Autastic Avenues, LLC and The Reach Program at Peak Experiences Indoor Climbing Center are collaborating to offer a “hang out with benefits”. Starting February 10, 2017, Autastic Avenues will form a new social skills group for tweens and teens that will meet at Peak Experiences in Midlothian.
Young people with social challenges can come together on Friday evenings to practice social skills and, well, hang. The sessions will begin with instruction on social thinking concepts, followed by climbing, facilitated by the skilled staff of Peak Experiences. Next, kids will regroup for pizza and feedback.
Why is Peak Experiences the perfect place for this group? Kids with social challenges need a “real world” place and activity in which to practice what they are learning. All Staff who work with the Reach program receive additional training outside of standard gym staff training. They learn about autism and how it manifests itself so that they can be attentive to the needs of these
individuals. Peak is a community founded on inclusion and a desire to make sure everyone feel welcome within our gym. So, even the folks who don’t work with the program directly, are sure to be helpful and friendly people.
Climbing teaches:
Critical problem solving skills
Smart decisions making
Thinking for yourself
Climbing builds strength and increases fitness.
Discipline and focus
Perseverance
Bravery – bravery is the reward for taking a chance and escaping the dreaded comfort
zone.
Resilience
Motor plan
Contact Autastic Avenues at 804 301 8428 or [email protected] for details.