Take 2: Teaching Children w/ Autism Washington, DC

Dear Take 2 Supporter,     

There's no "ask" here, none at all. You're getting this email because you've generously supported Take 2 in the past and we'd like to take a moment, as we prepare for our ninth summer (!) to thank you for your help and tell you a little about what went on at Take 2 this past fall.  Here is director Lynn Cannon's wrap-up:   

      This fall, some of our summer campers were reunited for a weekly social learning group that was designed to reinforce and expand on the skills and concepts they had learned over the summer.  The theme of the fall group was “learning to C.H.I.L.L.” This is also known as “hanging out.”  What’s involved in that?  You know, things like playing video games, enjoying a meal together, exchanging gifts – the goal was to simulate the ways that typical late elementary and early middle school students spend time with their friends.

To C.H.I.L.L you need to:

C- ompromise

H- idden rules (follow them!)

I- nitiate conversation

L- isten

L- augh, when everyone laughs

      Campers’ parents were also reunited in the fall program. Once a month, parents came together to discuss the group themes and generalization opportunities and to participate in our guest speaker series. Guest speakers included a speech and language pathologist who shared strategies for improving conversation skills, facilitating play dates and other peer interactions, and expanding social thinking. We were also joined by a local education advocate who provided tips on how to obtain appropriate special education services, and where and when to start the challenging search for the right middle school.

      Everyone took away something from our groups this fall. For parents, it was some useful planning tips and a chance to connect with a community of parents. For staff, it was the chance to see a group of boys re-unite and ultimately, and independently, “C.H.I.L.L” over a pizza dinner- laughing and chatting the whole time. Most importantly the campers had an opportunity to spend an hour each week re-connecting and enjoying time with their friends!

Thank you again for your generous support of Take 2.  We couldn't do it without you -- we really couldn't!

Sincerely, 

Lynn, Monica & Lisa