She gave great information on social cognition, levels of social development, and prognosis for each level of function. She suggests that our “highest level” children are actually at highest risk. This is because they don’t understand the nuance of social interactions and therefore are more prone to bullying and isolation. Difficulties with nuance can appear as a hidden disability.

The other “ah-ha” moment I took away is that neurotypicals are wired to have social cognition. Much like infants aren’t taught to crawl or walk, they innately learn to attend to others needs and thoughts early on in life. Learning social skills is not learned by modeling naturally. Her image of the Social Thinking/Social Learning Tree seems a good compliment with the sensory processing pyramid. In both models you need to have a solid foundation of underlying skills. For social thinking the skills at the base (roots) are joint attention, theory of mind, reciprocity/sharing, and general cognition/language. The top levels are represented by leaves and are specific discrete skills. Garcia-Winner reported, “Stay out of the leaves.” Here is the graphic image of the tree below. You can find more on social thinking at their website: www.socialthinking.com.

–

click here for more information from the Seattle Department of Tranportation

Please call the office at 206-763-0352 to find out more information or fill out our online contact form.

Groups always forming so call today!

Seattle Therapy Network will offer 2 sessions of Helper Hands Camp this summer. Helper Hands Camp is a constraint induced therapy program that offers rehabilitation therapy for children with limited function on one side of their body (hemiplegia).

This research-based program provides intensive training and skill building on the affected extremities while the non-affected arm is constrained in a long-arm cast.

Helper Hands Camp is designed for a maximum of 5 children per session to ensure individualized programming and attention. We organize our campers into developmental age groups to include preschool, school age, and pre-teens. Our camp runs from 9:30 – 12:30 Monday through Friday for a 3- week duration.

We are happy to work with you and your insurance company to attain the best coverage.

Camp Activities Include:

* Arts & Crafts
* Music
* Sports
* Dance
* Video Games
* Yoga
* Cooking
* Gardening
* Dress-Up
* Theme Days
* Swimming
* Circus Arts
* Community Outings
We are now accepting reservations for both sessions.
Call now to reserve your spot! 206.763.0352

June 28-August 4th
Tuesdays and Thursdays at Seattle Therapy Network

Contact Jennifer Coons, MEd @ 360-870-9707

Kids’ Club is for preschool and kindergarten age children who need support in developing peer relationships, solving problems with peers, and being a self-advocate.

The focus of these facilitated playgroups is to promote positive social interactions between peers. During each session we will use research-based methods, positive behavior support and explicit instruction to teach friendship skills, social communication skills and self-regulation strategies.

We will provide meaningful opportunities for children to work together and practice their play skills through social games, art, science and cooking projects

Jennifer Coons Bell, M.Ed. is excited to teach Kids Club and looks forward to meeting and collaborating with new families this summer.  During the school year, she is a special education preschool teacher and extended day teacher (ABA intervention for children with autism) for Seattle Public Schools.

Jennifer worked for nine years as a special education instructional assistant for Seattle Public Schools before earning her graduate degree and teaching certificate in early childhood special education. It was this experience – working with exceptional children and skilled and dedicated teachers- that shaped who she is as a teacher and advocate for children with special needs and their families.

During her Master’s program Jennifer worked for two years as an assistant teacher at the Experimental Education Unit (EEU) at the University of Washington. Her focus was on children with autism and other behavioral and social challenges. Additional experience comes from co-teaching social skills groups and working with children and their families in a home-based program using methods of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

–

Autism Brains Alike; Very Different From Normal Brains
Common ‘Developmental Patterning Defect’ Seen in Autistic Brains