September 2023 Newsletter
Dear Families–
Can you believe it’s almost October? We hope you and your family had a fun and restorative summer and we wish you a fun and fulfilling autumn.
In this month’s blog post, we discuss one of Kids Like Me’s new after-school activities, Girl Talk!, where neurodivergent girls can build supportive friendships with like-minded individuals.
At Kids Like Me, we provide after-school enriching activities that cater to the unique needs of our young people, believing that every child deserves the opportunity to engage with their peers, their community, and activities that they not only enjoy but also contribute to their overall development. So as we transition into cooler weather, we invite you to make us a part of your routine. Make sure to scroll down to fill out our survey too. We want to hear from you!
We look forward to sharing many enriching experiences with you and your child in the upcoming year.
Dianne Lotivio
Program Director
The Help Group’s Kids Like Me
kidslikeme@thehelpgroup.org
An interesting discovery in the area of autism reveals a significant underdiagnosis of autism among females. In fact, the prevalence remains at a ratio of four boys diagnosed for every one girl, and at our most recent Kids Like Me summer program, girls encompassed just 6% of the camper population.
Because girls are underdiagnosed with autism, their specific needs often go unmet. Socially, many young girls take part in “masking”— when individuals mimic social behaviors and interests to fit in, even if they don’t enjoy those activities. While masking can help young girls navigate social situations, it can also be emotionally draining and prevent authentic connections from forming because they may feel compelled to hide who they are.
Your input is essential in helping us create an after-school program that best serves our community. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts and preferences.
Riddle me this…
What has cities, but no houses; forests, but no trees; and water, but no fish?
(You can find the answer at the bottom of this newsletter)
UPCOMING EVENTS
Parents Like Me
Parent Support Group
Wed., Oct. 4 | 6-7pm
Parents Like Me Parent Support Groups are for parents and caregivers of neurodivergent kids and teens 17 years of age or younger. These are free online sessions that provide a safe space for parents and caregivers to share, connect, and provide support for one another.
Bright Star Martial Arts
Dates: Wed. Sept. 11 – Nov. 3, 2023
Times: 4 – 4:45pm (independent functioning) & 4:45 – 5:30 pm (moderate support needs)
Location: Sherman Oaks, CA
Cost: $300 for 8 weeks, plus a one-time fee of $157 for equipment
Classes are designed with the intention of helping kids, ages 6-16, with diverse needs, achieve their goals of: self-confidence, self-defense, focus, and fitness.
ZOOZ FITNESS
Dates: Sept. 11 – Nov. 3, 2023
Times: Tues., 4 – 5 pm (ages 6-12)
Location: Sherman Oaks, CA
Cost: $300 for 8 weeks
Empower students, ages 6 to 12, with All Abilities to become more physically active and live a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Girl Talk for Teens
Friday, Oct. 13 | 4-5 pm PT
Sherman Oaks, CA
Join our first group get-together for teen girls ages 13-17 seeking a place to chat and belong with discussions led by a therapist. We will discuss hot topics like love, dating, friendships, personal growth, and more. Snacks will be served.
Spooky Stories & S’mores
Dates: Saturday, October 28th | 4-6 pm
Location: Sherman Oaks, CA
Cost: $25 per family
Spooky Stories & S’mores Celebrate the spooky season by joining us and other families with neurodivergent children for a late afternoon of not-so-scary stories, homemade s’mores, and other fun October activities! All ages welcome, but stories are more suited for elementary students! Costumes encouraged!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Join us for some Fall Fun!
Dates: Fri. Oct. 13th, Nov. 10, and Dec. 8
Time: 4-6pm PT
Location: Sherman Oaks, CA
Cost: $35 per event (includes snacks)
Join us for a fun-filled afternoon aboard an RV decked out with 46-inch LED TVs! Come hang with new friends, and show off your video gaming skills. Register before it sells out! For neurodiverse young adults ages 18-24.
Answer to this month’s brain teaser:
A map
The Help Group Kids Like Me programs, located in the Los Angeles area, are designed especially for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder 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 will enjoy a wide variety of enriching programs. Each child from preschool age to high school age will be engaged in structured activities facilitated and overseen by highly trained professionals.LEARN MORE
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