WestOrangeTimes Article on our Teen/Adult Life Skills Social Group's First outing.

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Autism Gym Prom for 2013

The Autism Gym's prom was a huge success!! Thanks to all that helped out! Patty Keener from jazzercise surprised everyone with a "Flash mob jazzercise"!! Dominic Roumeliotis and Jade Weaver were crowned king and queen. Thanks to all our wonderful volunteers, MLDavison Photography, Tammy Kern, Heath Wise, DJ, just to name a few. Special thanks to the wonderful Mayor Scott Vandergrift and the city of Ocoee. You are all hero's!  The Autism Gym runs on Tuesday evenings from 6:15-7:15 at the Jim Beech Recreation Center.  For more information, volunteering, or joining, contact JoAnne Houwers @ 407-234-7456

1.Prom queen, Jane Weaver gets crowned queen
2.Group dancing
3.Dominic Roumeliotis gets crowned king
4.“Flash mob, Jazzercise”: Group led by Patty Keener, instructor, Jazzercise
5. Group Dancing

the end

Teen/Adult Life Skills Social Group

The Autism Gym is proud to announce the first outing for its new group. "The Teen/Adult Life Skills Social Group" This will be geared towards higher functioning teens/adults with developmental disabilities. This is a goal oriented social group that will encompass learning life skills in an entertaining platform. Since it is a goal oriented group, this group will be limited to those individuals who are higher functioning. The participants must be able to communicate and follow/learn from directions/guidance.
Our first event was held on March 16th. Laser tag followed by a walk to the nearby McDonalds for dinner. Participants were provided cash and they independently ordered their own food and handled their own money. Conversation was encouraged, discussing the afternoons’ events.
The Autism Gym runs on Tuesday evenings from 6:15-7:15 at the Jim Beech Recreation Center in Ocoee. The program is free and relies on family support, grants, fundraiser's, and donations. We have many events; family bowling nights, Holiday party, BBQ, Prom just to name a few.

For more information on the Teen/Adult Life Skills Social Group, contact Russell and Beth Jones @ rbfjones@aol.com,

For more information about the Autism Gym, to become a member, or volunteer, contact JoAnne Houwers @ autismgym@aol.com. or visit, www.autismgym.org.
Picture info:
#1 Michael Jones ordering food, making change
#2 Michael Jones and Alec Nachtsheim filling drinks
#3 Discussing crossing a busy intersection Alec Nachtsheim, Russell Jones, Michael Jones
#4 Crossing the intersection: Russell Jones, Michael Jones (back) Alec Nachtsheim, (front)
Thanks,

Autism Gym enjoys fireworks

The Autism Gym recently saw the Walt Disney World fireworks show on Bay Lake at the Contemporary Resort. The Autism Gym members (l-r) Jeff, Janet and Jeffery Lovett dressed like pirates and enjoyed the show.
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Family Bowling Night

Family Bowling Night at Carter Family Bowl
Friday, July 20th from 6:30-8:30.
This event included 2 hours of unlimited bowling and shoe rental at no charge.  A great night for our families. The gym runs on Tuesday evenings from 6:15-7:15 and is open to all disabilties, ages and famiy members.  For more information, contact JoAnne Houwers at 407-234-7456

Pic #1 Karen and son John Oakman
Pic #2 Michael Jones gets a strike!
Pic #3  My son Joey Houwers and Dad  Joe Sr.
Pic #4  Joey Hi 5 with Dad
Pic # 5  Alec Nachtsheim aims for the strike!