SpEd Child and Family Events
- Improved social skills by following 1 and 2-step directions and interacting with coaches and peers.
- Improved motor skills and self-confidence by overcoming physical and mental obstacles one step at a time.
- Provides recreational therapy - therapy based on participation in recreational programs, especially to enhance the functioning, independence and well-being of individuals with disabilities.
Social Skills Playgroups
Does your child have a tough time socially? A Social Skills Playgroup can help! A Social Skills Group provides a safe and supportive environment in which children can acquire and practice a variety of strategies to help them feel more comfortable, and become more successful socially. Group work is personalized to address specific needs at home and at school. Some of the skills developed in groups include the following:
- Developing and maintaining friendships;
- Flexibility;
- Reading social cues;
- Joining and playing games;
- Initiating and participating in conversations;
- Self regulation;
- Bullying and responses to bullies;
- Anger Management Strategies;
- Self- advocating at school.
Does your child struggle with organization? Do they lack the materials they need or even fail to hand in completed work? Study skills counseling can help develop their executive functioning skills including the following:
- Prioritizing tasks and time;
- Managing papers and materials;
- Managing long terms projects;
- Breaking projects into manageable parts;
- Use the language of time, sense the sweep of time and identify time robbers;
- Self talk and self monitor during a task;
- Become a future thinker: what will it look like when it’s done?
- How to plan your work so you can then work your plan!
For more information about social skills groups and study skills counseling please contact Lorenza Arnal at compassforfamilies@gmail.com or 415-952-7186.
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“Break an Egg – The Social Kitchen”
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Westport Library - Special Browsing Hour
First Saturday of each month at 8am
Westport Library
20 Jessup Road
Westport, CT
Join us for a special browsing hour for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, or for any families or individuals who will benefit from a more sensory-friendly environment. On the first Saturday of each month, the library will open an hour early and will feature a quieter, calmer space and a "stress free zone" for parents to let their children be themselves. Items checked out during this time will not be due until the following first Saturday. Families can explore the library, play with toys, check out books, and more! This monthly event will also include a Sensory-Friendly Storytime for children ages 2-3 and their families.
We invite you to join us for our very first Sensory-Friendly Browsing Hour this Saturday, January 5th at 8am. To make this a truly calm and quiet experience, we are only advertising this through word-of-mouth and not through our general website. Please spread the word to any families who might be interested!
Email Jaina Shaw at jshaw@westportlibrary.org with any questions.
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Challenger Division Baseball
Starts: Saturday, April 27th
Ends: After school is over in June
Days: Saturdays and/or Sundays (attendance flexible)
Times: Vary
Location: In Westport, Meyer softball field at North Compo Road ball complex. May also travel to other nearby towns like Norwalk and Darien.
Westport Little League's Challenger Division is a program that enables developmentally and physically-challenged youth to enjoy the full benefits of Little League participation in an athletic environment structured to their abilities.
The philosophy is to give all children the chance to play baseball in a setting that is fun and supportive. A big part of this, for the players, is to experience the sense of belonging that comes with being part of a team, as well as the spirit of friendly competition through games with other Challenger teams from neighboring towns. In Challenger baseball, scores don't count - everybody is a winner. It's all about acceptance, self-esteem, positive learning experiences and team spirit.
Since some of the Challenger players require support to successfully participate, they are paired up with volunteer "buddies" who become their personal guides. The players need varying degrees of support, but whenever possible, they are encouraged to be independent, with "buddies" close by to lend a hand when necessary.
Questions about registration: please contact Challenger Commissioner Beth Cody at westportball@aol.com.
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S.M.A.K. Athletics: A specialized fitness program for those with special needs
Founded by Frankie D'Souza and Jenn Fittipaldi who are speech-language pathologists and fitness fanatics, S.M.A.K. Athletics, L.L.C. is a fitness program designed for individuals with special needs. Our goal is to provide each individual an environment to learn functional body movements among their peers in an environment where they can feel successful. While moving their bodies, S.M.A.K. athletes will engage in a variety of communication skills, build friendships and have fun! Student and adult classes available.
For more information, please visit www.smakathletics.com or email smakathletics@gmail.com.