Friendships, Self-Advocacy & Resilience
A Workshop Series for TEENS ( 13 to 17 years of age) on the Autism Spectrum and other
Developmental Disabilities
A Four Session Virtual Workshop Series
Young friends wearing face mask doing new social distancing greet with elbows bumps for preventing corona virus spread - Physical distance and friendship safety greetings concept
There are many different social skills programs for children, teens and young adults who are on the spectrum, many of which discuss friendships. Communication is something that individuals on the spectrum have to work on constantly to build relationships with their peers. Teens on the autism spectrum need specific communicative tools to help guide them to success. This speaker series will essentially walk teens through the stages of a friendship and give them the tools to build these relationships on their own. If the goal for someone on the spectrum is to live without assistance and with autonomy, then understanding how to find friendship with peers is an important part of their social emotional development.
Our Guest Speaker/Facilitator:
Andrew Jung, M.A., .is an AMFT (Associate Marriage and Family Therapist) and a Masters in Counseling Psychology from the University of San Francisco. He is the Director of programs for the BLAST organization, and a Behavioral Specialist for Tom Sawyer Camps. Andrew has been working with families with youth and adults on the autism spectrum for over 10 years. He helps children on the spectrum develop social skills while also conducting psycho-educational training sessions for parents. Andrew has also consulted with Autism Alliance SoCal and the young adult group Spectrum League.
A Four Session Workshop Series for TEENS and Parents/Caregivers of Workshop Participants:
Session #1- Having Autism
Saturday, March 26, 2022- 2:00-3:30 P.M.
This session will focus on how each group participant views autism and friendships. Discussion will be held on how comfortable participants feel about other people knowing they have autism and the best way to explain autism to others. Techniques to communicating effectively with others will be demonstrated.

Session #2 - Making Friends
Saturday, April 2, 2022- 2:00-3:30 P.M.
This session will discuss socially acceptable ways to meet other teens in school and in safe public places. Common conversation starters and exploring interests to find compatibility will be demonstrated as a major strategy for making friends. How to use social media and staying safe to connect with like-minded individuals that share the same interests.

Session #3- Keeping Friends
Saturday, April 9, 2022 - 2:00-3:30 P.M.
This session will focus on appropriate ways to connect and maintain on-going friendships with peers. The art of communication both verbal and non-verbal cues will be demonstrated in this session to staying connected with people who share common interests.

Session #4: Bullying and Self-Advocacy
Saturday, April 16, 2022- 2:00-3:00 P.M.
This session will define bullying and demonstrate techniques and phrases to use when being bullied. Participants will learn how to report bullying and use self-advocacy and resilience to overcome bullying. Self-advocacy and resilience will be demonstrated as strategies to overcome bullying.



Flat Fee of $400.00 for the workshop series.
The workshop series is vendored by Lanterman Regional Center. It may be available to clients of other Regional Centers as well. Inquire with your Regional Center Service Coordinator.
Vendor # PD3625 
To Register Email FAA at info@foothillautism.org
or Call/Text (818) 662-8847