WHY SOCIAL GROUPS ARE IMPORTANT

Social relationships can be a challenging aspect of life for adolescents, but even more so in the case of adolescents on the spectrum. The ability to form and sustain friendships relies on the ability to understand what others are thinking and feeling, understanding body language and expressions and a certain flexibility adjusting to new social situations. Perhaps most confusing of all is the need to understand unwritten social rules, such as understanding what is and is not appropriate to say to others, an abstract concept which challenges the literal way of thinking of people with AS conditions.

There are numerous benefits associated with having healthy relationships with peers. These include:

• Boosting self-esteem

• Creating a sense of belonging

• Experience developing and managing emotions

• Learning to cooperate with others

• Developing problem-solving skills

ASC SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

In order to facilitate a safe environment where people can express their individuality and form friendships with their peers, ASC runs a social group for adolescents and young adults with AS conditions.

Our gym group meets once a week while all our other groups meet twice a month and operate on a ‘pay as you go’ system. We cover a range of activities which are constantly rotated to meet the interests of everyone involved. Activities include:

• Gym group (Run over 8-10 week block sessions)

• Dungeons & Dragons

• Cinema trips

• Horse riding

• Water sports

• Rock climbing

• Board games

We are always open to new ideas and suggestions and love to hear feedback from the group about what activities they would like to try next.