Queens Saturday Respite Program

Members of the New York City Council had budgeted a $1 million to pay for support and referral services for autistic children and their families throughout the city. The announcement was made on May 30, by David I. Weprin, Chair of the City Council's Finance Committee, and Councilman Hiram Monserrate (District 21, Queens.) The goal of the program is to provide "wraparound services" for children with autism spectrum disorders outside of school and to provide public awareness information about diagnosis and early intervention and referral services to families across the city.

In August of 2007, Lifespire’s executive staff met with Councilman Monserrate requesting a grant for the start of the Saturday program.  Councilman Monserrate visited Lifespire’s location in Queens. In November of 2007, Lifespire was awarded $100,000, which allowed us to start a Saturday Respite program in Queens in January 2008.

Here at Lifespire, it has always been our philosophy to develop programs based on the needs identified by families. Families who live with children with autism in Queens have identified the need for recreation/respite programs as weekends can be long and difficult without structured plans at home. The mission of our Saturday Recreation Program is to provide a safe, productive and enjoyable recreational program for children ages 5-21 that have been identified with autism.

Jeannie Alter, EVP of Children and Adolescent Services says “The families helped us define the areas of interest that each child prefers. To that end, we purchased a wide range of materials specifically geared to the interest and ability of the students in our care. The main responsibility of our staff is to keep students engaged in activities and to promote positive social interaction as appropriate for each student. This includes their interaction with staff and the other children.  Activities include music, puzzles, art, board games and interactive video games.”

Lifespire staff work with each family to identify strategies for communication. This includes picture schedules, use of augmentative communication devices, sign language, and/or other ideas as shared with the staff by the family or consumer. “Staff shares observations of the students after each session which allows us to continue to develop the recreational activities based upon interests and ability of children.” Says Jeannie.

Queens Saturday Respite Program started on January 12, 2008 with 16 students from age 5 to 19. The children enjoyed exploring the facility, trying out new games, a pizza lunch and plenty of music!  We now have 27 consumers enrolled with over 10 individuals on the waiting list. Transportation is provided to and from the center.

Councilman Hiram Monserrate visited the program on Saturday, March 29th where he was greeted warmly by our consumers. Councilman Monserrate, whose own son has been diagnosed with autism, stated that "I understand how difficult it is for families to provide the level of care needed for children with autism. Effective care requires a round-the-clock vigilance and a sensitivity to the subtle ramifications this disease has on a person, especially a child." He also stated, “Families who have a child with autism often experience ongoing stress. Respite care for families who have a child with autism helps maintain family stability and provides opportunities for the child to participate in special and community-based activities. The adolescents who attend the Saturday Respite program are provided with a variety of daily recreational experiences. As a parent, this why I fight for the much needed funding, and support agencies like Lifespire.”