Sport-Social Summer Camp Registration is Open

Sport-Social is offering a unique Las Vegas a summer camp designed to meet the needs of all children, offering a place for them to make new friends and explore new experiences. We are open for registration for all children between the ages of 3 and 18, and our social skills curriculum helps kids who are struggling with self-confidence, making friends, understanding social cues, problem solving and overcoming peer pressure. We offer a camp environment that is jam-packed with learning and fun for kids of all ages and abilities.

Sport-Social instructors are trained in Applied Behavioral Analysis and we offer a 3:1 child to adult ratio, making our camp a one-of-a-kind experience for kids. This instructor to child ratio makes us equipped to provide individualized attention for your child while still giving them the necessary space to grow. Some of our activities include daily crafts, performances, social skills, and sports, with weekly themes to grab the attention of new and returning visitors.

In a place where being a “cool friend” is highly rewarded, kids will learn the appropriate ways to act amongst fellow campers. These social skills are applied to the outside world in everyday life, helping your kids develop into the best versions of themselves! Sport-Social is proud to serve the youth of both the Las Vegas and Henderson Communities. Sport-Social is centrally located off of the 215 and L.V. Blvd at 7055 Windy Street LV, NV 89119.

Register and learn more about our camp by visiting http://www.lvsportsocial.com or calling (702) 485-5515.

Sport-Social Celebrates One Year Since Arsonist Set Fire to Autism Facility

April is Autism Awareness Month, but for Sport-Social, April will always be a reminder of last year’s arsonist attack on its autism facility. On April 15, 2013, an arsonist broke into Sport-Social, a center that teaches children with autism social skills through sports and arts, and set the building on fire. Seven fires were started throughout the facility leading to extensive fire and water damage.

Sport Social is also home to two other Autism treatment providers: Families For Effective Autism Treatment (FEAT of Southern Nevada) and Autism Building Blocks, and both organizations along with Sport Social were closed while recovery was initiated. The fire caused $90,000 in damages to Sport-Social and its facility. However, Sport-Social received an overwhelming amount of support from the local community in donations and from the volunteers who helped with the recovery. 

Sport-Social went on to win Project-Vesto, a Nevada start-up competition, in June, and was able to use some of the prize money to make improvements on the 10,000 square foot facility. Since the fire last April, Sport-Social has improved its programming by building a computer lab, a music studio, and many other additions to the facility, which also houses a parkour, arcade, basketball courts, rope swings, and more.

Sport-Social has expanded its staff to include an in house Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a 

Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst. The last year has had its ups and downs, but Sport-Social is looking forward to additional improvements in their programming and their facility that will help them better serve Southern Nevada’s autism community.

Sport Social Lobby 2013  

Sport Social Lobby 2014

Sport Social Warehouse 2013

 

Sport Social Warehouse 2014

April is Autism Awareness Month!

Sport-Social is a proud member of the autism community and we love seeing our clients grow and learn. Share our Facebook post to remind your friends to have autism awareness every day of the year! 
 

Post by Sport-Social.

The A Games are coming!

2014 A Games

June 1, 2014, 12:00am

Sport-Social

What is the A Games? The “A Games” is similar to the well-known “X Games,” but for children on the autism spectrum. Participants will have the opportunity to participate in two of seven events. Festivities will include a DJ, live band, silent auction, bounce houses, food trucks, award ceremony and much more! When and where? June 1, 2014 @ Sport Social – 7055 Windy Street, Las Vegas NV 89119 – 9am-3pm Who is it for? Children on the autism spectrum between the ages of 3-17. What events are in the A Games? Kids will pick 2 events from the following: Bike Race, Skateboard Race, Scooter Race, Bike Trick Competition, Skateboard Trick Competition, Scooter Trick Competition and the Parkour Obstacle Course. Events will be modified for each child's individual abilities ensuring participation is appropriate for all those on the spectrum. How can I sign up my child to participate? Simply click the REGISTER AS A PARTICPANT button here: http://www.agameslasvegas.com and follow the quick and easy steps. Each participant will receive a fund raising page with their picture that they can send to friends and family to help solicit additional donations. The more you raise, the more prizes you will receive! Tell me more about the A Games! The day will be amazing! All participants will receive medals during the medal ceremony at the end of each event. We will also have 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place ribbons. In addition, we will have live music, food trucks, swag bag for each of the kids participating and BEST of ALL...we are honored to have TJ Lavin, X-Games gold medalist and also the host of the MTV show "The Challenge." How can participants practice for the event? Participants will have the opportunity to sign up for practice sessions at Sports Social during the enrollment process. How much does it cost to participate? $35 is the participation fee. All kids will receive swag bags, event t-shirts and a medals. If you raise more money you will win prizes! Please share your fundraising page with friends and family and help FEAT build a successful event. How do I sponsor a kid with autism? Simply click on the DONATE button and select the participant you wish to sponsor. It takes only a few minutes! What does the money benefit? All monies raised will stay in Southern Nevada and go towards FEAT (Families for Effective Autism Treatment). FEAT provides information on autism treatment resources, support, encouragement and guidance for families affected by autism. How else can you help? There are many ways to help. We can use volunteers prior to the event as well as 100+ people for the day of the event. If you are interested in learning more about ways to help, please email Jennifer@featsonv.org Please visit http://www.featsonv.org to view the Prize list, Event Descriptions and Sign Up Instructions.

Spring Break Camp!!! April 14th - 18th

Join us at Sport-Social for Spring Break Camp! Have fun and learn new skills from April 14-18, 9 am to 1 pm. Space is limited-call today to reserve your spot (702) 485-5515.

Sport-Social is offering Spring Break Camp for kids of all ages and abilities! Camp is offered April 14-18 from 9 am to 1 pm, with after camp care available.

What is Reinforcement?

Chances are that at some point during your quest to find treatment options for your child with autism you have heard the term "reinforcement." Reinforcement can be a valuable tool in your arsenal against autism, but the term can be confusing because we often see it in many different contexts. While we most often use reinforcement in ABA, or Applied Behavioral Analysis, reinforcement can be used for other therapy options as well.
Reinforcing stimuli, commonly referred to as reinforcers, are events that take place after a behavior that increases the probability that a behavior will occur in the future. There are two types: primary reinforcers and secondary reinforcers. Primary reinforcers are naturally or intrinsically valued rewards, like desired food items. Secondary reinforcers are learned rewards like a token system, a tickle, or a high five. Secondary reinforcers are generally preferred by parents because they help broaden your child's interests and they can take the place of primary reinforcers (so you can empty those M & M's out of your pockets).
Primary and secondary reinforcing stimuli are examples of positive reinforcement, presenting positive events that increase the probability of the preferred behavior (like we discussed above). There is also negative reinforcement, which is the removal of aversive events after a behavior to increase the likelihood that the behavior will re-occur (huh?). In English, this means that when the child uses appropriate language or behavior, the thing that is bothering them stops. A desired behavior results in the removal of a less desirable behavior. For example, if a bell rings and it bothers your child, he can ask, "Please turn that off," resulting in the bell stopping (the desired result). Ask your Sport-Social instructor how they are using reinforcement with your child!

Having a Sibling with Autism

Siblings of children with autism face unique challenges, which may cause additional anxiety and concern to parents. Your typically developing child may wonder why his brother or sister won't play with him, or why mom and dad are spending all their time focused on therapy and treatment. Here are some ways you can ease the stress on your child with autism’s siblings:
    •    Have frequent conversations with your typically developing children about autism, explaining how it affects the child and why the child behaves the way he does.
    •    Include typically developing children in visits to the doctor and other professionals (including early intervention therapy).
    •    Acknowledge that the child may feel like an outsider, and these negative feelings are normal.
    •    Introduce your child to other siblings of children with autism (at Sport-Social events!), so they realize they aren't alone.
The good news is (and we probably don't even need to tell you this), that siblings of children with autism tend to be more caring and compassionate than an average child. The challenges they face build character and strength- and another advocate for autism.