The Point/Arc Offering New Social Skills Group for Teens with Autism, Social Challenges

First in the Region to Offer PEERS for Young Adults Program 

Covington, Ky. (June 28, 2018) – The Point/Arc of Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati is the first organization in the region to offer the PEERS Social Skills Group for Young Adults program, helping teens with autism or other social challenges build and maintain lasting relationships. PEERS for Young Adults is a 12-week evidence-based social skills class for motivated young adults between the ages of 18-38 with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, anxiety, depression or other behavior disorders or social challenges.

Throughout the class, young adults are taught important social skills and are given the opportunity to practice these skills, including:

• Conversational skills
• Electronic communication
• Handling direct and indirect bullying
• Handling arguments and disagreements
• Organizing get-togethers with friends
• Dating skills
• Strategies for handling sexual pressure

The internationally acclaimed program was originally developed by UCLA by PEERS Clinic Founding Director Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson. The 12-week program will begin in the fall, and participants must attend each session with a social coach (parent, family member, adult sibling, job coach, etc.). Social coaches will be taught how to best assist young adults in making and keeping friends by providing feedback during weekly homework assignments.

"We have found that people with social learning challenges desire social interaction, even if they aren’t quite sure how to go about it. We also know that many of the young adults we serve have aged out of services upon high school graduation, but still need solid support around social communication," said Jennifer Wells, director of transition, employment and social communication at The Point/Arc. "The collaborative nature of PEERS offers families a helpful, unique approach to skill building and long-term success. We’re excited to be able to add PEERS to our Social Communication program."

Start date: Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Time: 6:00 – 7:30

Enrollment in the class is limited and individuals must first participate in an intake appointment. The Point/Arc is offering intake appointments for the new program free of charge. The class is being offered at $135/week. For more information or to schedule an intake appointment, contact Jennifer Wells at 859-491-9191 or jwells@thepointarc.org.

The Point/Arc, located in Covington, was founded in 1972 and is a highly comprehensive organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of an often underserved community. Our mission is to provide opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to reach their highest potential residentially, educationally, socially and vocationally. The Point/Arc serves more than 1,500 individuals annually through its programs and services, helping each individual to achieve their dreams.

The addition of the PEERS programs is just another example of The Point/Arc's mission to continue to expand services, work with individuals on a personalized basis and never have to turn anyone away.

"National statistics share that 3% of our population has an intellectual or developmental disability (I/DD). You currently may not know someone, but chances are in your lifetime you'll become acquainted with families who will need our Point services," said Judi Gerding, Founder and President of The Point/Arc. "I have the opportunity too few agency executives have and that is to position a thriving non-profit to reach our ultimate goal of never having to turn anyone away who could need our services."

In addition to offering advocacy, case management, educational, residential, vocational and social opportunities, The Point/Arc owns and operates four social enterprises to generate operating cash back to its programs and to train and employ individuals with I/DD, including Point Perk coffee shop, The Point Apparel, The Point Commercial Laundry and The Point Commercial Cleaning. In 2016, thanks to the community fund of the former St. Luke Hospital, The Point/Arc acquired the former Easter Seals Day Care Center in Northern Kentucky. In 2017, The Point/Arc renamed the Center the Bill and Betsy Scheben Care Center.

For more information on The Point/Arc, visit www.thepointarc.org.

ABOUT THE POINT ARC – The Point Arc is a full-service, non-profit agency located in Covington, Kentucky. Our mission is to provide opportunities to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to reach their highest potential educationally, residentially, socially and vocationally. Uniquely, we offer inclusive programs via a fully integrated approach in community settings. Point programs serve 1,500 people annually and provide thousands of hours of respite for parents and caregivers, and a social calendar, like no other provider.