PEER VISION TEEN CATS

This program was made possible with a grant from

The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation.

Peer Vision is an inclusive social skills program providing options for typical peers to collaborate with special needs populations. The social learning and experience that is shared amongst participants provides benefits that are immeasurable. The classes are headed by certified creative arts therapists, professional actors and certified instructors. Supervision provided by Behavioral Psychologist as needed.

Drama/Improvisation - Drama Therapy integrates role play, stories, improvisation, and other techniques taken from the theater with the theories and methods of therapy. The result is an active, experiential process that draws on a child’s capability for play, utilizing it a s a central means of accessing and expressing feelings, gaining insight, and practicing successful approaches to difficult situations with a naturalistic approach..

Peer Vision Drama for Adolescents with HF Autism & Aspergers, addresses the social constraints that often impede self esteem, self expression, and the ability to cope in stressful environments. With model peers as partners, there is opportunity for both typical and atypical teens to mutually understand that each person brings unique perspectives to life’s journey. This program will provide typical peers the opportunity to empathize and understand the difficulties of socially disabled individuals and in turn become ambassadors for change in an often unfriendly world for adolescents with Aspergers Syndrome.

PEER VISION FILM CLUB- MONTHLY CLUB MEETINGS TO ENHANCE THE SOCIAL SKILLS AND CREATIVE FILM MAKING EXPERIENCES THROUGH INSTRUCTION AND COLLABORATION. HEADED BY FILM MAKER PETER NEVILL AND SPEECH PATHOLOGIST WENDY PADYKULA. ADDITIONAL SUPPORT BY AMANDA CLARK, DRAMA THERAPIST, AND COMMUNITY SPECIAL EDUCATORS AND MULTI MEDIA CONSULTANTS.

Art - Art therapy is a mental health profession that uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages. It is based on the belief that the creative process involved in artistic self-expression helps people to resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and achieve insight.

Peer Vision Art for Adolescents teaches art making technique while providing a creative, safe and supportive environment for teens to share their inner most thoughts and insights on how they manage their social world. Art as an outlet for expression releases tension, build confidence, and may even provide a child with opportunity as a potential lifetime profession. Group and private sessions are available.

Dance- Jazz/Hip Hop - Provides small group instruction in a welcoming environment that addresses posture, spacial awareness, self esteem, and social skills. Headed by certified dance/fitness instructor and professional dancer.

Yoga - is creative, holistic approach that addresses the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of the child, and supports their natural development in a safe, creative, and fun environment.

Peer Vision Yoga allows a student and teacher to gradually develop a foundation of mutual trust and friendship. The introduction of the Yoga poses (asanas) and breathing exercises (pranayama) help to bring the student out of his or her shell and relax into the world of social interaction. As the student becomes familiar with introductory poses, more asanas are added to the routine moving towards deeper relaxation. The combination of asanas, pranayama and deep relaxation strengthen the child’s nervous system, increases overall health, and facilitates the development of body awareness and concentration. By establishing optimal physiological and psychological integrity, Yoga therapy helps the student gain new motor, communication, and social skills. The end result is an overall improvement in their quality of life. Group and private sessions are available.