GO TO: Social Skills and Play Groups - Sibshop - Young Adult Club (YAC) - East Central Illinois Autism Support Group - Training and Orientation - TAP Special Events
Social Skills and Play Groups
Studies show that children who have received social skills training are more likely to initiate conversation, improve their problem solving skills, demonstrate knowledge of emotions, maintain better eye contact, and share more personal experiences with others. There are also numerous behavior gains in children with Autism Spectrum Disroder who take part in social skills groups. Our social skills program has been developed to target skill deficits common to Autism Spectrum Disorder, and is designed to address areas such as communication and social interaction. It is intended for children age 6 and older who are diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome or high functioning autism, and we work with them in a structured setting to develop social skills appropriate to their developmental level.
To aid in these goals, we have a specially decorated, arranged, and furnished room with designated areas for activities such as freeplay, relaxation, art, snack time, learning, and conversation. To see our current social skills schedule, visit the Upcoming Events page.
In addition to social skills groups, from time to time we also offer informal play groups for children. While the social skills groups are highly structured and follow a set curriculum, the play groups are more casual and offer children a chance to interact with peers in a more casual recreational setting.
If you are interested in social skills group for your child, pelase contact us at (217) 348-3869 for more information. You will also need to complete the Social Skills Form.
Sibshop
Sibshop is an exciting support, information, and recreation opportunity for kids ages 7-13 who are the sibling of someone with special needs. At Sibshop, they will have a chance to meet other kids whose brothers and sisters have special needs and talk about the good and not-so-good parts of having a sibling with a disability. Most important, they'll have fun!
In addition to receiving peer support, Sibshop participants will play lively games, do craft and cooking projects, participate in special events and activities, and make new friends. Sibshop is a spirited celebration of the many contributions made by brothers and sisters. Although it is hosted by TAP, Sibshop is not just for families served by TAP; it is open to all local children who are the sibling of someone with special needs.
Our Sibshop typically meets once per month on a Saturday for two hours. To check for upcoming Sibshop sessions, visit the Upcoming Events page.
Young Adult Club (YAC)
While many autism programs and services are geared toward young children, this program is just for teenagers and young adults. Members of YAC are ages 14-25 and have an autism diagnosis. We have two chapters of the club: one in the Champaign-Urbana area, and another in the Charleston-Mattoon area. Each club hosts one or more events each month that are designed to improve social, friendship, and relational skills, and to provide support to young adults who may be isolated from their peers or who have few opportunities for social interaction.
Examples of these activities include going out to eat, bowling, going to the movies, attending community events, having parties, and more. Transportation to these activities and paying for the costs associated with the activities is typically the responsibility of the participants. Please note that there is a small application fee to join YAC, and a small annual fee.
To check for this month'sYAC activities, visit the Upcoming Events page. If you are interested in joining YAC, please contact one of the coordinators below for more information. You will also need to complete the YAC Registration Form.
- Champaign-Urbana area YAC: Contact Cathy Testory at (217) 722-4482 or cathytestory@ctfillinois.org
- Charleston-Mattoon area YAC: Contact Meagan Matthews at (217) 348-3869 or meaganmatthews@ctfillinois.org
East Central Illinois Autism Support Group
This support group is for parents, grandparents, or any other adult who has a loved one on the autism spectrum. The group meets once a month in the evening at the TAP office located at 689 Castle Drive in Charleston, IL. Free childcare is available during support group to those who preregister for childcare by calling (217) 348-3869, x10. Attending support group not only provides an opportunity for parents to share their experiences and ask for advice, but also to obtain valuable input from guest speakers who are local professionals in special education, counselling, behavioral therapy, and other related fields.
To obtain specific information about our next support group meeting, visit the Upcoming Events page.
Training and Orientation Programs
All of these training programs are provided by TAP free of charge. To see what trainings are currently scheduled, visit the Upcoming Events page. We are also happy to schedule trainings upon request, which can be presented on site at TAP or at a location of the requestor's choosing. For more information, call (217) 348-3869.
New Diagnosis Family Orientation: This 2-3 session program provides parents (and other adult family members, if applicable) with introductory information and practical strategies when a child has been newly diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Daycare/Childcare Training: This 2-hour training course is intended for daycare providers or teachers of young children. These providers are in the unique position to observe unusual patterns of development and to refer "at risk" children for diagnostic assessment. The course focuses on learning styles, communication deficits, sensory issues, social impairment and behavioral issues typically associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Early Intervention Training: Early intervention providers are in a unique position to refer "at risk" children for diagnostic assessment, to make treatment recommendations, and to implement treatment recommendations as well. This training session provides information on screening, diagnostics, and intervention tools that currenlty comprise "best practice" in relation to Autism Spectrum Disorder in young children.The differences between a clinical diagnosis and an educational diagnosis will also be discussed, as will the intervention needs and learning styles of children with ASD.
First Responder Training: This training session is appropriate for law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMT's, and emergency room personnel. Topics that are addressed include basic response techniques, behavioral red flags, and current trends in law enforcement. Attendees will receive communication resources to help them more effectively interact witn non-verbal individuals and those who lose communication skills when under stress.
Special Training Topics: Do you have a specific training need for a particular audience? We can design and present a customized training session to meet your needs.
TAP Special Events
TAP at CTF hosts multiple special events throughout the year. Typically these are free, family-oriented events that are open to the public and geared toward providing children with fun activities. Examples of past events include a Fall Festival, movie matinee, Christmas Celebration, ice cream social, Easter Extraveganza, and more. To check for upcoming special events, visit the Upcoming Events page.
