GeneSTAR

STAR Program

It is hard to believe, but Gene has graduated from the STAR program! He was accepted April, 2001. The kids are reviewed every 6 months for continuation generally only in the program for 1 year, sometimes 18 months. There really is no follow on Socialization Therapy after STAR (that is funded by the Regional Center), but there are a couple of programs that would fit Gene's age group:

Friends Club
Circle of Friends

Rebecca has therefore completed her 6 month term as a ("neuro-typical") "peer." She really enjoyed it and the kids accepted her very quickly and readily.

Socialization Therapy

CARES Program

CARES is run by the same people as STAR and (I was told at one point - need to verify this is still true) is also funded by Regional Center. This seems to go back and forth. When Gene graduated from STAR, our RC rep said this is not funded. Now a year later, after speaking to CARES directly, I find (per them!) that they are funded.

With the 2003 IPP coming up, I prep'd RC about this. Hopefully Gene passed the scrutiny and is accepted(!) We have one thing in our favor and that is that the director knows Gene (he participated in her research project!).

Socials

I met another mother with an autistic boy Rebecca's age, an NT boy Gene's age and another Christopher's age. Since each autistic child would have a same-age model, it seemed perfect. She held socials during the summer at her house and the kids loved it!

Since then I have been getting the kids to play various board, card ... games and Gene is doing very well. See below: Gene and Christopher decided on their own to set up the game of Life and began playing on their own.