We hold biweekly STEAM & Sports events to encourage kids on the autism spectrum to pursue the fields of STEAM. Our events are open, which means that families can come and go based on their own schedules. The event consists of a self-paced rotation, which means kids can explore stations that they are interested in at their own leisure.

• Introduction to Robotics

  Students explore robotics through fun challenges using LEGO EV3 and Spike Essential robotics. This course is for absolute beginners and is meant to create a fun social atmosphere for students to socialize and learn, while also touching upon some basic robotics concepts such as motors, sensors, and loops. Robotics provides a dynamic platform that engages individuals with autism in a multisensory learning experience. This innovative approach leverages their unique strengths and interests to promote cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Here's how Robotics is making a difference in our autism Awareness initiatives:

  

  1. Hands-On Learning: Building and programming Lego Robots offers a tangible and hands-on learning experience. This hands-on engagement can help individuals with autism better understand abstract concepts and develop problem-solving skills.
  2. Visual and Spatial Skills: Many individuals on the Autism Spectrum possess strong visual and spatial skills. Lego Robotics harnesses these strengths, allowing participants to visualize, plan, and construct robots, enhancing their spatial awareness and creativity.
  3. Communication Facilitation: Lego Robotics encourages communication in various ways. Participants work in teams, fostering social interaction and collaboration. Additionally, the robots themselves can serve as communication tools, providing a non-verbal means of expression and interaction.
  4. Routine and Predictability: Individuals with autism often thrive in structured environments with predictability. Lego Robotics provides a structured framework, allowing participants to follow step-by-step instructions, build routines, and develop a sense of accomplishment.
  5. Tailored Learning: Lego Robotics can be customized to each participant's level and needs. This individualized approach ensures that every child can engage at their own pace, fostering a positive learning experience
• Creativity Lab

  Students are given the opportunity to harness their creativity through building models with LEGOs and other toys! This serves not only as a learning environment but also a great social space. Our creativity lab engages younger children with autism in a multisensory learning experience. This innovative approach allows them to be themselves and have fun. It engages them and allows them to experience new things. Here's how Lego Robotics is making a difference in our Autism Awareness initiatives:

  

  1. Visual and Tactile Learning: Many individuals with autism excel in visual and tactile learning environments. The toys and tools that we provide allow the children to play and experience different sensations.
  2. Self-Expression: Our creativity lab offers a unique channel for self-expression. Participants can play with personalized toys and tools that reflect their interests, ideas, and emotions, facilitating their creativity.
  3. Social Interaction: Collaborative activities promote peer interaction and teamwork. Participants can collaborate on projects and exchange ideas, fostering social skills and communication.
  4. Hands-On Learning: Building with legos and other tactile toys offers a tangible and hands-on learning experience. This hands-on engagement can help individuals with autism better understand abstract concepts and develop problem-solving skills.
• Introduction to Programming with Scratch

  Scratch is a visual programming language developed by MIT that allows users to create interactive stories, animations, games, and more. What makes Scratch particularly powerful for individuals with Autism is its intuitive and visual nature, making it accessible and engaging for a wide range of learners. Here's how Scratch is making a positive impact in our Autism Awareness initiatives:

  

  1. Visual and Tactile Learning: Many individuals with Autism excel in visual and tactile learning environments. Scratch's drag-and-drop interface enables participants to create code blocks, fostering visual-spatial understanding and creativity.
  2. Sequential Thinking: Scratch programming promotes logical and sequential thinking as participants arrange code blocks in a specific order to achieve desired outcomes. This sequential approach aligns with the structured thinking patterns often observed in individuals with Autism.
  3. Self-Expression: Coding with Scratch offers a unique channel for self-expression. Participants can create personalized animations, stories, and games that reflect their interests, ideas, and emotions, facilitating communication in a creative manner.
  4. Goal-Oriented Activities: Scratch projects encourage participants to set goals, work towards achievements, and see tangible results. This process builds a sense of accomplishment and motivation, enhancing confidence and self-esteem.
  5. Social Interaction: Collaborative coding activities promote peer interaction and teamwork. Participants can collaborate on projects, exchange ideas, and problem-solve together, fostering social skills and communication.
• Basic of Computer-Aided Design with Tinkercad

  Tinkercad is a user-friendly and intuitive computer-aided design (CAD) program that enables users to create 3D models, designs, and prototypes. Its accessible interface and creative possibilities make Tinkercad an invaluable resource for individuals with autism, allowing them to explore the world of design and creation in a supportive environment. Here's how Tinkercad is making a positive impact in our Autism Awareness initiatives:

  

  1. Visual and Spatial Learning: Tinkercad's visual interface taps into the strengths of visual and spatial learners, providing a tangible platform for participants to design and manipulate 3D objects.
  2. Hands-On Creativity: Participants engage in hands-on design projects, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills as they bring their ideas to life in a virtual space.
  3. Self-Expression: Coding with Scratch offers a unique channel for self-expression. Participants can create personalized animations, stories, and games that reflect their interests, ideas, and emotions, facilitating communication in a creative manner.
  4. Practical Application: Tinkercad offers practical applications for real-world scenarios. Participants can design objects that serve a purpose, enhancing their understanding of functional design and engineering concepts.
  5. Fine Motor Skills: Manipulating and arranging 3D shapes in Tinkercad promotes fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, crucial areas of development for many individuals with autism.
  6. Self-Expression: Through Tinkercad, participants can express themselves creatively, designing objects that reflect their interests, passions, and personal narratives.
• Science Experiments

  Whether your child aspires to be a scientist or simply wants some fun, watching and performing these science experiments is the perfect way to explore the world of science! If you're looking for a fun way to expose your children to the world of STEAM, this is the place for you! Simple science experiments offer a dynamic way for individuals with autism to explore the world around them. These experiments tap into the innate curiosity and visual learning strengths often exhibited by individuals on the Autism Spectrum. Here's how simple science experiments are making a positive impact in our Autism Awareness initiatives:

  

  1. Hands-On Learning: Simple science experiments provide a tactile and sensory-rich experience that resonates with many individuals with autism. Participants engage with materials, observe changes, and draw connections, enhancing their understanding of scientific concepts.
  2. Visual and Predictable: Many individuals with autism thrive in visual and predictable environments. Simple science experiments offer clear cause-and-effect relationships, allowing participants to predict outcomes and build a sense of control and understanding.
  3. Exploration and Discovery: Science experiments encourage participants to explore and discover. This process aligns with the natural curiosity of individuals with autism, fostering a sense of excitement and engagement.
  4. Communication and Language: Science experiments offer a non-verbal means of communication and self-expression. Participants can communicate their observations, hypotheses, and conclusions through actions and visual cues.
  5. Skill Development: Engaging in hands-on experiments enhances fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and cognitive development-key areas of growth for individuals with autism.
• Arts and Crafts

  Students will get the chance to unleash their creativity with tools (markers, crayons, colored pencils) and blank paper, or they will have the option to learn crafts from teachers with step-by-step instruction. They also have the option to do coloring pages. This station is a fun way for your child to express themselves and also learn new skills! Simple arts and crafts provide a safe and inclusive outlet for individuals with autism to explore their imagination and communicate in non-verbal ways. By engaging in hands-on activities, participants enhance their fine motor skills, sensory integration, and emotional well-being. Here's how simple arts and crafts are making a positive impact in our Autism Awareness initiatives:

  

  1. Self-Expression: Arts and crafts offer a unique means of self-expression. Participants can communicate their feelings, thoughts, and experiences through colors, shapes, and textures, allowing them to share their perspectives in a creative manner.
  2. Skill Development: Engaging in arts and crafts activities hones fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and attention to detail. These skills are crucial for daily tasks and can contribute to greater independence.
  3. Relaxation and Focus: Creating art can have a calming effect, helping participants reduce stress and anxiety. The focused nature of arts and crafts activities provides an opportunity for mindfulness and concentration.
  4. Confidence Boost: Completing a craft project boosts participants' self-esteem and sense of achievement. This positive experience carries over into other aspects of their lives, promoting overall well-being.
  5. Social Interaction: Group arts and crafts activities encourage peer interaction and teamwork. Participants collaborate, share ideas, and engage in a shared creative experience, fostering social skills and camaraderie.
• Chess

  Students will get a chance to learn the basics of chess and play against a fellow student or a volunteer. Students who are already familiar with chess have the opportunity to explore more challenging things such as tactics, openings, and endgames. This station also provides an opportunity to play fun variants such as Bughouse and Chess 960! Chess is more than a game; it's a mental exercise that engages and challenges participants in unique ways. For individuals with Autism, chess offers a structured and strategic environment where they can thrive. Here's how chess is making a positive impact in our Autism Awareness initiatives:

  

  1. Cognitive Enhancement: Chess sharpens cognitive abilities, including problem-solving, pattern recognition, and concentration - skills that are essential for everyday tasks and academic success.
  2. Structured Thinking: Individuals on the Autism Spectrum often excel in structured environments. Chess provides a clear set of rules and patterns, offering a comfortable framework for analytical thinking.
  3. Social Skill Building: Chess encourages peer interaction, friendly competition, and turn-taking, helping participants develop important social skills and enhance their communication abilities.
  4. Confidence: Success in chess fosters a sense of accomplishment, boosting self-esteem and confidence among participants.
  5. Inclusive Engagement: Chess is a universal language that transcends barriers, making it an ideal platform to promote inclusion, understanding, and acceptance.