Autism center receives grant for social skills program

The Papen-Aprendamos Autism Diagnostic Center has set a goal to reach 50 teens and caregivers through a newly funded PEERS Social Skills program through 2024. The program, funded by the Paso del Norte Health Foundation, will support the foundation’s mission to reduce stigma towards mental health services in our region.

“Many teens on the autism spectrum want close friendships,” says Kali Hall, a social worker in the center. “This program focuses on teaching social skills that can be used to strengthen relationships.”

The 14-week long program emphases making and keeping friendships by focusing on various topics including, appropriate text and social media interactions, using humor appropriately, handling teasing, bullying, rumors, gossip and working through disagreements. According to research, adolescents with autism that have at least one close friend have lower rates of anxiety and depression.