The framework that John has developed in order to help individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome and High Functioning Autism develop social enjoyment skills is called Guiding Toward Growth. In order to help these individuals, their parents, and the professionals who work with them, John has identified:
- The Ten Hurdles which get in the way of learning to enjoy social interaction*
- The Band of Regulation -- the level of calm attention required to incorporate new learning
- What parents and professionals can do to help individuals with ASD learn new skills
- How individuals with ASD can help themselves to learn new skills
Contact John: jmerges@mac.com
or 612 716 9470
to find out how you can bring Guiding Toward Growth workshops and training to your school, organization, or community.
John is also willing to form tele-groups in order to help professionals develop groups in schools and community settings. The groups will use his text -- Social Enjoyment Groups for Children, Teens, and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Guiding Toward Growth -- as the basis for learning, and work with/learn from John and other professionals as they hone their skills.
*The Ten Hurdles also get in the way of all other social and academic learning