GO TO: Social Skills and Play Groups - Sibling Support Group - Young Adult Club (YAC) - East Central Illinois Autism Support Group (ECIASG) - 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 knowldege of emotions, maintain better eye contact, and share more personal experiences with others. 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.

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. We currently offer two separate social skills groups: one on Tuesday evenings and one on Thursday evenings. Social Skills is not just for children with Autism Spectrm disorder: their siblings are also allowed and encouraged to participate as well.

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.

Sibshop (Sibling Support Group)

Sibshop is an exciting support, information, and recreation opportunity for kids ages 6 and up 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, learn about their siblings' dissabilities and the services they receive, 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 a disability. To check for upcoming Sibshop events, 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 events include going out to eat, bowling, going to the movies, attending community events, etc. Transportation to these events is the responsibility of the participants. Please note that there is a membership fee to join this club. To check for upcoming YAC events, visit the Upcoming Events page.

• Champaign-Urbana area YAC: Contact Cathy Testory at 217-722-4482 or cathytestory@ctfillinois.org
• Charleston-Mattoon area YAC: Contact Meagan Matthews at 217-348-3968 or meaganmatthews@ctfillinois.org

East Central Illinois Autism Support Group

This support group is for the parents, grandparents, and guardians of children on the autism spectrum. The group meets on the third Thursday of every month September-May from 6:30-7:45 pm 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 are geared toward providing children with fun activities. Examples of past events include the Fall Festival, movie matinee, and Christmas Celebration. To check for upcoming special events, see the Upcoming Events page.