These are groups for youth  (12 - 18 years) with Asperger Syndrome which run for 14 weeks each,  and include 4 - 6 participants per group.  Each group described below runs once per year.  Curriculae were specifically designed to target the specific needs of youth with Asperger Syndrome.

Please note: As with all Geneva Centre Social Skill groups, there is a subsidized fee associated with each of these groups.  Please speak to your consultant or social worker for details.

Coping with Anxiety / Anger Management
Using the principles of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, participants learn strategies to help them manage anger and anxiety.  Participants learn how to identify their own anger and anxiety as well as possible triggers for expression of these emotions.  Group members develop a set of individualized “tools” (based on Tony Attwood’s Emotional Toolbox curriculum) to help “fix” negative emotions.  Strategies learned may include relaxation exercises, visualization, antidotes to “poisonous” thoughts, role play and rehearsal.  The group is run by a Behaviour Communication Consultant and a member of Geneva Centre for Autism’s clinical team. 

Understanding Asperger Syndrome and Building Self-Esteem
This group is designed for youth who are aware of their diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome and would benefit from further explanation and support in understanding the diagnosis and developing self-esteem. Emphasis in placed on learning about one’s own strengths and challenges, developing respect for differences in other people and fostering self-acceptance. Some of the topics explored are:  differences inside and out; individual strengths and challenges, special interests, sensory differences, learning styles, dealing with emotions and who to tell about their diagnosis.  The group is run by a Behaviour Communication Consultant and a member of Geneva Centre for Autism’s clinical team.

Circles:  Learning Social Boundaries
This group explores the CIRCLES® Program to help explain interpersonal relationships that can sometimes be puzzling for children with ASD.  The CIRCLES® Program represents different types of inter-personal relationships as a series of different coloured concentric circles that radiate out from the individual.  Participants learn the differences between each circle and to distinguish between the different levels of talk, touch and trust associated with the different people in their lives.  Topics covered include the concepts of public and private, awareness of personal space, social boundaries, appropriate behaviour in the community, the definition of a friend compared to an acquaintance, the different levels of intimacy & trust, personal safety, and safety of others. The group is run by a Behaviour Communication Consultant and a member of Geneva Centre for Autism’s clinical team.