Therapeutic Groups
Clients may register to participate in a variety of therapeutic groups.
These groups are designed either for a specific population and/or a specific meaningful activity. Some groups may require an interview/screening.
If you see a group that you are interested in but has already begun, please contact us so that we may gauge interest for an additional section.
Past Pediatric Groups/Programs
Dating in The Real World
This group is geared to help adolescents and young adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or other special needs with dating. Topics included how to introduce yourself, developing and maintaining relationships, utilizing apps to date, and defining healthy relationships.
Big Kidz Club
This program is for children ages 8-12 years old to work on sensory processing, socialization, motor skills, play skills!
Little Movers
This program is for children ages 5-7 years old to work on sensory processing, socialization, motor skills, and play skills!
Transition to College
This group is geared for students with Autism and other special needs to enable the skill set and knowledge to prepare for college. The activities are based on the students' interests, which may include exploring campus activities, sports, special and social events, student clubs, computer labs, library, cafeterias, and a campus tour. An introduction to strategies enabling success as a college student may include course work strategies, time management, organization and study skills, group projects, and fun activities to enhance social skills.
Steps to Your Future Pre-College Program
A Taste of Independence
Steps to Your Future is a five-day and optional two-night camp for teens and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other special needs who are interested in getting a glimpse into the college experience. Campers participate in immersion activities that are key to transitioning to life as a college student. These activities include the experience of eating meals in the campus dining hall, navigating a college campus, attending a college class, completing their own laundry, preparing meals, and participating in on-campus activities and events. Campers also have the opportunity to stay in the dorms at Kean for two nights (on days three and four) to learn what it is like to be away from home and live with a roommate. The program is supervised by students and faculty from the departments of Occupational Therapy, Special Education, and Therapeutic Recreation. Kean students also attend the program as mentors to provide campers the opportunity to learn from and socialize with peers their own age who are already in college. Campers also meet and socialize with other campers who are also interested in attending college someday.
This group is a 8-week cooking class geared toward learning basic cooking skills and social skills for teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder and/ or other special needs.
Interview and screening is required.
Making Friends
This group is for teens & young adults where they can come meet new friends and learn about developing and maintaining friendships, dating, intimacy, and healthy relationships!
PARFORE
PAR FORE (Perseverance, Accountability, Resiliency, Fellowship, Opportunity, Respect, Empowerment) is a community and occupation based, golf mentorship program for at risk youth. The overall goal of PAR FORE is to prevent gang membership. PAR FORE NJ housed in Kean University’s Department of Occupational Therapy is one of three current chapters.
Within this program, youth engage in a variety of group and individual sessions facilitated by graduate occupational therapy students, under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist. Youth are taught the game of golf as way to further promote responsibility, accountability and proper etiquette. Each youth is paired with a Kean University student as a mentor.
PAR FORE New Jersey’s programming is facilitated year round via an after school program and a six week summer camp.
For additional information, contact Jennifer Gardner, Director of PAR FORE at jengardn@kean.edu.
Past Adult Groups
Contact the clinic for information on future dates for these groups!
Volunteering: The Basics
Pathways to Success, Brain Injury Track
The thought of finding a volunteer opportunity can be overwhelming because it is a process that involves many steps. This class is designed to break down these steps so that you can begin the process of finding a volunteer option that interests and suits you. Possible topics include identifying the best volunteer placements for you, searching for settings that need volunteers, applying to volunteer, writing a resume, and interviewing skills. The final sessions will actually incorporate organizing a volunteer project and participating in one.
Creating a Meal Plan and Budget
Pathways to Success, Mental Health Track
Explore simple ways to plan for a healthy meal, how to budget for it, and how to purchase the necessary ingredients. This class is all about providing you with valuable information on possible topics such as understanding the basics of nutrition, cooking healthy meals, budgeting for meals, and practicing purchasing and transporting food.
Just for Fun: Crafting and Calming
Pathways to Success, Mental Health Track
In the midst of our busy lives, it is important to remember to make time for fun and relaxation. This class is designed to explore and participate in activities that are calming and also enjoyable. Possible topics may include crafting activities, playing games, socializing, and listening to music. This is an opportunity to take a break and just have fun!
Managing Personal Finances
Pathways to Success, Brain Injury Track
Managing your finances can be difficult. To support the new, financially savvy
you, this class is designed to introduce skills such as:
-Balancing a checkbook
- Managing bank accounts
-Budgeting Basics
-Using a debit or credit card
Technology 101
Pathways to Success, Mental Health Track
This course is deigned to teach participants the terminology for today's technological world.
The main focus of this semesters group will be on Microsoft Word, Power point and Excel.
Learn social media etiquette, safety and general use!!
Finding a Job: Resumes, Cover Letters, and More
Pathways to Success, Mental Health Track
This class will focus on refining more in-depth job seeking skills, including resume and cover letter writing, in order to help participants find gainful employment. They will also learn to search for jobs and answers applicable questions on job applications.
College Survival 101
College Survival 101 is a unique program for incoming and current Kean University students looking to learn valuable life skills for success in college and beyond. Topics include money management, job skills, professional communication, safety and emergency planning, health management and maintenance, transportation, study skills, planning and organization, nutrition, laundry, and dorm room maintenance. This program is FREE for all current and incoming Kean students!
Adulting 101
This program is designed for young adults ages 21-45 who have had a brain injury and would like to become more independent with everyday life skills. Such skills include, but are not limited to cooking, laundry, cleaning, budgeting, shopping, socialization, and home maintenance.