ABOUT

Providing Autism Links & Support (PALS), is the supporting non-profit for UCF CARD registered constituents.

Visit PALS at www.pals-ucfcard.org or befriend PALS on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/PALS.UCFCARD

_______________________________________________________

PROGRAMS/COMMUNITY SOCIAL EVENTS OFFERED BY PALS

Some events have a small fee to participate. Typically this fee is the entrance fee or dinner cost. Every event/program is hosted by PALS and has at least 2 PALS facilitators present.

ASPIRE* (ages 18+) Asperger’s Syndrome Pursuing Interests, Recreation, and Entertainment
is a fun way to make friends and connect with others who may have similar interests! Most events are in held the community. ASPIRE has it’s own calendar of events at www.aspirepal.wordpress.com

AWARES (ages 18+)(Adults with autism requiring extra support) is for adults  with autism, who are registered with UCF CARD, and require additional support in the community. AWARES is a 16 week program that meets every other week, for a total of 8 sessions per semester. Locations and activities vary. This program requires a caregiver/guardian, to participate with UCF CARD constituents, to attend the activities (supports are there for support only and do not participate in activity if one. ie.bowling,painting, etc). This program is for individuals registered with UCF CARD 18+ years of age.

AEIO & U (ages 2-7) is for children 2-7 years of age, registered with UCF CARD for community fun. This program works on social skill development, while enhancing communication and decreasing behaviors.

CARES (ages 8-12)(Children with autism requiring extra support) is for children with autism, ages 8-13 years of age, who are registered with UCF CARD, and require additional support in the community. CARES is a 16 week program that meets every other week for a total of eight meets per semester. Locations of events varies. This program requires a caregiver/guardian, to participate with UCF CARD constituents, to attend the activities (supports are there for support only and do not participate in activity if one. ie.bowling,painting, etc).

COLLABORATIVE(ages 18+)
serves as a forum for problem solving around issues of adults with ASD living as adults (whether alone, with roommates’, or under their parents’ roof). Meets near UCF.

TAPP (ages 2-7)(The Autism Play Program) is specially for children 2-7 years of age registered with UCF CARD to participate with parent/guardian in community social events for a total of 8 sessions over a 16 week period. The purpose of the program is to assist parents to connect, allow children to work on play skills to enhance social skills, develop stronger communication skills and reduce behaviors. Locations vary over the 8 sessions.

TAG*(ages 13-18) Teenage Asperger Group
is designed for adolescents and young adults with ASD to practice social work and self-advocacy skills in a fun and relaxing atmosphere with activities that build on one another. Entries to this group are available each semester. TAG is currently offered in Volusia, Seminole and Orange County. TAG offers community social outings during the semester.

TREXS (ages 13-18)(Teens with autism requiring extra support) is for 14-18 years of age, who are registered with UCF CARD, and require additional support in the community. TREXS is a 16 week program that meets every other week for a total of eight meets per semester. Locations of events varies. Program works on basic community skills with the goal of enhancing friendships and community participation.  This program requires a caregiver/guardian, to participate with UCF CARD constituents, to attend the activities  (supports are there for support only and do not participate in activity if one. ie.bowling,painting, etc).

Eight-12 (ages 8-12) is a social interactive program for individuals, 8-12 years old, with ASD, registered with UCF CARD, to become flexible thinkers, team players, and problem solvers while increasing social interactive skills to communicate effectively with others, establish friendships and work on expressive/receptive language skills to carry on conversations. Group meets every other week for 90 minutes. Currently at UCF location only.

More programs are added on a regular basis as funding increases.