Community Programs
What does it mean to be part of a community?
It’s building meaningful and lasting relationships, possessing the skills to perform the basic tasks expected of all of us, and having the self-confidence to smoothly navigate social situations. Every one of us deserves the chance to be an active part of our community in a way that works best for us. Our community programs for youth provide engaging environments in which these skills are taught, practiced, and mastered in small group settings.
Groups are inclusive, age-matched, and specific to target skill areas. While designed and led by our therapists, our community programs for youth are not classified as therapy. Parents call these programs ‘enrichment sessions,’ while our preference at TCS is to refer to them as playdates with a purpose. Be it a group of two or a group of five, we aspire to facilitate kids’ ability to showcase and build upon skills already learned in school, at home, or in private therapy. Simultaneously, we provide an environment in which new friendships are created and our community is strengthened.
Ausomely Autistic
For autistic children who are in 3rd or 4th grade. Led by an autistic occupational therapist, this group is specifically designed to develop positive self-identity in autistic youth. The group will explore what it means to be autistic (use of identity-affirming rather than person-first language is intentional, as this is preferred by the majority of the autistic community). We will explore sensory and communication differences, regulation and coping strategies, and more. We will be incorporating portions of the SEA Bridge neurodiversity-affirming curriculum. *This program is being supported by a grant from The Greater Harrisburg Foundation, a regional foundation of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities. It is being provided at NO COST to participants.
Ages: 3rd or 4th grade
Group Size: Up to 5 participants
Program dates: Saturdays 9-10 am; Feb 11 – Apr 29 (12 weeks)
Cost: FREE due to grant funding
How to enroll: Register here
Fun with Food
For hesitant eaters, this group provides a chance to positively engage with food in a no-pressure environment. For children ages 3-4 years (parent/caregiver must accompany). Led by an occupational therapist specialist in feeding, activities will involve making food crafts and similar projects while providing lots of opportunities to explore new foods together.
Ages: 3 or 4 years (must attend with a caregiver)
Group Size: 3 participants
Program dates: Wednesdays 5:30-6:30pm; Jan 18 – Feb 22, 2023.
Cost: $250 per 6-week session. We will provide all food (please indicate any allergies on the registration form)
How to enroll: Register here
Bridge Builders
This group is specifically designed to lay the foundation for building “bridges of understanding” among children in social situations. We will be incorporating portions of the SEA Bridge neurodiversity-affirming curriculum, found here: https://bridgeslearningsystem.com/ Topics will include recognizing and appreciating similarities and differences between people, communicating with friends, exploring feelings, and more. Specific curriculum content will be customized to the group of children enrolled. Neurotypical and neurodivergent children welcome.
Ages: 1st or 2nd grade
Group Size: Up to 4 participants
Program dates: Tuesdays 5-6 pm; Feb 28 – Apr 4
Cost: $225 per 6-week session.
How to enroll: Register here
Play Pals
Play is the number one job of children! These play groups include a combination of structured and unstructured play opportunities in small groups of peers.
Ages: Two groups forming: one group for children entering kindergarten; one group for children entering grade 1
Group size: Up to 4 children.
Program dates: None at this time
Cost: $200 per 6-week session
How to enroll: Not currently enrolling
Marvelous Mindfulness
Mindfulness practices have been shown to help manage stress, regulate emotions, and reduce anxiety. Participants in this group will be guided through fun, kid-friendly mindfulness activities. They will leave the group with a variety of activities that they can do on their own or with family members to establish positive mindfulness routines.
Ages: Entering grades 4-5
Group size: Up to 4 participants
Program dates: None at this time
Cost: $250 per 6-week session
How to enroll: Not currently enrolling
Literacy and Language Book Club
Ages: Entering grades 3-5
Group size: Up to 4 participants
Program dates: None at this time
Cost: $250 per 6-week session
How to enroll: Not currently enrolling
LEGO League
You’ve never seen LEGOs like this before! More than simply building with friends, we use a specific research-based approach to provide meaningful social opportunities using LEGOs. Children learn to successfully navigate communication differences, work together, and self-advocate all while having fun!
Ages: 8-10 years old
Group Size: 3 participants
Program structure: 1 hour per week for 8 weeks
Cost: $300 per 8-week session.
How to enroll: Registration closed
Capability Club
This social opportunities group is designed specifically for middle school students. Using participant-led, unstructured activities, the program is designed to facilitate development in the areas of self-advocacy, emotional regulation, and meaningful social participation grounded in the neurodiversity paradigm. Emphasis will be on understanding a variety of communication styles.
Ages: Middle school (ages 10-13 yrs)
Group Size: Up to 5 participants
Program structure: 1 hour per week for 6 weeks
Cost: $200 per 6-week session.
How to enroll: Registration closed
Adulting Adventures
As children grow into teens, the “real world” gets closer (and scarier!). We provide a low-pressure, fun, and social environment for teens and young adults to begin to explore independent living skills and to learn about “adulting.” Each 8-week program consists of sessions at TCS, as well as community outings to practice real-world skills like grocery shopping on a budget or navigating a laundromat.
Ages: For ages 14 to young adult
Group size: 4
Program structure: One hour per week for 8 weeks
Cost: $300 per 8-week session
How to enroll: Not enrolling at this time
Self-Advocacy Success
This group for teens and young adults provides a safe space to develop positive self-identity and low-stress social engagement. We also introduce and practice concepts such as setting and respecting boundaries, navigating complex social situations, and self-advocacy. All neurotypes welcome.
Ages: 15+
Group Size: up to 5 participants
Program Structure: 1 hour per week, 8-week session.
Cost: $250 per 8-week session.
How to enroll: Not currently enrolling