Skill Building Programs
PALS offers programs to individuals on the autism spectrum and their families who are registered with UCF-CARD. Programs are structured by age group and ability level, with trained facilitators providing support in authentic community settings.
Please note that some programs are closed and individuals must be invited or recommended in order to participate. There are specific qualifications that must be met for certain programs, and interviews or screenings may be required. PALS reserves the right to ask individuals to leave a program if they do not fit criteria or are not appropriate for the group.
Ages 2-7
Ages 8-12
Ages 13-17
Ages 18+
Social Skill Building Programs
Focused on building social and communication skills, emotional regulation, self-advocacy and independence. These programs target specific skills in each of these domains, moving through a sequence of sessions that build on each other.
Ages 2-7
Children 2–7 Years
AEIO&U
Autism Early Intervention Opportunities and You
For young children with ASD and their parents to enjoy community-based fun with support from PALS facilitators. The focus is on increasing communication and social skills through opportunities to be in proximity to peers with support for communication, turn-taking, sharing space, and fun.
Ages 8-12
Tweens 8–12 Years
EIGHT-12
Eight-12 focuses on developing flexible thinking, problem-solving skills, and increasing social skills to support conversation and express feelings, which are all skills needed for social success.
The main focus at this level is identifying and regulating emotions, regulating behavior, conversation skills, perspective-taking, bullying, peer pressure, teamwork and compromise and basic self-management skills.
Group meets every other week for 90 minutes spring and fall. Currently offered in Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole Counties.
Ages 13-17
Teens 13–18 Years
TAG
Teen Autism Group
The Teen Autism Group (TAG) focuses on expanding participants’ abilities to manage difficult emotions, navigate social interactions, and increase independence.
The main focus at this level is using regulation strategies to control emotions and impulses, building self confidence and self-esteem, conversational skills related to different kinds of social relationships, understanding basic theory of mind, self-advocacy basics, and self-management, including goal setting and time management strategies. Participants will apply the skills covered in 8-12 and focus on adding these new skills and increasing personal responsibility.
Participation Requirements:
Ages 13–18 with Asperger’s/PDD-NOS
Interested in attending the group
Independent in toileting
Does not require 1-to-1 support
Can effectively communicate in a group setting
Attendance is mandatory for the duration of the group
Ages 18+
Young Adults 18–24 Years
Level Up
Level Up is designed for young adults (ages 18-24) in their final years of high school or recent graduates. The program aims to equip participants with essential life skills, fostering greater independence and readiness for future responsibilities.
The main focus at this level is applying the strategies needed to regulate your own emotions and behavior; applying conversational skills in appropriate contexts, diving deeper into theory of mind and applying those skills; dating and relationships, and skills and knowledge needed for adult independence.
Life Skills Enhancement Programs
Content focused on essential life skills and independent functioning. These programs are offered seasonally in a mini-series format (2-4 weeks per course) for teens and adults with ASD.
Cooking Mini-Series
Develop basic skills to create healthy meals from scratch, in addition to best practices for kitchen and food safety.
Financial Literacy Mini-Series
This course focuses on the elements needed to manage personal finances.
Travel & Transportation Mini-Series
This series focuses on building travel and navigation skills to decrease dependence on parent transportation while building confidence and broadening options for work and leisure activities.
Find a Program Near You
Contact your UCF CARD ASD Specialist for registration details.
PALS Office: (407) 823-6020 | Email: info@pals-ucfcard.org
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to serving the autism community across Central Florida since 2002. EIN: 01-0717788
Counties Served
- Brevard County
- Lake County
- Orange County
- Osceola County
- Seminole County
- Sumter County
- Volusia County
Contact
- info@pals-ucfcard.org
- (407) 823-6020
- PO Box 781458
Orlando, FL 32878-1458 - Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Support Our Mission
Your tax-deductible donation helps provide vital programs for individuals with autism and their families across Central Florida.
PALS partners with UCF Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (UCF-CARD) to provide comprehensive support for individuals with autism.
PALS charitable organization registration number is CH19560. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
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