College Develops Program for Adolescents with Aspergers/Autism Spectrum Disorder

The College of Charleston’s School of Education, Health and Human Performance has received a federal grant to help develop a family-centered program for adolescents with aspergers/autism spectrum disorder. The program entitled “Move, Groove, Get Active” will be held on Saturdays this fall on the College of Charleston campus and various other locations in  the community.

This program is unique to the Lowcountry in that it serves the needs of the entire family by providing services for the adolescents with aspergers/autism spectrum disorder, parents, and siblings all at the same time.

College of Charleston Assistant Professors Karen Smail and Marie Manning will head the program.

The program has a three-prong approach addressing the needs of parents, siblings, and adolescents with apsergers/autism spectrum disorder.  Parents meet to discuss current issues through guest speakers and seminars.  Siblings engage in discussions regarding the daily issues of living with a family member with special needs.  Individuals with aspergers/autism spectrum disorder participate in strength training, aquatics, and kickboxing.

College of Charleston student volunteers will be used to support and assist the program.

For more information about the program or volunteer opportunities contact Karen Smail at  843.953.8247 or smailk@cofc.edu . Marie Manning can be reached at 843.953.1987 or manningm@cofc.edu.