The CIRCLES Program teaches social distance and levels of intimacy through the use of six color coded concentric circles. Starting from the center circle, which is the self, each new colored circle represents behaviors, feelings, and actions appropriate to the distance from the center, or self. For example, a person may hug and kiss members of the family, people in the Blue Hug Circle, but only wave to the mailman, who is in the distant Orange Wave Circle.

The CIRCLES Program assists students to discriminate different degrees of intimacy and to adapt their behaviors accordingly. The program teaches students how relationships can be formed and maintained according to the social norms of our day. Thus, the CIRCLES Program lays the foundation for people with social deficits due to their disabilities to manage the amount of personal responsibility and social integration in their lives.

Circles Part I: This class, which spans the first part of Circles I, consists of video programs, discussion, activities and role-plays designed to teach social and sexual distance. It explores the level of intimacy between people in the way that they TOUCH, TALK to and TRUST each other. Students will learn "relationship boundaries" and relationship-specific behaviors, i.e., it's okay to hug your mother, but it's not okay to hug the mailman.

Circles Part II: This class is designed for students who have already completed Circles, Part I. This class discusses relationship transitions, and how relationships can and do change over time. For example, someone may start out as a stranger in the Red Stranger Space, but develop into a friend in the Green Far-Away Hug Circle. (Program descriptions taken from The CIRCLES I Intimacy & Relationships Curriculum Manual. James Stanfield Publishing Company, Santa Barbara, CA)

Who Should Attend? Adolescents and young adults with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders who have social skills level of at least kindergarten (5 year old equivalent) and above. Call for consideration outside these ranges.

Class Size: Each session is limited to 10-12 families. Due to space limitations, 1 support person, parent or caregiver may attend each session with student unless there is a specific need for more supports.

Parent/Caregiver Participation: It is critical that parents participate with their child for the program to be successfully integrated into everyday life. One parent/caregiver or support person MUST ATTEND each class with their son or daughter.

Parent Orientations: Prior to acceptance to class, a parent or caregiver must attend the 90 minute parent/caregiver orientation. You will receive an overview of the Circles program, a preview of the videotapes, an understanding of class structure, curriculum, and expectations from students and parents. This is the time for Questions and Answers for parents/caregivers. An orientation is scheduled prior to each session. Attendance is not a guarantee into the next class. Admittance to classes are based on space available.

Class Dates and Times: Circles Part I is a 7-week commitment. Circles Part II is 6 weeks. While we try to separate the classes as best we can into groups of similar cognitive abilities, we understand that there may be scheduling difficulties that preclude us from forming classes in this manner. We remain committed to meeting your needs as best we can.

Cost: $150 per team of parent/caregiver and Circles participant.

Please check with your son or daughter's Regional Center for possible funding. Reimbursement, partial or full scholarships may be available through a variety of funding sources. Please contact Esmerelda for more information.