The TOPS program serves adolescents and teens ages 12-17 diagnosed with developmental disabilities.

It is a six week structured program for up to 10 teens which has been designed to discuss topics and engage in activities that deal with social interactions to foster the skills necessary for successful and appropriate relationships.  Each week a different skill or concept that relates to social interaction will be introduced.  The teens help identify what their needs are as a group and meetings are structured around those needs.  Topics include:  “similarities and differences between individuals;” “emotions and feelings;”  “how to be a friend;” “how to start a conversation” and  “conversational skills. “ Meetings follow a specific format starting with a snack, moving to a circle discussion, then introduction to the evening’s topic, then the activity that will support the new skill, and finally, the meeting ends with game time. Teens actively participate and remain engaged because they feel ownership and responsibility for the success of their group.

The TOPS program is facilitated by a Special Education teacher and an assistant.  Parent support and education are also provided. 

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