Group Therapy Program
Respons·ability Social Therapy™ (RST)
The Respons·Ability Social Therapy™ (RST) program is a specialized, comprehensive initiative created by Dr. Emilio Amigo to support individuals in developing meaningful social connections. This program is rooted in the philosophy of celebrating strengths and addressing individual needs, fostering skills that enhance relationships, socio-emotional reciprocity, and communication abilities.
Overview
All our Group Program members have many opportunities to participate and engage. The foundation starts with our weekly RST groups.
Amigos on the Spectrum offers multiple Weekly RST Group Therapy Sessions throughout the week. We offer group therapy to clients ages 3 and up. Young adult and adult RST group sizes currently range from 8-12 clients per group. For our children, our group sizes range from 3-6 clients per group.
Weekly group sessions are 60 minutes. After school hours are available.
Each client’s group placement is determined by multiple factors including age, developmental level, and data collected from our initial psychological assessment screeners. Dr. Amigo reviews each client’s specific needs and goals when determining which group will be the most beneficial.
Data-Driven
All RST members participate in ongoing comprehensive psychological assessments. These assessments are grounded in scientifically valid and reliable methods, designed to celebrate strengths and identify areas of support, measure progress, which informs individual and group treatment goals.
Initial Assessments: When clients enter our program, they complete a number of initial psychological informant screeners and clinical interviews. These provide a detailed understanding of each individual's developmental, behavioral, and functional abilities. This baseline helps us recognize their unique traits and track their progress over time. The goal is to support the person, not just their diagnosis.
Ongoing Assessments: Clients and their families complete these throughout the year. These allow us to observe growth, tailor supports to evolving strengths and needs, and adjust group and individual interventions accordingly. They also offer families and clients professional insights for educational planning, such as Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and assist in accessing community resources.
Please visit our Educational & IEP Support page to learn about more our additional services through our Full Circle Learning program.
Areas of Impact
Each week, our Group Program aims to help clients improve in all areas of social development.
-
Activities promote shared attention as all clients engage and respond to one another.
-
Clients are encouraged and guided through the process of understanding and communicating emotions through problem solving and communication.
The overall group process and growth is expressed through the sharing of emotions and personal experiences.
-
Clients are given the opportunity to compare social behavior and clear communication in social settings.
-
The group process stimulates active listening and expression through verbal and non-verbal communication.
-
Group activities and peer interaction cultivate a more confident approach to making social and life decisions.
-
A vital aspect of interpersonal relationships is the ability to understand and relate to another's experiences.
-
Clients are provided with the opportunity to understand and develop individual ability to make decisions independent of initial, emotional response.
-
Group activities and interventions guide client acceptance of personal responsibility for behavior and the understanding of possible consequences.
Friday Night Club
Group Members (aged 16+) come to Friday Night Club. Friday Night Clubs provide opportunities for participants to engage in a wide variety of activities, fostering community and social connections in a welcoming atmosphere. Here, group members can apply what they learn during their weekly group in a larger social setting.
Group activities include:
Neuroaffirming in-house movie theater experiences
Dance and Karaoke
Multi-player Video Games
Tabletop Role-Play Games
Board Games and Puzzles
Bingo
Art & Drawing
SATURDAYS Program
In addition to weekly group sessions and Friday Night Club, we have a Saturdays Program clients can participate in. This program offers creative arts therapy in different Saturday Workshops throughout the year, offering sensory supports, accommodations, and modifications to ensure that every member can participate fully.
Some past and current sessions have included a Talent Show and Acting Workshops. Our Acting Workshop clients finish with a final performance at Madlab Theater!