Quest Program II: Social Skills Curriculum for Middle School Students with Autism

by JoEllen Cumpata, Susan Fell

Overview

Why start a social skills program? The question is not why, but why not? With inclusive education becoming the norm in schools nationwide, teachers often struggle to address students’ non-academic needs, but teachers need ready-to-use lessons that won't interfere with their curriculum. Quest Program II is a social skills program created to help middle school students with autism who struggle with social skills and pragmatic language.

Developed by a school social worker and speech language pathologist, the program uses an intensive, proactive approach to teaching social skills, combining written instruction with games, activities, and student interaction. Six helpful units include:

School Survival Basics

Understanding and Managing Emotions

Communication Skills

Making Friends and Interacting with Peers

Personal Safety

Vocational Readiness

These can be implemented either chronologically or on their own.

Evidence-based research supports the methods used, and students have a great time learning-by-doing, through role-play and real-world experience. Parents are kept in the loop with email updates and evaluations. Everyone wins with this program! Best of all, the book includes a CD of printable worksheets, letters, forms, and more!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781941765098
Publisher:	Future Horizons, Inc.
Publication date:	04/07/2015
Pages:	300
Sales rank:	1,025,685
Product dimensions:	8.40(w) x 10.70(h) x 1.00(d)
Age Range:	10 - 13 Years

About the Author

JoEllen Cumpata is currently a school-based Speech Language Pathologist (SLP). She was formerly a clinical supervisor at Michigan State University, teaching classes related to providing school-based speech and language services. JoEllen also served as a clinical SLP at Massachusetts General Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Boston, working with adults and children. JoEllen has a Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology.

Susan Fell has been a school social worker for 15 years working primarily at the middle school level with students with autism, emotional, and cognitive impairments. Prior to that, Susan was a vocational counselor, youth employment coordinator, and parenting educator. She earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from Arizona State Universityand her School Social Work Certification from Wayne State Universityin Detroit, Michigan.

Table of Contents

Introduction Unit 1: School Survival Basics Greetings Paying Attention Daily Hygiene Asking for Help Creating a Workspace and Completing Work Organizing Work and Using an Assignment Book Unit 2: Understanding and Managing Emotion Understanding Feelings Uncomfortable Feelings GettingAngry and Calming Down Stress Management Negotiating with Others Problem Solving Unit 3: Communication Skills Nonverbal Communication Starting a Conversation Keeping a Conversation Going Ending a Conversation Joining a Group Conversation Exiting an Uncomfortable Conversation Unit 4: Making Friends and Interacting with Peers Friends are Important Making and Keeping Friends Making Plans with Friends Using the Telephone Modesty Recognizing and Dealing with Gossiping, Bullying and Teasing Resisting Peer Pressure Participating in After-School Activities Dating Unit 5: Personal Safety Being Home Alone Using the Telephone in an Emergency Smoke and Fire Alarm Safety Being Separated from My Group Internet and E-Mail Safety Driving with Friends Drugs, Alcohol and Dangerous Behavior Unit 6: Vocational Readiness My Skills and Interests Working for Others Creating a Flier and Applying for a Summer Job Accepting Suggestions and Compliments from My Employer