A new “Now What” Group is now forming in the Tigard area. This is a private-pay opportunity for individuals with Autism or Asperger Syndrome offerings tools, support, and social experience for post-high school young adults, (age 18–28 years).

About the course:

This series of 12 sessions is designed to address some of the cognitive-social issues that are common to individuals with Asperger’s, Non-verbal Learning Disorder, and High-Functioning Autism. Our group supports the inclusion of a variety of abilities. The series follows a sequence of topics that range from discussions about the member’s individual interests, to talking about plans for the future. Our final meeting is a “group date” for dinner, during which we enjoy each other’s company and apply some of the things we have discussed over the preceding weeks.

The topics that we discuss overlap from one series to the next, but this is not a comprehensive course. We often have much more material than time to cover it. There is new material in each series. As a consequence of that, and of having some new members in each series, it is a different experience every time we do it. Each series is, to some extent, tailored to the needs of the members. Many members are returning from earlier groups.

We are committed to providing an emotionally and physically safe environment. In order to maintain that safety, we discourage negative comments, and will not tolerate disparaging remarks directed at any member. We maintain confidentiality and respect for the young adults who participate in the group experience.

Each weekly meeting builds on the ones before it. In order to get the most benefit from the series, it is important that members attend every group. It is also important for the members to be able to count on each other’s support from one week to the next. We know that life happens. If you know ahead of time that you will not make many of the groups, it might be better to consider joining the next series.

Free informational meeting
Wednesday, September 9 2009, from 8:00pm to 9:00pm (at the end of clinic hours) at Southwest Family Physicians, 11900 SW Greenburg Rd., Tigard, Oregon, 97223

Meeting Schedule
Wednesday evenings 6:30 to 8:00 pm
At: Southwest Family Physicians
11900 SW Greenburg Rd.
Tigard, Oregon, 97223

$55* per 90-minute group. 12 weekly meetings.
Skills Notebook and other materials included.
*NOTE: Brokerage funds cannot be used to pay for this resource due to the rate structure.

For more information, please contact:
Peggy Piers, M.Ed.-counseling (503) 977-2411
Email: piers.p@comcast.net