Project Title: „Social Thinking“ Development Groups for Autistic Youth
Implementation Period: April 2025 – December 2025
Funding Sources: Panevėžys City Municipality, Kazickas Family Foundation, volunteer contributions.
Project Goal:
To develop the social skills and emotional intelligence of autistic youth through practical activities based on the „Social Thinking“ methodology. The project aims to create a safe, structured, and supportive environment where young people can learn to understand social contexts, address communication challenges, and feel accepted.
Problem Statement:
In Panevėžys, more than 50 families are raising teenagers and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), but the majority of them do not participate in any non-formal education activities. Due to sensory sensitivities, social challenges, lack of adapted environments, or limited inclusion, these young people face isolation and difficulties in forming and maintaining friendships. There is a lack of systematic social skills development programs that meet their specific needs.
Activities:
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Coordinator Training: At least 3–5 coordinators will be trained to apply the „Social Thinking“ methodology when working with autistic youth.
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Group Sessions: At least 20 structured practical sessions will be organized for autistic youth to develop their social competence, self-regulation, and self-awareness.
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Acquisition of Methodological Materials: Lithuanian-language materials will be purchased and adapted from the official „Social Thinking“ platform.
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Supervision Sessions: Two professional supervision sessions will be held in Panevėžys, led by experienced trainer Viktorija Juozapavičienė.
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Partnership with the „Big Friend“ Program: Experienced volunteers will be involved based on the Big and Little Friends model to help participants build and maintain friendships.
Expected Results:
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10 autistic young people will have access to specially adapted social skills development activities.
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Improvements in their well-being, self-understanding, and communication abilities.
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A strengthened volunteer network and stronger human connections within the community.
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At least 3 trained coordinators will ensure the continuity and dissemination of the methodology.
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The project will contribute to reducing social exclusion and enhancing community inclusion.
Project Budget: €5,223
