Guidance Center Announced Free Program For Children With Autism

NEW ROCHELLE, NY - From The Guidance Center of Westchester: The Guidance Center of Westchester (TGCW) invites families with 3-8 year-old children who are on the autism spectrum or who have other developmental delays to spend an afternoon at their Family Days. Family Days, which are offered at no cost to the participants, are held twice a month on Sundays from 2:00 – 4:00 PM at The Creative Learning Center in New Rochelle (new entrance at 17 Anderson Street). The 2017-18 session launches September 10.

“The great thing about Family Days is that our activities are facilitated by special education teachers and
social workers who understand the needs of children with autism,” says Claudia Morales, BSW, the early
childhood behavioral health specialist at TGCW who leads the program. “This helps ensure that the
children and their family are having a positive experience.”

Ms. Morales goes on to explain that the program, which has been in place for a few years, has undergone
a bit of a facelift, incorporating more of the activities which parents have requested for their children.
This includes sensory play (water, sand, etc.), story time, and outdoor activities. Diet sensitive snacks are
also provided. While the children are enjoying the activities, parents are able to talk with one another
and build their network of support.

Along with Family Days, TGCW offers a free monthly parent/caregiver- support group (no children,
please) on Friday mornings from 9:30-11:00 AM, as well as free individual or couples counseling. Parent
support group begins September 15 and also takes place at The Creative Learning Center.

For additional information on Family Days, contact Claudia Morales, BSW,
cmorales@TheGuidanceCenter.org, phone: 914-246- 7879 (text messages welcome).

For additional information on the support group, contact Lydia Castro, MSW, at
lcastro@TheGuidanceCenter.org, 914-613- 0700 x 7345 (this is an office phone and text messages cannot
be received).

Visit TheGuidanceCenter.org for more information.

This free program is funded in part by The Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and The Guidance Center of Westchester.

Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2017, The Guidance Center of Westchester offers essential and lasting
support to those challenged by mental illness, substance abuse, poverty, and homelessness. We
empower our participants to become active members of their community through education, treatment,
housing and vocational services. Learn more at TheGuidanceCenter.org.

Image via The Guidance Center