First Children Services Launches STRIVE Sport and Social Club

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Jessica Cummings

R&J Strategic Communications

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For Immediate Release

First Children Services Launches STRIVE Sport and Social Club to Promote Physical Activity, Enhance Social Skills for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Eight-week program offered through First Children Services’ STRIVE Autism Care Continuum

Maple Shade, N.J. (November 30, 2020) – First Children Services announces the launch of its STRIVE Sport and Social Club, a unique program for kids with autism spectrum disorder designed to teach and promote social skills through interactive fitness. Registration is now open for the eight-week program which is offered through First Children Services’ STRIVE Autism Care Continuum at its Maple Shade, N.J. location at 120 East Kings Highway. STRIVE Sport and Social Club will offer two weekly sessions divided by age group, with sessions for children ages 9 to 12 taking place Tuesdays from 6 – 7:15 p.m. and sessions for children 13 and over meeting on Thursdays from 6 – 7:15 p.m. Classes are slated to begin in January.

Spearheaded by Brandon Sierchio, a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) for First Children Services and an experienced advisor in interactive fitness groups for children with autism spectrum disorder, the STRIVE Sport and Social Club’s goal is two-fold: teaching and encouraging kids on the spectrum to enjoy physical fitness while reinforcing important social skills such as taking turns, cooperating, following directions, accepting losing and practicing self-regulation and effective communication.

“Many children with autism spectrum disorder tend to be sedentary, with not a lot of movement or physical activity built into their days,” said Brandon Sierchio, MA, BCBA, Head Coach for First Children Services’ STRIVE Sport and Social Club. “Additionally, kids with autism can often have selective food choices and hobbies that may not be the healthiest options, which can also contribute to unhealthy weight gain. However, after adding physical activity into the equation, families I’ve worked with in the past have reported their children experience better sleep, weight loss, and mood stabilization. I’m thrilled to begin offering this program through First Children Services’ STRIVE Autism Care Continuum to not only promote a healthy lifestyle for these kids but to help them develop an interest for sports as well as build on key social skills along the way.”

Joining Sierchio in supervising the groups will be fellow First Children Services BCBA, Chris Fox, as well as additional First Children Services behavior skills therapists (BST) as needed in order to keep the sessions engaging and provide each child with the personalized support they need to succeed in the program. The coaches will kick off each group with a review of the social skills that will be covered in that session followed by a dynamic warmup consisting of walking and stretching. Following the warm-up, the program will transition into light cardio activities including runs or relay drills. Breakout circuit sessions will also provide kids with the opportunity to learn a variety of skills at designated stations that can be modified based on individual skill levels. Due to the current COVID-19 environment and safety restrictions, activities will be limited to non-contact games and activities with the goal to expand the program to include team-oriented sports such as soccer or flag football when it becomes safe to do so.

Registration for the eight-week program is now open for all age groups and cost to enroll is $240. The program is open to children both part of the First Children Services program as well as any other child in the surrounding community. Capacity is capped at eight to 10 children to ensure engaging, safe and productive sessions. For more information or to register today, email referrals@firstchildrenservices.com.

About First Children Services’ STRIVE Autism Care Continuum

Part of First Children Services’ integrated care network, the STRIVE Autism Care Continuum is dedicated to improving the lives of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania with treatment plans focusing on increasing communication, social skills and life skills to help children ages 18 months and older maximize their full potential. Operated by premier providers of innovative and evidence-based services, the STRIVE Autism Care Continuum utilizes Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapies to provide every child with customized intervention treatment plans tailored to their skills, needs, interests, preferences, and family situation.

As a community-based provider, First Children Services is committed to expanding access to high quality care and vital support services through its STRIVE Autism Care Continuum as well as a wide range of home, school, and center based therapeutic and educational services to achieve life-changing outcomes for exceptional kids in the communities they serve. To learn more, visit firstchildrenservices.com.

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