Information for Families
Educational Groups and Classes:
- Social Skills and Friendship Classes for Children with High-Functioning Autism and Asperger's Syndrome are offered for and adolescents with High-Functioning Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. They are 6 to 8-week courses, depending on age of the child. The class format varies depending on the goals of the sessions. We often combine direct teaching of specific social skills with interactive and fun activities, including video-taped role plays and critiques, board games, outdoor games/play, team-building activities, art activities, and hobby and special interest nights. Parents are encouraged to participate by carrying over weekly homework assignments and are updated on the children’s progress during scheduled conferences. This group is offered periodically based on requests. For more information about offerings and costs please contact Audrey Blakeley-Smith, Ph.D. at 303-724-7630 or audrey.blakeley-smith@ucdenver.edu.
- Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy for Children with Anxiety and Autism Spectrum Disorders is a clinical research activity and is designed to reduce anxiety symptoms in children ages 7-14 with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Traditional cognitive behavioral strategies for addressing anxiety symptoms in typical children are modified for children with High-Functioning Autism or Asperger’s Disorder. The group meets for 12-14 consecutive weeks and has a strong parental component. Because we are measuring the efficacy of the group intervention, pre and post assessments are part of the group project. In the past this project was funded by the Organization for Autism Research (OAR), the Doug Flutie Foundation and Cure Autism Now (CAN). Currently there is not funding for this project and is only periodically offered based on requests. For more information about class meeting times and costs, please contact Mary Hetrick at 303-724-7658 or mary.hetrick@ucdenver.edu.
- More Than Words is a class specifically designed to provide parents with knowledge and strategies to promote communication and social skills in their children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is a 12 week course taught by speech-language therapists certified in the More Than Words Hanen Parent training class. Learning is supported by a parent guidebook, videotapes, and parent videotapes. The class emphasizes the importance of affect, predictability, structure, and the use of visual support to enhance learning in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. This class is offered periodically based on requests. For more information about this class, please contact Terry Hall at 303-724-7633 or terry.hall@ucdenver.edu.
- It Takes Two to Talk is a Hanen parent training class that provides training for parents of children with language delays. This 10 week class provides a multitude of learning opportunities through teaching videotapes, role playing, hands on activities, and videotaping parents in interactions with their child. Attendance of both parents is encouraged, but not required. This class is offered periodically based on requests. For more information about class, please contact Terry Hall at 303-724-7633 or terry.hall@ucdenver.edu.
- Learning Language and Loving It is designed for Early Childhood Educators, Preschool Teachers, Paraprofessionals and provides training for groups of educators/preschool teachers with a focus on those who work with children who have language delays or are identified at risk. This program is also supported by the use of a teacher’s guidebook, teaching videotapes, and onsite videotaping and coaching. This 8 week class provides both teachers and early childhood educators with the knowledge and support their need to health children to communicate and to create enriched, interactive language learning environments. This class can accommodate school teams and classroom staff. This class is offered periodically based on requests. For more information about the class, please contact Terry Hall at 303-724-7633 or terry.hall@ucdenver.edu.
For more information about the Hanen programs, visit their website at www.hanen.org.
- What’s Next is a drop-in parent session, offered on a monthly basis, for any family of a child who has received an initial diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder. This session will answer questions and provide information for families. The focus is on topics related to the diagnosis, treatment and resources. These sessions are offered at no cost however we do request that you RSVP prior to attending a session. For dates, times and to RSVP please call or email Sandi Riedel - 303-724-7647; sandi.riedel@ucdenver.edu.
