This month’s Lowcountry autism events roundup includes Cookies with Santa, a Holiday Hoedown, and more!
Be sure to sign up for our email list to be the first to know about new Groups and events.
Adult Group Registration Continues!
Do you know a young adult on the autism spectrum who’d like to work on social skills in a supportive group setting? Then call us ASAP at (843) 792-9162 to register for our social skills Adult Group!
This Group for ages 18+ starts on Thursday, January 11th, 2018 and runs for 14 consecutive weeks each Thursday from 4:00pm-5:30pm at MUSC IOP 5 South.
This Adult Group marks the first time we’re running the PEERS for Young Adults curriculum.
PEERS is “a 16-week evidence-based social skills intervention for motivated young adults, who are interested in learning skills to make and keep friends and develop romantic relationships. During each group session, young adults are taught important social skills and are given the opportunity to practice these skills.”
Call (843) 792-9162 today to schedule a required intake meeting with James Truelove.
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
Here are a few highlighted local events. Note that Family Connection SC also offers a monthly events calendar.
Charleston County Parks Holiday Hoedown
Holiday Hoedown happens Thursday, December 7, 2017. People with special needs and their families and friends are invited to an unforgettable night!
Come dressed in your favorite western gear to welcome the holiday, country style! Enjoy light refreshments with Mrs. Claus and the Holiday Festival of Lights mascot, Wattson! A chaperone is required for participants ages 15 and under. You must call (843) 795-4386 to register for this program.
Date: December 7, 2017
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: North Charleston Wannamaker County Park
Address: North Charleston Wannamaker County Park
8888 University Boulevard, North Charleston, SC 29406
Contact: 843-795-4386
Cost: $4 per person. Free for chaperones.
Cookies with Santa at The Children’s Museum!
The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry’s SuperStars program 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 from 10am-12pm for this event.
December’s special Cookies with Santa is happening on Sunday, December 10th; register free via the link below.
Click here to learn more and register for your desired SuperStars time slot.
Child Development Research Opportunity
Via Lowcountry Autism Foundation: “If your child has been diagnosed with ASD and is between ages 2-3 years old, you can participate in this study at USC!
You do not have to live near Columbia! Please call 803-777-5676 for more info!”
You can also visit the USC Dev Lab website for more information, or email USCDevLab@gmail.com. Participants are compensated for their time.
Ongoing Autism Support Groups
Free Parent Support Group in North Charleston
JSS Behavioral Services and Lowcountry Autism Foundation are collaborating on a new, free parent group on the first Thursday of each month 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.
Low Country Autism Support Group
Sponsored by the Early Autism Project, the Low Country Autism Support Group meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month at the Early Autism Project Clinic, 1123 Queensborough Dr., Mt. Pleasant, from 6:30-7:30. Speakers will be invited to each meeting and refreshments are served. Childcare is provided but you must register in advance for the free service.
You do not have to be a client of the Early Autism Project to participate. Saturday respite events are being planned for every other month. For more information and to register for child care, call Anna Bullard at 912-293-5217 or visit abullard@earlyautism.com.
Support Group for Spanish Speaking Families
The Support Group for Spanish Speaking Families meets the 4th Friday of each month from 6-8 PM at the MUSC Northwoods Clinic, 2070 Northbrook Blvd., Suite A-16, N. Charleston. Call Marina at 843-876-2505.
Autism Family Network of the Lowcountry
The Autism Family Network of the Lowcountry (supported by the Lowcountry Autism Foundation) 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. They also have a public Facebook group; click here to join today.
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.
Other 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 (click “Join Group” so an admin can approve your request).
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.
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
