabilitypride.org to confirm meeting dates, times, and location.
FEAT TRANSITIONS FOR TEENS
Transitions for Teens program seeks to increase social competence and skills to help adolescents access and navigate their world. The core curriculum is designed to build skills in self-determination, social/communication, self-advocacy, self-management, navigation, leisure, health, hygiene, safety, daily living, and academics. Contact the FEAT office at (206) 763-3373 or visit www.featwa.org
JOANNE O’NEILL – TRANSITION TRAINING
Parent Training Coordinator for the Arc of King County specializing in transition planning workshops. (206) 364-4645 ext 8006.
INDIVIDUALIZED TRANSITION AND VOCATIONAL PROGRAM
Elaine Duncan, MA, LMHC, psychotherapist/vocational specialist is offering anew, structured transitional program for high school students and a structured vocational program for individuals seeking a career or job. Programs include vocational testing, coaching and training in job and college apps, resume writing, interviewing and job retention. Now in Covington at the Mindsource Center on Wednesdays. For an appointment, call Elaine at (425) 883-4939; www.elaineaduncan.com
NEW EMAIL GROUP FOR PARENTS OF KIDS IN TRANSITION
Parent to Parent has started a new email group for parents of kids that are transition age (16-22). Please feel free to join by sending a blank email to intoadulthood-subscribe@yahoogroups.com This group is for parents who have kids on IEPs (not just autism).
SAMARYA CENTER INTEGRATED MOVEMENT THERAPY - SEATTLE
Individual and group therapy led by Molly Kenny, SLP and yoga therapist. Excellent method for increasing self-esteem, body awareness, sequencing, modulating sensory issues, and improving social skills. Lots of experience with children and teens on the autism spectrum. Training in Integrated Movement Therapy also available (see listing under Events). Visit www.samaryacenter.org or call (206) 568-8335 for more
information.
MARIAM ARAUJO, PSYCHOLOGIST
Psychologist specializing in autism spectrum disorders offers formal diagnostic evaluations (ages 2 years through early adulthood), therapy, and school consultations. Diagnostic evaluations can also address differential diagnosis of other or related learning or developmental problems. Call (206) 226-9689 or visit www.mariamaraujo.com
CARRIE SHEPPARD, LMHC PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Relationship Development Intervention (RDI), individual and family psychotherapy for children and adults on the spectrum, friendship groups, in Kent/Covington. Call 253-859-3505 or email carriesheppard@mindspring.com , 27023 164th Ave SE, Covington, WA (easy access to Hwy 18).
CENTER FOR CHANGE IN TRANSITION SERVICES
Visit http://www.seattleu.edu/ccts/ and check out the NEW Agency Connections. Provides information by county to agencies that will assist youth with disabilities find employment training and post-secondary opportunities.
SSI INFORMATION
The Arc of King County has a great deal of information regarding SSI on their website:
http://www.arcofkingcounty.org/guide/financial/about/ssi/index.html
MY FUTURE, MY PLAN
The National Center on Secondary Education and Transition has a new resource called "My Future, My Plan", a transition planning resource for life after high school for students with disabilities. Visit http://www.myfuturemyplan.com
ACCESS STEM PROGRAM
The Alliance for Students with Disabilities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics http://www.washington.edu/doit/Stem/
POST-ITT
Post-ITT is a free web-based resource designed to help students with disabilities make the transition from high school to college. It has comprehensive information about disability support services and activities designed to guide you through this process. Visit Post-ITT on the web at http://www.postitt.org For info call (206) 285-9317 or postitt@wri-edu.org .
DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internet-working, and Technology)
DO-IT serves to increase the participation of individuals with disabilities in challenging academic programs and careers. It promotes the use of computer and networking technologies to increase independence, productivity, and participation in education and employment. Call (206) 685-DOIT or (888) 972-DOIT or visit http://www.washingt on.edu/doit/
College: You Can DO-IT! www.washington.edu/doit/Video/college.html
Preparing for College: An Online Tutorial www.washington.edu/doit/Brochures/Academics
HIGHLINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE ACHIEVE PROGRAM
Highline Community College’s ACHIEVE Program provides opportunities for adults with disabilities to participate in a variety of classes and experiences in a community college setting. Visit http://flightline.highline.edu/ces/programs/achieve.htm
HIGHLINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE ACHIEVE TRANSITION PROGRAM
This program focuses on four major areas that prepare students for employment in the community: employment readiness, independent living, self-advocacy, and essential skill-building. Visit http://flightline.highline.edu/ces/programs /bridge.htm
OLS-VENTURE PROGRAM AT BELLEVUE COLLEGE
OLS-Venture is an accredited associate degree program at Bellevue College for students with intellectual disabilities. This program focuses on occupational skills, critical thinking, self determination, and critical life skills. OLS is a 4 year program with service learning opportunities, community involvement, and vocational internship requirements. Students participate in enriched academic learning and social experiences that assist with the transition into adult work and daily life. For more information go to www.bellevuecollege.edu/ols.
ADOLESCENT HEALTH TRANSITION PROJECT
The journey to adulthood can be challenging for any youth, but for youth with a disability or chronic illness, it is even more complicated. Visit http://depts.washington.edu/healthtr/ or call (206) 685-1358 to learn more.
Transition Timeline: https://depts. washington. edu/healthtr/ Timeline/ pdf/dd_english. pdf
Adolescent Autonomy Checklists: https://depts. washington. edu/healthtr/ Checklists/ intro.htm
Health History Summary for Teens: https://depts. washington.edu/healthtr/healthhistory/hhsummary_eng.pdf