SLI Launches Summer Autism Support Group

The Speech-Language Institute (SLI) of Salus University is launching a summer support group for children with autism and their families.

The autism communications skills group is open to children ranging in ages six to eight who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

Autism is a range of conditions categorized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. It is also one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders in the United States.

Facilitated by SLI clinical educators Ken Newton, MS, CCC-SLP and Jennifer Downs, EdD, CCC-SLP, the goal of the group is to provide a supportive atmosphere to enhance social, communication, and play skills.

During each meeting, children will learn through small group instruction and social skills activities. While children are in session, parents are invited to participate in a concurrent support group where they can learn from families with shared experiences.

“Family support groups like this really help people understand that they’re not the only ones out there struggling with this,” said Robert Serianni, MS, CCC-SLP, SLI’s clinical director.

Meetings will be held from 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. at SLI on the following dates:

• Thursday, June 21, 2018
• Thursday, June 28, 2018
• Thursday, July 5, 2018
• Thursday, July 12, 2018
• Thursday, July 19, 2018

Light refreshments will also be provided during each session. For more information on SLI’s autism support group or to RSVP, contact 215.780.3150 or SLInstitute@salus.edu.