The CDM now offers a group designed for young children with high-functioning Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome and PDD. Children with ASD have difficulties in the areas of communication, socialization and imagination and creativity. This early-intervention playgroup will address those areas by providing:

- Facilitated play that is designed to increase creativity, flexibility in thinking and language skills.
- Peer interaction opportunities, including initiating and maintaining conversations, answering questions, turn-taking.
- Increased awareness and understanding of verbal and non-verbal communication among playmates.

The playgroup will be held once a week for six weeks. It will be a fun-filled, animal-themed, developmentally appropriate group with play-based activities. The 75-minute playgroup will include structured and facilitated playtime, music and movement, art opportunities, and snack time. Additionally, parent education will be provided, with a weekly parent consultation at the end of each playgroup and weekly written summaries of your child’s progress.

Course fee is $600 for the six sessions. Additional session from 10:45 to noon.

Additionally, each prospective group member and their parent will attend a 30-minute screening appointment, in order to ensure group compatibility and provide an opportunity for parents to ask questions regarding the group. The fee for this screening is $30.

Instructors: AnaMaria Guevara, LCSW and Leina Ramos, LCSW
Open to children ages 3 to 5 years old.