RMAC Group Interventions

RMAC Small Group Interventions

Description of Groups
RMAC offers four separate and distinct groups that focus on the greatest challenge areas for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. Each of the four groups is ongoing and continuous throughout the year. Classes are divided into four, twelve-week classes that meet once per week for 1 hour. Families may enroll their child into 1-4 classes per year. Families currently enrolled in a RMAC program will receive first priority to enroll in the next scheduled class.

Each class is uniquely designed to meet the specific needs and priorities of its members. Children are screened and matched to ensure appropriate grouping of children by intervention priority, developmental ability and age.

In the classes, parents learn how to facilitate their child's learning, skills and abilities in social and group settings. Siblings and typical peers are also incorporated into the sessions.

A doctoral, doctoral candidate or master's level RMAC staff member and a program assistant (2:1 ratio) trained at RMAC will facilitate all classes. An initial screening and progress report will be provided for each child attending a 12-week class.

Communication Group

Emphasis is on developing functional, spontaneous and generative communication in the areas of a) speech intelligibility (articulation), b) receptive language, c) expressive language, d) social-pragmatic (social uses of language), e) conversation, and f) auditory processing skills. A licensed speech-language pathologist and a program assistant will facilitate this class.

Motor Group

Emphasis is on developing functional motor skills for use at home and school in the areas of a) fine motor, b) gross motor and c) sensory integration. This class is facilitated by a licensed occupational therapist and a program assistant.

Social Group

Emphasis is on developing the social skills necessary for making friends and participating in groups by increasing a) social awareness, b) social relatedness, c) social understanding and d) social participation. This class will be facilitated by a RMAC therapist and a program assistant.

School Readiness

Emphasis is on developing school readiness skills that will prepare the child for success in the classroom by improving the child's a) learning style, b) ability to follow group structure and c) early academics. This class will be facilitated by a RMAC therapist and a program assistant.