Tuesday, October 12, 2010 FILED IN: News

In these challenging times, the San Diego Chapter of Autism Society of America and local mentoring organization XciteSteps,LLC have come together to offer San Diego ASA members a 20% discount on all XciteSteps programs and services. Today the SDASA serves as the voice and resource of the local autism community and they share the mission of improving the lives of all affected by autism by promoting meaningful participation and self-determination for individuals with ASD and their families. XciteSteps,LLC was founded in 2005 to support, enrich and empower the lives of children, teens and adults who have it harder than the average person due to a developmental or cognitive disability and give them the personalized attention, encouragement, skills and emotional support to succeed.

There is a huge need for quality after school programs and services for youth on the autism spectrum and because XciteSteps is privately funded they are able to provide a personalized and quality service above and beyond the norm. And now with this 20% discount all San Diego ASA members can benefit from the XciteSteps services. XciteSteps offers in-home and community based one-on-one social, behavior, inclusion, coached playdates and recreational coaching/mentoring as well as a variety of small group social and sports clubs for kids, teens and adults. The main philosophy is to “provide friendship and social opportunities in a coached but natural and fun environment” says co-founder Stefan Hochfilzer.

XciteSteps developed its own model called the “Natural Opportunity Model” for supporting youth and adults who experience a disability. Since all XciteSteps programs and services are activity and interaction based, natural opportunities for teaching arise. The mentors and social coaches are trained at recognizing these teaching opportunities and taking advantage of the natural situation to coach, role model or modify behaviors. “Our programs provide opportunities for personal growth, friendships, success, happiness and an enriched and empowered lifestyle” says Hochfilzer.

XciteSteps Upcoming Social and Sports Clubs:

Little Adventure Club

Sundays 10am – 1pm

A club for kids ages 4 – 6 experiencing high functioning autism, aspergers and PDD. The group is focused on listening and communication skills, appropriate play and social confidence.

Kids Adventure Club

Saturdays 11am – 2pm

A club for kids ages 8–12 experiencing high functioning autism, aspergers and PDD. The group is involved in kid friendly activities and focuses on appropriate friendship and behavior skills and positive community interactions.

Steps Up Club

Saturdays 2:30-5:30pm

A club for teens ages 13-18 experiencing high functioning autism, aspergers and PDD. This group does advanced activities and focuses on teen issues and peer interactions.

Adult Social Club

Saturdays 6pm – 9pm

A club for adults ages 18+ experiencing high functioning autism, aspergers or other disabilities. Club activities focus on building friendships and learning life skills.

Youth Social Club

A club for teens ages 13 – 17 experiencing autism, down syndrome, developmental delays, CP, fragile X or any other cognitive disability. This group in involved in adventure and community activities and focuses on friendship building and positive social interactions.

Tennis Club

Mondays 4:15pm -6:15pm

This inclusion tennis clinic is for kids & teens and provides a sense of pride & fulfillment through athletic movement and team play. Everyone will have fun in this safe, encouraging and non-judgmental environment.

Fitness Club (For Teens and Adults)

Mondays 3:30 – 5:30

A fitness club rotation weekly between fun outdoor fitness activities and indoor gym workouts with a professional licensed trainer, followed by healthy nutrition discussions.

Summer Camp (June 21st thru August 27th) Week long summer camps all summer long providing adventure outings and beach activities. Signups have already started. Call for details.

TO FIND OUT MORE OR TO SIGN UP CONTACT

Pam Machala Program Director 858 703 7305

Email [email protected]

Website: xcitesteps.com

20% Discount for ASA members apply