New Program Focuses on Social Skills for Kids with Autism
By Jennifer Wake
MAPSS students take an art break with counselors before outdoor activities Photo Jennifer Wake
Several Lamorinda students on the autistic spectrum participated in a unique camp this summer called MAPSS (Mental and Physical Social Skills) at Bancroft Elementary School in Walnut Creek.
The program was created by certified fitness expert Adam Feierstein, board certified behavior analyst Tanya Scott, and educational specialist Meredith Akers to offer a positive setting for social skills and fitness routines that increase confidence, self-esteem and social behavior.
"Meredith and I have primarily provided support in schools and homes. We have always talked about the idea of social groups and camps in our plans and when a colleague of ours introduced us to Adam, a great team was formed," Akers said. "Combining our focus on social skills, promoting appropriate behavior and passion for building community with a health and fitness component was a great fit."
According to Akers, many of the kids at MAPSS would not experience success on a traditional sports team or during recess and PE, not only feeling unsuccessful with their abilities to participate in physical activities but also feeling unsuccessful socially. "Our program supports kids in experiencing success both in physical activities as well as in social activities," she said. "They are taught physical activities that promote team work and group collaboration but they are also taught fitness activities that they can do themselves at home."
This fall, MAPSS will be offering afterschool classes at the Moraga Commons, as well as in Berkeley, Oakland and Walnut Creek, and it hopes to expand offerings to Lafayette in January. Class size will range from six to 10 students with a 5 to 1 student to staff ratio.
"The fall program will involve behaviorists along with fitness instructors, focusing on social skills, group participation, exercise routines, sports and calisthenics," Feierstein said. The typical age range for MAPSS is 5 to 18, but there is also a transition program for young adults over the age of 18 which will begin in September.
"We are teaching skills kids will use for life to build and maintain healthy bodies as well as healthy relationships," Akers said. "I don't know of any other programs that have a fitness focus with the collaboration of educational and behavioral support."
For information, contact Feierstein at wearemapss@gmail.com.
The program was created by certified fitness expert Adam Feierstein, board certified behavior analyst Tanya Scott, and educational specialist Meredith Akers to offer a positive setting for social skills and fitness routines that increase confidence, self-esteem and social behavior.
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA