Spectrum Educational Services

ASDreams is currently not running. Information will be updated when the group is taking registrations. Please wear a mask and stay safe.

To ensure ASDreams is a safe place for everyone, the following skills are required before joining the group: Independent communication Independent toileting Turn taking Able to manage self without be coming a danger to self or others Able to attend group independently with the general supports of the leadership Dream Team Most ASDreamers have a much higher skill base than what is listed. Many high school ASDreamers have part time jobs, volunteer regularly and participate in other community groups. The picture lists some of skills ASDreamers learned in group and found particularly helpful.

Our 2018/19 year finished with our annual family potluck at Strathcona Park. Watch for updates once funding is approved for September. The DreamTeam

The 4:30 Monday group is full! Registration is ongoing for both the 6:30 Monday group and the 5:30 Thursday group. Click here to find more information about ASDreams including how to register.

Micah Sudom, my son and former ASDreams member, composed Give it Time.  His band, Mostly Micah, played it during high school graduation. Micah is the one on piano. Mostly Micah also provided the dinner music for the school district's teacher retirement party. Micah's first educational assistant and his kindergarten teacher both retired this year. The PUF administrator who got me started in the school support system was one of the two honoured educators at the event. The title Give it Time wasn't chosen for a graduation theme or a teacher retirement gig, however I can't imagine a more fitting title. Early educators who gave of their time not knowing how their involvement would shape the lives of their students. Junior high boys who spent six years eating their lunches together in the band room, learning new instruments and jamming together. A mom who invested 18 years into countless appointments with Family Supports for Children with Disabilities, service provide...

Due to renovations at CORE association, ASDreams new session begins Monday, October 17.

Updates to the  ASDreams  program: New time: 5:00-7:30 New ages: age 11 now welcome New format: don't forget to bring your supper Sample schedule : 5:00 Opening together 5:15 Theme activity together 5:45 Group A skills/group B free time 6:15 Supper together 6:45 Group B skills/group A free time 7:15 Closing together 7:30 Home

ASDreams will begin its sixth year on September 21 at CORE Association. Current ASDreamers will receive a call for preregistration mid August with registration opening to new participants in late August. Click here for more information about ASDreams.

Do I agree with the definition of "good social skills"? After attending the annual  Children's Autism Services of Edmonton  conference earlier this month, I'm not so sure. Renee Attaway from Michelle Garcia Winner 's team started the day long session with a description of good social skills. "The ability to adapt your behavior effectively based on the situation and what you know about the people in the situation for them to react and respond to you in the manner you had hoped ." (italics mine) I feel uneasy with the last phrase. Is the ultimate goal of using social skills essentially to get what I want? Where does genuine concern for others fit in this description? Attaway mentioned the preteen girl who rises to the position of "Queen Bee" in the classroom as a master of social skills. My experience of queen bees, both as a student and now as a parent, is not positive. Excluding others. Overt putdowns. Yet always surrounded by other girls who...

Tired of waiting until you are a teenager? Now you don't have to wait! ASDreams is offering two groups on Monday evenings at CORE. 4:15-5:45 for grades 4-6/7 6:30-8:00 for grades 7/8-12 Family consultation will help place participants in grades 6 and 7 into the most appropriate group with the flexibility to switch groups to achieve success. Session One starts October 15. To register, call Judy at 403-527-3302 ex 129

ASDreamers Logan Murray and Micah Sudom planned, wrote, acted, directed and submitted a video for the Learning Disabilities Association of Alberta contest. While the two did not win, a shortened clip can be seen here . Be sure to "like" it. Submitted in February, both Dreamers showed teamwork, perseverance and patience while waiting for the judges to make their decision.

Spring arrived and the ASDreamers headed outside. After three types of soccer relays the Dreamers chose to either play soccer or enjoy the playground. The outdoor area provided enough space to burn off some pent up winter energy. Two Dreamers are preparing our outdoor activity for next week. We agreed to bring water bottles and one staff has hinted at bringing some home baked treats for a picnic in the park. That's the stuff dreams are made of.