AspFI is launching a new concept, Common Connections, which is a unique way of assiting individuals with social disabilities find acquaintances who share their interests. As difficulty with finding, developing, and maintaining friends is the hallmark problem of neurobiologically based social disabilities, we are making a concerted effort to provide meaningful support in this area. Children with autism spectrum disorders not only have brain differences that impede socialization, they also have the lack of opportunity to experience typical social interaction during critical periods of development, further limiting their growth in that area. Researchers are concerned that this skill deficit plus lack of opportunity to develop normally will create significant personality problems in adulthood that contribute to a poor quality of life. Therefore, AspFI is developing a model for improving opportunity for social connections. Our first event, Common Connections Kick-Off: Special Ed Expo, is aimed at school aged children and their families, but future events will target both younger and older individuals. The important elements of the Common Connections model are:

1. Opportunities for individuals to participate in an activity of particular interest to them.



2. The presence of trained instructors to facilitate social interaction among participants.



3. A structured means of registering interested parties so that follow up contacts can be eased.



4. Instructional materials for families regarding the importance of establishing friendships to support development of emotional regulation, social interaction, cognitive skills, behavioral appropriateness and self esteem, and information about how families can facilitate friendship maintenance.



5. Eliciting the cooperation of community agencies to develop social opportunities for individuals of all ages with social disabilities, as follow up of Common Connections events.

Survey of Adult Services
AspFI is conducting the first state by state survey of supportive service eligibility and availability for adults on the spectrum with independence potential. Each state is being surveyed in the areas of developmental disability, mental health, and vocational support, as every state has autonomy over services for their citizens. We are also following up on the information gathered by conducting structured interviews with individuals and family members as to their experiences in accessing support services. The information gathered will be an important resource for states interested in comparability and for individuals and their families to understand their state’s policies governing service provision.

Capacity Building
It is a uniform problem, for both children and adults with Asperger Syndrome, to find mental and behavioral health providers with specific expertise in their disability. Horror stories are legion about individuals in treatment with psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, counselors, or case managers who are ignorant of their particular needs and differences. Misdiagnosis, inappropriate treatment decisions, or simply lack of any available service are all problems the Capacity Building project will address. The model for this project is that by creating a network of interested providers and making available appropriate training materials, the level and extent of knowledge of existing mental and behavioral health professionals will be substantially raised. Professionals will develop a network for referral, a feeling of camaraderie, an increased knowledge base, and a group for consultation about difficult cases. AspFI is developing a training curriculum and will begin the first model in fall of 2005.