To support individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families by expanding and enhancing opportunites to improve quality of life

Autism , Disabilities , Health

Autismups direct programming looks at the whole individual. We are creating a model where individuals move from interest areas to developed skill into more functional application of the skill. Included in this area are about a dozen programs offered in multiple sessions during the year for periods of two to eight weeks each. These programs primarily focus on social skill development, sensory integration and emotional support. The largest of our programs is the social skills summer program a six-week social skills program held during the extended school year in collaboration with the greater rochester ymca. The special instruction makes it possible for approximately 100 children with autism between the ages of 3 and 16 to be fully integrated at camps arrowhead, bay view and northpoint. We also offer the ican ride bike camp where 40 kids learn in one week how to ride a conventional bike without the training wheels. This program has a 95% success rate due to the use of unique customizable equipment. autismup strives to support all individuals and their families in the greater rochester area who are impacted by autism spectrum disorder. We offer a growing list of support programs, educational opportunities and family gatherings as a way to help our member families improve their ability to support one another and their quality of life. The development of our cycle of support model is a key component of this area. This model includes a family navigator at the golisano childrens hospital and a team of parent mentors. we seek to improve our communitys ability to support and to include individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their caregivers. This area includes our advocacy initiatives, collaboration with other agencies and community training opportunities. For the past several years we have hosted a fall conference where we invite national experts here to share information and strategies to hundreds of parents, professionals and students who seek ways to better support individuals with autism.