New program helping children with Autism develop social skills
Many families of children with Autism struggle to find adequate support, but a new program at the Essa Public Library is hoping to provide a new option.
Kathleen Burroughs started the BuddyUp program as part of her Autism-support business, ABA on the Go. She says she saw a need in the community to provide a safe space for children with Autism to increase their social skills.
"BuddyUp is a social skills program for children and teens with Autism ages 13 to 17," says Burroughs. "We look at maintaining conversation and eye contact, and we do social exercises. It's a fun, welcoming space for teens on the spectrum to come, have fun, socialize and make friends."
The group meets once a week from 5 – 7 p.m. on Mondays at the library's Angus branch. With 17 years of experience in the sector, Burroughs says that the program has valuable benefits in helping these children have a new outlet to develop new skills.
"We like to play board games; we like to encourage participants to initiate conversation [and] to ask questions," Burroughs says. "We really promote and encourage them to express themselves through art and through social activities and a lot of socializing."
So far, the group has five recurring members who look forward to the gatherings every week.
"The program is really fun," says Carissa Stoodley. "I have fun with the friends that come here, the people that come here, and it's the greatest thing that I can ever have."
"I feel like the best part about it is making more friends and having a good time," says Liam Cronk, another one of the program's regular participants.
Burroughs is accepting new members, with applications available online.
"We're looking for it to be an ongoing program," Burroughs says. "The goal, I guess, would be the more people and the more participants that join, the more opportunity for gaining friendships."
For more information, click here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Person on fire outside Trump's hush money trial rushed away on a stretcher
A person who was on fire in a park outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump’s hush money trial is taking place has been rushed away on a stretcher.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Senators reject field trip to African Lion Safari amid elephant bill study
The Senate legal affairs committee has rejected a motion calling for members to take a $50,000 field trip to the African Lion Safari in southern Ontario to see the zoo's elephant exhibit.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Police in Paris detain a man wearing fake explosives vest at Iran's Consulate
A man wearing a fake explosive vest and making threats was detained Friday outside the Iranian Consulate in Paris after police locked down the area, authorities said. His motive was unclear.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.