The following groups / organisations have advised us they may be suitable for providing social skills development opportunities.  Please note that inclusion in these lists does not imply ASSN Vic endorses or recommends a particular group.  This is a free information referral service only.  If you would like to have your group included, please use the contact us form by clicking here.

Voice and Movement  - Mont Albert

The Drama for Everyday Life Program assists children, adolescents and adults in developing appropriate social skills and self confidence.

This program has been designed with the needs of students with Asperger’s Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorders in mind. Using fun drama games, role plays and improvisation the program covers the following areas: social skills, relationships, self confidence and self awareness, emotions and body language, and creativity.

While all classes cover conversation skills, friendship skills and non-verbal cues, the curriculum is tailored to students' individual needs, covering topics as diverse as confidence in the schoolyard, public speaking, job interview/workplace skills and general manners.

Students commence with a tailored private program before moving into small group classes.  All sessions are tailored to the needs of the individual student. Holiday Programs and Information Sessions are held regularly. Further information on our program can be viewed on our website at www.voiceandmovement.com.au.

For an information pack, call Catherine on (03) 9890 0728 or E-mail: info@voiceandmovement.com.au

Voice and Movement, 34A Hamilton Street, Mont Albert, 3127.

Spectrum Speech Pathology - Ashwood and Moonee Ponds

Speech Pathologists Christine Kendall and Gloria Staios have extensive experience working with children on the spectrum.  They run private and small group social skills programs during term time and school holidays.  They also run holiday programs specifically for pre-school aged children.

Please visit www.spectrumspeech.com.au for details. 

OR visit http://spectrumspeech.com.au/social-skills/downloads/ directly to download an application form.

TEENS Youth Group - Endeavour Hills

Run by the Southern Autism Spectrum Family Support Group inc (SASFSG), the TEENS Youth Group for teenagers with Aspergers and HFA is facilitated by a Social Worker and a Psychology Student.  

• Location: Endeavour Hills UnitingCare Neighbourhood Centre, 10 Raymond McMahon Blv, Endeavour Hills
• Time: 7-9 pm , First Friday of the month, except for January.
• Cost: $ 10 for Pizza or Fish n Chips, plus a bottle of water
• Enquires: Contact Jill at registration4sasfsg@y7mail.com or  0419 885 967
• Download their very cool flyer here!

Speech4kids  - Bentleigh

Speech4Kids runs a number of social skills groups for children aged 3 to 12.  Most groups run on school nights 4:30 - 5:30 pm.

Please contact Felicia Schmaman, Practice Principal Speech4kids on 1300 701 737 for more information or to register your interest.

Comfort Zone - Ivanhoe - currently full, please put your name on their waiting list

COMFORT ZONE provides a forum in which teenagers (10 - 16) with Aspergers/High Functioning Autism can get together once a week in a safe and relaxed environment to enjoy each other’s company, undertake enjoyable activities, and acquire life skills.  The group meets once a week on Saturday afternoons for 2 hours, usually at our base - The Livingstone Community Centre, Ivanhoe, or in other local areas.   

We will be organising activities encompassing social skills and practical life skills such as cooking, relaxation techniques/yoga, drama, bowling, rock-climbing, having guest speakers etc. Participants will be asked what activities they are interested in and so contribute to the planning of the group.  This program has also proven to be beneficial for parents who are seeking social support from people with understand their day-day challenges. These sessions are also used for information sharing about how to obtain funding, names of professionals in the field such as GPs, OTs or psychologists who have been of use to other families. 

For any further enquires please email Coordinator Courtney Smith at  court_msmith@hotmail.com

Kids in Kooyong

Kids In Kooyong is a new social skills program designed specifically for Aspergers children, gifted and highly able students.  Rather than focusing on social skills alone, this program offers a series of six weekly challenges / enrichment activity for the students, allowing bright children the opportunity to enjoy mixing and working with like-minded peers, in an environment in which they are academically challenged, whilst specific social skills are targeted, modelled and reinforced in the background. Each session, students work together to solve design challenges, hypothetical’s and problem solving tasks, with facilitators coaching and reinforcing appropriate social, negotiation and co-operation skills.  Two age group ranges are offered, for 5-7 year olds, and 8-13 year olds.

The first of these programs begins in May, with enrolments open immediately. Cost is $360 for six sessions, including handouts, parent letters and feedback.  Rebates may be available through private health funds and medicare with referrals

For more information or to enrol, contact Alison Brown, Psychologist, "Kids in Kooyong", Level 1, 479 Glenferrie Road, Kooyong 3144.  Phone: (03) 9822 0010, Mob: 0408 177982,  www.psychologyandchildren.com.au

Social Group for Boys - Ashwood

Contact person - Carol Berger
one group for - boys age 12 - 14 and another group for boys 14 - 17
Address - 54 Power Avenue - Ashwood Neighbourhood House, Ashwood
Phone: 9807 3589  mobile: 0432 150 799
Email Carol at - powerhse@vicnet.net.au
 
These groups operate more as a social group for children to meet other children and make friends, have a good time, participate in activities etc.  They have two facilitators who organise actives, go to camps with them etc.  While the children are involved in their activities "social skills " are being pointed out, but the group is not aimed at teaching social skills.
 
It is not a support group for parents. Once a month parents, other family member and the children all go out for a social night.