Founded
A SPace was founded in 2006 by Lucy Mitchell. Initially a Saturday morning social skills group for primary aged children who attended mainstream school with a diagnosis of Autism. From there A SPace grew into a Social and Emotional development group for children and young people with an age range from 7 - 18 years. We developed from using story writing as a tool to working with drama and film. Then in December 2014 we were awarded charitable status becoming A SPace Autism Services. Now we are expanding and using our expertise to offer services not only to those diagnosed with Autism but to those who have an interest and desire to learn more about many aspects of Autism.
Our Sessions Aim
The aim of A SPace is to teach social and emotional development skills in an environment that is different to formal teaching and schools. We want to provide a safe space where the children and young people can address their feelings and different emotions, while we support them in this process.
At A SPace we aim to create an environment where your child feels happy and valued amongst friends. Group sessions are created to include children and young people who we feel will be able to forge possible friendships. As we learn more about the children and young people, we expect the groups to evolve. Parents are encouraged to suggest discussion topics that are specific to their child's needs.
Structure
Each sessions contain three main strands; the speaking and listening skills of the circle times, reinforcing areas such as, turn taking and appropriate response. Feelings and emotions work in relation to the group and the young person’s wider world i.e. school, family and community. Finally a drama/short film production the process of which uses the social skills of compromise and accepting other's view points in working together on a group project.
1:1 Sessions
1:1 sessions are available for those children who aren't yet able to access the drama workshop focus or for whom drama is not an interest. They may be younger, pre-verbal or need support for specific issues. 1:1 sessions could involve sensory play, intensive interaction or Lego workshops .
Secondary School Aged Groups
Secondary School aged groups are engaged in film making, these sessions are entirely young people centred, staff are there only to facilitate. The content of these films are decided on by consensus within the group and have featured characters from superheroes to unpopular high school students. Sometimes in the same piece of work.
How do we do this
A SPace is a social and emotional development group different to the types of intervention usually provided in a school environment. The atmosphere is relaxed and accepting and the activities group member centred and led. A SPace believes that for children and young people to have successful relationships in school, they need successful relationships outside of school.
A SPace was founded in 2006 by Lucy Mitchell. Initially a Saturday morning social skills group for primary aged children who attended mainstream school with a diagnosis of Autism. From there A SPace grew into a Social and Emotional development group for children and young people with an age range from 7 - 18 years. We developed from using story writing as a tool to working with drama and film. Then in December 2014 we were awarded charitable status becoming A SPace Autism Services. Now we are expanding and using our expertise to offer services not only to those diagnosed with Autism but to those who have an interest and desire to learn more about many aspects of Autism.
Our Sessions Aim
The aim of A SPace is to teach social and emotional development skills in an environment that is different to formal teaching and schools. We want to provide a safe space where the children and young people can address their feelings and different emotions, while we support them in this process.
At A SPace we aim to create an environment where your child feels happy and valued amongst friends. Group sessions are created to include children and young people who we feel will be able to forge possible friendships. As we learn more about the children and young people, we expect the groups to evolve. Parents are encouraged to suggest discussion topics that are specific to their child's needs.
Structure
Each sessions contain three main strands; the speaking and listening skills of the circle times, reinforcing areas such as, turn taking and appropriate response. Feelings and emotions work in relation to the group and the young person’s wider world i.e. school, family and community. Finally a drama/short film production the process of which uses the social skills of compromise and accepting other's view points in working together on a group project.
1:1 Sessions
1:1 sessions are available for those children who aren't yet able to access the drama workshop focus or for whom drama is not an interest. They may be younger, pre-verbal or need support for specific issues. 1:1 sessions could involve sensory play, intensive interaction or Lego workshops .
Secondary School Aged Groups
Secondary School aged groups are engaged in film making, these sessions are entirely young people centred, staff are there only to facilitate. The content of these films are decided on by consensus within the group and have featured characters from superheroes to unpopular high school students. Sometimes in the same piece of work.
How do we do this
A SPace is a social and emotional development group different to the types of intervention usually provided in a school environment. The atmosphere is relaxed and accepting and the activities group member centred and led. A SPace believes that for children and young people to have successful relationships in school, they need successful relationships outside of school.
Registered Charity Number: 1159707