The aim of the programme is to help participants develop social and communication skills and overcome personal difficulties including but not limited to fears, anxieties, ritualistic mannerisms, resistance to change, and lack of self confidence.

The children are invited to engage in exciting fictional scenarios and solve problems such as saving the chocolate factory; travelling to the place of the ice cream mountains, the chocolate rivers and the candy trees; flying with magic carpets; setting up their own business; bringing back home a missing child, etc., that would empower them to develop self confidence and motivate them to acquire skills including:

• initiating conversation and activities
• listening, attending and understanding verbal and non verbal cues
• taking someone else’s perspective
• developing empathy and awareness of other peoples needs
• developing self awareness

Acknowledging the diversity of the needs of children on the autism spectrum, all parents are contacted prior to the commencement of the CBD programme so as to help us develop individual educational plans for each participant taking into consideration their strengths, weaknesses and special interests. Individualised measurable objectives are set for each child. Regular communication with the parents throughout the programme is encouraged to monitor progress and ensure that each child is benefiting from the intervention.

The classes are restricted to a maximum of five children, so as to ensure that each participant’s individual needs are met. All sessions are designed and implemented by Dr. Haris Karnezi.

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