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Dear Families–
As April dawns upon us, so does a time of celebration, awareness, and advocacy – Autism Acceptance Month! At Kids Like Me, we’re thrilled to embark on this journey of understanding, acceptance, and celebration of neurodiversity.
This April, we’re putting the spotlight on the incredible individuals who bring vibrant colors to our world – kids like yours and mine. Our community is blessed with a diverse tapestry of minds, each unique and remarkable in its own way. Autism Acceptance Month gives us an opportunity to embrace and celebrate this beautiful diversity.
Throughout the month, we have an exciting lineup of events and activities planned, all designed to promote understanding, acceptance, and inclusion. From informative workshops to fun-filled sensory-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone to participate in and enjoy.
We invite you to join us in spreading the message of acceptance and understanding. Let’s celebrate the talents, strengths, and uniqueness of individuals on the autism spectrum, and work together to create a world where every child feels valued, respected, and included.
Together, let’s celebrate Autism Acceptance Month and the wonderful kids like ours who make our world a brighter place.
For any questions, please feel free to email me via kidslikeme@thehelpgroup.org.
Warm regards,
Naté Brown
Program Director
The Help Group’s Kids Like Me
kidslikeme@thehelpgroup.org |
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| By Naté Brown
April marks Autism Acceptance Month, a time to celebrate neurodiversity and promote understanding and acceptance of individuals on the autism spectrum. Transitioning from autism awareness to acceptance involves a fundamental shift in mindset and approach. While awareness is important for understanding the existence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), acceptance goes beyond mere acknowledgment to embrace and support autistic individuals as valuable members of society. At Kids Like Me, we believe in celebrating the unique strengths and talents of neurodivergent children and teens. In this blog post, we’ll explore the significance of Autism Acceptance Month and highlight the enriching camps and events we offer as benefits for neurodivergent youth. |
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Upcoming Events & Highlights
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Join us for a free, one-of-a-kind art exhibit!
Sunday, April 14, 2024 | 12-3 PM | Burbank, CA. 91401The Help Group proudly presents I See the World, The World Sees Me, a celebration of neurodiversity featuring three captivating exhibitions by Help Group student artists. This event is generously sponsored by Bear Givers and the EmpowerArt program, a New York-based nonprofit dedicated to spreading happiness to children and adults in need. FREE Admission for Help Group families and the community. RSVP required. |
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Rethinking Potential for Autistic Youth – FREE WEBCAST
Wednesday, April 17, 2024 | 10-11 AM Join us as we examine the concept of limitless potential in autism, identifying and celebrating our children’s unique strengths, accomplishments, and personal growth, as well as fostering an environment that supports their individual journey towards a fulfilling life. Gain insights into the power of presuming competence, explore practical strategies for nurturing your child’s passions and interests, and discover the impact of recognizing and leveraging their strengths to unlock their potential and develop personal growth. |
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Have you RSVP’d to The Help Group’s Special Needs Resource Fair?
Sunday, April 28, 2024 | 11 am – 2 pm | Sherman Oaks, CA The Help Group’s Special Needs Resource Fair connects LA’s special needs community with a wide range of resources and services. This FREE event includes a variety of exhibitors, expert discussions, family-friendly activities, sensory stations, and much more. Don’t miss this invaluable experience! Register today! |
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| Thursday, May 9, 2024 | 9 am – 12 pm | Sherman Oaks, CA
Join The help Group and Lumina Counseling as we honor Lisa Wong, LACDMH Director and learn more from leading mental health and wellness experts Audra Langley, PhD, UCLA Semel Institute & DMH + UCLA Prevention Center of Excellence, Danielle Farmer, MSEd, LCSW, DMH + UCLA Public Mental Health Partnership, and Stephen Hydon, EdD, MSW, USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, on fostering resilience and promoting best practices in assessment, prevention and intervention in our schools and communities. This FREE event provides an opportunity to earn up to 2.5 CE’S. |
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Spots are filling up quickly – Don’t miss out!
June 10 – July 3, August 5 – 9 | 9 am – 2 pm
Kids Like Me’s summer camps begin on Monday, June 10th! These camps are a safe and enriching environment for 6-17-year-olds across the autism spectrum to engage, experience, and explore. Campers will be matched to ensure an appropriate peer group for learning and fun. Siblings are welcome! We are vendored with Regional Centers and accept Self-Determination funds. Contact your service coordinator today or visit our camps page to learn more! For Teens on The Go, we’re adding bus pick-ups to our westside residents from our Culver City Campus.
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Support Groups & More Events
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Parents Like Me Support Group
Wed., April 17, 2024 | 6-7 pm PT
Parents Like Me is a free support group for parents and caregivers of neurodivergent children 17 years of age or younger. The group meets virtually on the first and third Wednesday of each month. Caregivers select the topics of interest and group leaders will facilitate conversations and offer guidance.
LEARN MORE |
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RV Arcade
Thurs., April 18, 2024 | 4-6 pm PT
Show off your gaming skills! Pick from a vast selection of video games to play with new friends. Snacks will be served. (We must have a minimum number of participants). For ages 13 – 17. Fee: $35. Before care from 3:15-4 pm for Help Group students is available for an extra $10.
REGISTER HERE |
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ABOUT THE HELP GROUP’S KIDS LIKE ME:
The Help Group offers innovative, educational, and therapeutic support to empower children and young adults to live with dignity, hope, opportunity, and love. Our Kids Like Me program is specially designed for children and adolescents with autism spectrum and other special needs. Children with special needs can benefit greatly from fun, recreational activities that encourage social skills as well as developmental growth. Kids Like Me participants enjoy a wide variety of enriching programs. Each child from the age of preschool to high school is engaged in structured activities facilitated and overseen by highly trained professionals. LEARN MORE
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