This month’s Lowcountry autism events roundup includes a final call for fall social skills Groups (particularly our PEERS Group for teens ages 13-17), Lego Club, a new local parent support group for those with a new diagnosis, and more!
Project Rex Reports
Families, this is the last call to register for our Fall Social Skills Groups for children and teens with Autism and ADHD!
We’re offering three great Groups this time around:
- Project PEERS for ages 13-17 (starting Thursday, September 7th)
- School-Age for ages 5-10 (starting Tuesday, September 19th)
- Pre-Teen/Teen for ages 10-15 (starting Thursday, September 28th)
Both School-Age and Pre-Teen/Teen Groups are nearly full.
PEERS Group has openings available for teens, but act fast, because it starts Thursday, September 7th!
To schedule your required intake, call us now at (843) 792-9162. Soon we’ll be making calls to confirm attendance and formally closing enrollment.
Medicaid covers Project Rex Groups 100%, and most private insurance is accepted. There is also a discount for self-pay.
Project PEERS Group
Project PEERS for ASD & ADHD, ages 13-17: Thursdays 4-5:30PM September 7 – December 14, 2017 (no Group on November 23)
Location: MUSC IOP 5 South, 67 President Street, Charleston, SC
View and download a hi-res, print ready PDF of the current Project PEERS Group flyer.
Want to stay in the loop about Groups and other events? Sign up for our email list.
Calling Adults with Autism and Depression
Are you an adult with Autism and Depression? Then be sure to enroll in our Autism and Depression study.
We are currently recruiting adults ages 18-65 who have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder as well as Depression for a research study at MUSC. The purpose of this study is to investigate new possibilities for treatment for symptoms of both autism and depression.
Compensation will be available to participants. Prospective research participants and referring providers are invited to review detailed information about this study at the official information page at ClinicalTrials.gov.
If you or someone you know is interested in being in this study, please call us at 843-647-6799 or email Melanie Wiley at wileym@musc.edu. Also visit the Autism and Depression study page to learn more.
Save the Date for Our 2018 Project Rex Conference!
In celebration of 10 years of serving the autism community, we’re hosting a Project Rex Conference on Friday, February 9, 2018!
The topic is Power to the Parents: Supporting individuals with autism from childhood to adulthood. Stay tuned for more details; we can’t wait to see you there!
New or One-Time Events
Family Connection SC now offers a monthly events calendar; check out the Lowcountry listings for full details. Here are a few highlighted local events.
New Free Parent Support Group!
JSS Behavioral Services and Lowcountry Autism Foundation are collaborating on a new, free parent group starting on Thursday, September 7th at JSS Behavioral Services, 7301 Rivers Ave, Suite 100, North Charleston, SC 29406.
This monthly group is for parents of children with a new diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder to receive both information and practical support.
Please contact the Lowcountry Autism Foundation organizers at (843) 876-0415 for more information.
Family Focus Night
Charis Academy presents Family Focus Night with a presentation on Understanding Dyslexia; it’s happening Friday, September 8th from 6pm – 8pm at Stallsville United Methodist Church, 255 Stallsville Loop, Summerville, SC 29485.
RSVP to Angela at angela@charisacademysc.org or call (843) 934-7520.
Understanding the IEP Workshop
Family Connection of SC presents a free Understanding the IEP Workshop on Monday, September 11th from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm at Riverbluff Church, North Charleston (5421 Riverbluff Parkway, North Charleston, SC 29420).
This workshop will provide a thorough introduction to the Individualized Education Program (IEP) that serves as a road map for education services.
Participants will:
- Understand the steps of the special education process and learn key terms;
- Gain an understanding of the roles of all members of the IEP team;
- Understand the contents of the IEP and what they mean;
- Learn how to become a more knowledgeable and active participant in meetings.
This workshop will be presented by Tracie Hayward of Family Connection of SC, and is provided to Foster Parents through the SC Foster Parent Association; however, parents or caregivers of a child with a disability or special healthcare need are welcome to attend.
To Register, please RSVP to Anna Skipper at annascfpa@windstream.net
A Special Kids’ Day
The 2nd Annual A Special Kids’ Day is happening on Saturday, September 30th at Jerusalem United Methodist Church (1096 Old Highway 6) in Cross, SC.
Everyone is welcome, and everything is free. Join the fun for food, games, activities, giveaways, and more!
Lego Club
One of our Project Rex volunteers, Melissa, has begun a Lego Club for individuals on the autism spectrum in partnership with Charis Academy in Summerville!
Lego Club is a social skills group and spaces are limited; it runs for 8 weeks, meeting on Wednesdays from 6:00pm – 7:15pm, and registration is $50. If you’re interested, call (843) 460-2605 to register.
Melissa also offers ABA services to autism families through Behavioral Innovations Therapy. You can call (843) 460-2605 to work with her and her team today.
October Event: Save the Date
Save the date for the first annual SC Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (SCAND) Research Symposium!
It’s happening Monday, October 9, 2017 at the USC Alumni Center in Columbia, SC from 8:30am – 5:00pm.
Attendees will learn about research projects in South Carolina, as researchers present their findings and discuss projects focused on Autism Spectrum Disorder and other Neurodevelopmental disorders.
For more information and to register, visit the event website.
Ongoing Events
Charleston Young Adult ASDs
Charleston Young Adult ASDs is a social enjoyment group for young adults (17-32 +/-) in the autism spectrum in the Charleston area. Its purpose is to give individuals the opportunity to:
- Practice different social scenarios in a safe and non-judgmental environment
- Connect with others like them (and realize they’re not alone!)
- Develop skills (through fun activities) to navigate life more smoothly
- Increase chances to make/keep friends and get/keep a job
- Share experience, strength and hope
To get involved, join the private Facebook group (just click “Join Group” so an admin can approve your request).
Autism Family Network of the Lowcountry
This Public Facebook group was created to provide South Carolina families a chance to get together to discuss and share topics related to Autism Spectrum Disorder. Click here to join today.
Also note that the Autism Family Network of the Lowcountry (supported by the Lowcountry Autism Foundation) also has a Parent Training and Support Group that meets monthly in Summerville on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 6-8pm at Bethany Methodist Church.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Charleston Meeting
The Charleston-area NAMI offers multiple support groups for individuals in recovery and family and friends of people with mental illness. All meetings are confidential. For a full list of Charleston-area NAMI meetings, visit the NAMI Charleston Area website.
Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry’s SuperStars
SuperStars is a FREE, registration-required event in which children with special needs and their families can visit the Museum, explore, and play without the crowds and over-stimulation. The Museum is open before-hours on the second and fourth Sundays of every month from 10am-12pm for this event.
Click here to learn more and register for SuperStars.
Parent Support Group for families of children with Asperger’s, HFA, & related conditions
Location: Cherokee United Methodist Church, 2105 Cosgrove Avenue, North Charleston
Time: 6:00 – 7:30pm every Tuesday
For families of children with Aspergers, HFA, Anxiety & Related Conditions
Share your concerns and tips with other parents who understand what it’s like to raise a child with special needs. Give and get support in a safe and non-judgmental place.
Free childcare is provided. Contact Tracie Hayward at thayward@familyconnectionsc.org for more info.
Follow Us on Social Media
We do our best to post local events on social media, so Like us on Facebook and follow on Twitter to stay current. And don’t forget to sign up for our email list to stay in the loop on the latest Group announcements, events, and autism-related offerings.
~ The Project Rex Team
