NORTH SURREY
Hello parents and caregivers.
I am Mom to an autistic 18 yr old who wasn't officially diagnosed until 16. This fall I am offering a Work to Learn Gardening, life and social skills program for teens on our property in North Surrey. I have created this program because I want to create low stress, social and work opportunities for teens like mine, for whom issues such as large groups, high stress or expectations, strict attendance rules, sensory issues, limited stamina, travel distance or anxiety prevent them from joining other events or work opportunities.
I will be holding work group events in our green, treed yard and informal garden this fall on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays at 1 - 3pm (I am flexible, various times available depending on interest level). Teens will work alongside me and other teens on gardening tasks such as pruning, wildflower seed collecting, invasive plant removal, planting trees, shrubs and seeds. We employ quiet gardening methods, using mainly hand tools, pruners, loppers, rakes. Older teens may want to try mowing, weed eaters or pressure washing with parental permission.
Your teen will gain experience in gardening and landscaping, have the opportunity to interact with other teens in a supportive, green low stress environment with those familiar with autism. Tasks will be adapted to suit their strengths, ability and interests with opportunity to observe a great variety of insects, birds and plants. Working alongside other teens will allow them to socialize when feeling comfortable and practice coworker socialization skills. In order to motivate teens and give them opportunity to manage their own money, half of my fee will be returned to teen for their time. I am accepting AFU funds for this program and am open to other arrangements if you do not have a funding source.
Our property includes North Surrey Learning Space and we will be using the facilities there as home base for our work group. Teens will be free to take breaks from the activity whenever they need to. We have space for parents to relax or work while staying close by. Family participation is also welcome.
Please message me if your teen may be interested or for more details. I am also considering starting an after school group if there is sufficient interest.
Danna
About me. I have been at home since becoming a mom at 39 and my free time has been spent gardening or taking photographs. Before that I worked in the IT dept. at YVR doing computer support, training and website design. I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and did post graduate work in teacher training. I am currently considering going back to school to become an certified BI. We have recently opened our space to use for support programs and are looking for innovative ways to assist parents of autistic and special needs kids.
