Following the successful launch of social/recreational groups for youth on the autism spectrum and others with social challenges, Newtown Youth & Family Services has taken the next step and is positioned to begin a new program for similar individuals between the ages of 18 and 35.

Agency Executive Director Candice Bohr and Assistant Clinical Director Jessica Ward, LCSW are soliciting individuals for this new program, which is being funded with a grant from the state's Autism Services Resource Center (ASRC).

"We provide participants an opportunity to address social challenges in the moment," Ms Ward said.

The local human services agency began holding social recreational groups for children on the autism spectrum, along with others experiencing social challenges, in 2011. The sessions offer many age-appropriate activities like pizza parties and bowling excursions - as well as unique opportunities such as an IT workshop with representatives from Apple computer and a session on 3D printing at C.H. Booth Library.

"We work hard to screen participants to learn not only their likes and dislikes as far as activities go, but the types of social triggers and other issues that may make them uncomfortable, so we can be sure to avoid them," Ms Bohr said.

The activities also provide opportunities for education, like trips to a local movie theater where participants navigate the processes of purchasing their tickets and concessions as both a financial exercise, and a chance to practice their developing social etiquette.

Younger participants have learned how to design and bake cookies, attended a Home Depot workshop where they learned to build birdhouses, sat in on karate demonstrations, and learned how to do yoga.

"L.L.Bean even crafted a fly fishing program for us," Ms Bohr said.

Ms Ward said the cost for participants in the existing three programs is $135 for the six-week duration, plus activity costs, usually under $15. Those existing groups are for ages 7-11, 12-15 and 16-21.

In the 18-35-year-old group, she said, there is no registration fee - just the cost of the activity. The social skills group may be insurance reimbursable.

If qualified, clients would simply pay a co-pay if applicable. The group is accepting applications from Newtown and the immediate area, and the session beginning April 15 will accept about a dozen members.

In addition, NYFS is also offering what is described as a therapeutic group. Ms Ward said that initiative helps participants understand and cope with issues they may face in school.

Beginning Friday, April 15, that group will meet weekly at 4 pm for approximately one hour. The group is open and ongoing, which means that participants may come and go at their discretion.

The group will have a low client/staff ration, approximately six group participants at any one time, to ensure that each client receives the individualized attention they require.

According to a memo circulated by NYFS, this social skills group is very different from the social recreational programs the agency already offers. Attendees will be engaged in practicing and developing social skills in a supportive, confidential environment that requires one to process their emotions and receive feedback from group members.

Topics being covered in the group include:

*How to recognize feelings in others

*How to know what you are feeling

*Discover what may be different about your brain that makes it difficult for you to interact socially

*How to manage emotions that get "too big"

*How to deal with unexpected events and become more "flexible"

*How to pick up on and read social cues

*Understanding the different levels of friendship

*Learning how to engage in "small talk" and what type of clothing is appropriate to wear in different social situations.

"Participants can get a better understanding of how their own brain functions, why they feel the emotions they're feeling, and about being more self-aware," she said. That group, run by staffer Amy Dickerson, Ed M.

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