This group is based on the Circles Intimacy and Relationships (Level 1) curriculum by James Stanfield. The group is intended to help children with autism develop and understand social roles, relationship boundaries, and relationship-specific behaviours (e.g., it’s okay to hug your mother, but it’s not okay to hug the mail carrier) by using step-by-step dramatizations and visual examples to teach extremely abstract concepts in a very simple and concrete manner. Each session will focus on explaining the relationship between the level of intimacy between people and the way they Touch, Talk to, and Trust each other based on which “circle” of intimacy they are in. Different relationships and roles will be evaluated using 6 qualifiers: how long have you known the person, how often do you see the person, how many common bonds do you have with the person, how well do you know the person, how deep are your feelings for the person, and how safe are you with the person. The participants will get to keep a take home circle chart of their own that they’ve made that will place strangers, community helpers, neighbors, peers, friends, family members and a sweetheart (if appropriate) all with themselves at the heart of their personalized circle. We will be using words like "romantic touch” to describe interpersonal contact in romantic relationships without going into any explicit detail. The term “sweetheart” will be used to refer to a boyfriend or girlfriend. Consent and the right to withdraw consent will also be discussed. This is not intended to be a course on sexual education. The group sessions are being offered by an ABA consultant who will use ABA strategies (such as rewards, behavioural skills training and other interactive strategies) to assist in the learning of this material.

• 9 to 12

• Behaviour
• Life Skills
• School Age
• Skill Building
• Social Skills

Mariani and Associates

6 clients; closed group (i.e., same 6 clients attend all 8 sessions)

Due to the nature of this group, sessions are not intended for children with intellectual disabilities or significant learning problems. Eligibility to be determined at intake. Those not appropriate for this group will be directed to more appropriate services.

In case of high demand, groups may be prioritized for clients who are not already participating in other services at Mariani and Associates. This will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Please do not hesitate to register.

8, 1.5-hour sessions (12 hours in total)

Thursdays (3:30pm to 5:00pm) beginning on May 9, 2024 and running to June 27, 2024