Help buy 10 Basics Bags for Aspergers Support group

Current Supporters

Dylan M Wise, Alex Thompson and 34 others have joined this Cauz.

Project Note

TroyCorley

The word "Asperger's" came rushing into my life when my daughter Em was in the 5th grade. That's when her learning and social differences began affecting how this highly intelligent, creative young girl functioned in a traditional classroom. Overwhelmed by the thought that "autism" would stamp her with a negative label for life, I nonetheless spent countless hours researching Asperger's on the Internet and trying to understand how to help her and and help us as a family.

I probably failed as much as I succeeded. But while going through a turbulent time as a 15-year-old and no longer in a traditional high school, Em yearned for friends who also had Asperger's. I thought of the popular quote of Ghandi: "Be the change you want to see in the world." I took that to heart and started ASAP, an all-volunteer social support group for people on the high end of the Autism Spectrum.

Our first meeting was in a Starbucks in Camarillo, CA in September 2006. Since then we have expanded to several meeting spaces, including our favorite, the Proverbs Coffee House in Camarillo. They offer us a free community space with a home-like coffee house atmosphere. From here and from my home office, ASAP has networked with many to create other groups. Some are for tweens, some are for teens and some are for adults.

At the core of our success is our philosophy: Find comfortable, non-clinical, non-school spaces where people with Asperger's and High-Functioning Autism can meet on a regular basis. Run the group as a club where people are friends the moment they walk in the door. Offer light facilitation and social advice where necessary. Learn about each individual's interests and issues. Introduce them to like-minded people, engage in conversation and offer board and card games for entertainment.

So many people with Asperger's or High-Functioning Autism are brilliant, creative people. But because of problems understanding social cues, they lack friends and are extremely lonely. ASAP helps bridge that gap for them. Please help us support our expanding network of social support groups and join this Cauz!

THE CAUZ:

Help buy 10 Basics Bags for Aspergers Support group

DELIVERABLES:

This project will result in the following:

10 Canvas Bags
10 Clipboards
10 Board Games
10 UNO Card Parks
10 Packs of Playing Cards
10 Packs of Pens

PROGRESS:

$845
INVESTED 169%
COMPLETE $500
SOUGHT

DESCRIPTION:

We have reached our goal! But there is still more that can be done. Thanks so much for your support.

To find out more about how ASAP benefits people with Asperger's and High Functioning Autism, read this article in the Sacramento Bee published 8/23/11. Click Here

ASAP has grown from a one city meeting to a state-wide volunteer group. To help in this growth, we are raising money for a package to support the chapter/group coordinators. A special ASAP canvas bag, with clip board, pens, sign-in sheets, ASAP information sheets, a deck of UNO cards, a deck of regular playing cards, a SCRABBLE or chess game and possibly more. Your support will help buy the items that are taken to the meetings around the state of California.

ORGANIZED BY:

Asperger’s Support for Adolescents Plus! (ASAP)

We’re a social support group for tweens, teens, and adults with Asperger’s or High-Functioning Autism. We started on the Ventura Coast, but we're expanding around the state of California.

Our "meetings" provide a flexible framework for people on the high end of the Autism Spectrum to socialize with their peers, make friends and have fun! These socialization opportunities are not traditional social skills groups or therapy sessions. They are similar to a club for like-minded people. The minute you walk into the door you are a member and a friend. And it's free! So join us for coffee, board and card games and to talk about your interests.

We also schedule outside activities such as movie meetups, miniature golf and dining out.

Visit their website

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