SIDE BY SIDE Pottsville

GO TO OUR NEW SITE TO GET MEETING DATES FOR 2012

http://northernriversasnetwork.wordpress.com/pottsville-aspie-school-kids-social-group/

WHO ARE WE?
We are a social and support group formed by families with members on the autism spectrum. The group is for Aspie children and young people (and their families) in the school age range (5-18 years) who wish to interact in a social environment.

AIMS OF THE GROUP

• To provide an opportunity for Aspie children and young people to find others like themselves and to know that they are not ‘alone’ in their experiences.
• To provide a safe environment in which each child or youth is free to experience social interaction in their individual way.
• To allow the exchange of ideas and resources between parents.
• To support social interactions for siblings of Aspies.
• To involve parents / carers in the facilitation of social interactions for their children and young people.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS. AND ANSWERS!
How is the Pottsville Beach Neighbourhood Center connected to Side by Side?

The Pottsville Beach Neighbourhood Center maintains the group through community development funds and provides support to the facilitators through its volunteer support program. For us, this means there is no charge to attend the group and we have the use of the center’s facilities (such as the toy library) and other resources.

The group is also covered by the Center’s insurance. The Center also houses a small library of books specific to ASD (courtesy of local psychologist, Meg Perkins) that parents may borrow at meetings.

What is the role of the facilitators?

The facilitators, Debbie and Terry, provide access to the Center (we have the key) and ensure that the occupational health and safety requirements of the Center are met. We are also there to make sure the guidelines of the group are followed so that everyone may have a safe and enjoyable experience at Side by Side. We will also ask you to sign on – as a means of identifying who is present in the event of an emergency. We also ask for your email – this is not essential – its just so we can contact you and let you know when the group will be on again or distribute information.

We have no professional expertise in the area of ASD but we do have experience as we have family members on the spectrum.

Although we have occasional activities and are happy to help organize any activity the group wishes to pursue, we do not generally organize activities.

Feedback from members has suggested that this is not desired as young children have enough activities at school and sometimes activities can distract from social interaction which is the main focus of the group.

Who is the group for?

The group is for school age asperger children and adolescents who desire social interaction, and their families (mother, father, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, close family friend…)

The combined group, which meets on the first Saturday of the month is for all school age children, including adolescents (ie. primary and secondary students) and their families.

The group which meets on the third Saturday is specifically for secondary school age participants and their families.

You will need to contact Debbie or Terry if you are thinking of attending the adolescent group as it will not always be held at the Center. Social activities outside the Center are planned for this group. You also need to let us know if you usually attend and can’t make it.

Every child or young adult needs to be accompanied by a family member, or carer who is responsible for them.

What happens at a meeting?

There is no formal structure to a meeting. Parents usually have a cup of tea and chat. (Tea, coffee, juice and fruit are provided.) You are encouraged to bring your own snacks as children are often on special diets and sharing food can be problematic.

There is a small library from which parents may borrow books.

Regular toys are arranged on the floor for the younger group members (usually bionicles, duplo, marblerolls). Children are free to play with the toys or play outside on the play equipment or in the sandbox. It is not unusual for new younger children to play with the toys inside, close to Mum or Dad, until they are familiar with the environment, the procedures and the people.

The teenagers might play a board game like ‘taboo’ or hang out outside and talk. Occasionally they will play with the younger members. Handball is popular at the moment.

Will my child fit in?

There are many different expressions of aspergers. Your child may be exuberant and lively, or your child may be reticent and anxious if their personal space is invaded.

The ethos of the group is that each participant be accepted as they are. But parents are asked to ensure that their child’s behaviour does not impact negatively upon others in the group.

We encourage new members to monitor their child when first entering the group – to help find someone they are compatible with or to ensure their behaviour does not intrude on other participants.

Can a respite carer bring my child to the group instead of me?

Yes. Children who regularly attend the group are welcome to participate with a carer instead of Mum or Dad. Respite is a valuable resource and parents should avail themselves of it when possible.

If your child has not attended the group before and we are not familiar with your child or your family, you will need to consult with us before sending your child with a carer.

Carers are responsible for their charges while at the group.

Carers should be made aware that the group is also a support group for the parents. It may be inappropriate for someone to be present who is not in the same circumstances as the other participants in the group, when issues are discussed. A spectator at a support group may make participants uncomfortable. Carers need to be aware of, and sensitive to, this issue.

What time do the groups start and finish?

This is our most asked question!

We start at 1:00pm.

Finishing time mostly depends on the weather. Winter we tend to pack up around 4:00 – 5:00pm. Summer we tend to go longer. Its not unusual for parents to be outside chatting still at 6:00pm, after we’ve locked up.

I’ve borrowed a book but I wont be back to return it!

Post it back to:  Pottsville Beach Neighbourhood Center

Po Box 54

Pottsville Beach 2489

PBNC has a website where you can find their address if you lose this literature..

We would appreciate you making the effort to return books. They are a great resource for parents.