What We Do
The Autism Project
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The Kennedy Center Autism Project was created in partnership with parents of children on the spectrum to address the day-to-day challenges that autism can present. In addition, cutstomized professional workshops and trainings can be offered.
For more details on The Kennedy Center Autism Project, please read our informational flyer. If you need further information or would like to be put on our mailing list for news about upcoming workshops, programs and other activities, please contact the Autism Project Manager, (203) 332-4535 ext. 247 or email.
Current Programs & Services include:
Social Activity Programs
These small group programs are for children whose social, communication and behavioral skills require direction and support, but do not require intensive behavioral and/or physical intervention. Groups provide opportunities for children to learn social skills through age appropriate activities and are facilitated by experienced staff with volunteer support. Groups are designed to elicit and support the strengths and needs of children with varying levels of skills in the areas of independence, verbal communication and are grouped by age and ability.
Prior to registration, an intake interview is required. An assessment of your child’s strengths and needs will be completed and a group best suited for your child will be recommended. Enrollment cannot be guaranteed.
For more information, please contact The Kennedy Center Autism Specialist at 203-332-4535, ext. 249 or email.
Please see our Calendar of Programs for program specifics. We are also offering new June Programs as well as a new Summertime Fun Week long day program in August.
REGISTER here for Social Activity Group Programs
REGISTER here for Respite and Sibling Programs
REGISTER here for New June Programs
REGISTER here for August Summertime Fun Programs
Respite Programs
Respite programs are offered for families on Friday evenings. These programs are designed to provide parents with an often much needed break while their children have fun and socialize in a safe, supportive environment. Some programs can accommodate children who require a high level of support and direction but do not require intensive behavioral or physical intervention.
For more information, please contact The Kennedy Center Autism Specialist at 203-332-4535, ext. 249 or email.
Please see our Calendar of Programs for program specifics. REGISTER here for Respite programs
Recreation Programs
The Kennedy Center Recreation Programs provide children with an opportunity for fun and movement. Activities can include but are not limited to; music, dance, stretching exercises and a sensory-integrated yoga. Programs are designed to help increase focus, body awareness, muscle tone, and motivation, as well as increase the ability to follow directions, take turns and try new things. The design of the programs is geared toward children who require direction and support, but do not require intensive behavioral and/or physical intervention.
For more information, please contact The Kennedy Center Autism Specialist at 203-332-4535, ext. 249 or email.
Please see our Calendar of Programs. Also view our New Programs for June as well as our new August week long day programs Summertime Fun.
REGISTER here for the Recreation Programs
REGISTER here for the June Programs
REGISTER here for the August Programs
Sibling Program/Sib Fun Night
Each participant shares the common thread of growing up with a sibling who has autism. This monthly group provides a supportive network, which fosters growth and understanding in a therapeutic, nurturing environment. Siblings ages 7-21, whose brother and/or sister has autism and participates in Kennedy Center Children’s Services programs are welcome. Siblings will participate in expressive arts, cooking, games and activities. Dinner is included.
For more information, please contact The Kennedy Center Autism Specialist at 203-332-4535, ext. 249 or email.
Please see our Calendar of Programs for program specifics. REGISTER here.
Volunteer Support Services/Opportunities Unlimited
Additional Children's Services programs available to children with autism include the following:
The Kennedy Center Opportunities Unlimited program supports children ages 5-21 with special needs in recreation, socialization and education programs in the community through a core group of trained volunteers, many of whom are recruited through local high schools and universities. All volunteers complete a formal and individualized training and are provided with ongoing supervision by skilled staff. The program supports pre-schoolers to teens in a wide variety of activities based on family choice including: dance classes, computer programs, basketball and soccer teams, swim lessons, etc. and is free of charge.
For further information, please contact our Youth Inclusion Coordinator, 203-332-4535, ext. 223 or email.
After School Support Services
- Bridgeport Lighthouse Program
A partner in the Bridgeport Lighthouse program, we enable children to be more successful in typical after school programs. The Kennedy Center can help children with disabilities or at risk be more successful with their social skills, behavior and homework at participating Lighthouse After School sites.
Participants must be a resident of Bridgeport. Requests for support services are completely voluntary at no extra cost to families.
For participating sites, please contact the Lighthouse Office at 203-576-7252 or The Kennedy Center Youth Enrichment Services Coordinator at 203-332-4535, ext.268 or email.
- Family Partnership Program
- Expressive Arts
- Social Skill Instruction
- Educational Support and Academic Reinforcement
- Recreational Activities
- Physical Fitness
- Behavior Modification Programs
- Art Therapy
- Life Skill Instruction
The Family Partnership Program provides after school and family support services for children with mental health challenges, autism and other disabilities. This program is primarily funded by The Department of Children and Families (DCF). However, children with private or other funding can be referred.
The objective of the Family Partnership Program centers on opportunities for developmental growth, peer relationship building, enhancement of communication skills, behavior modification and coping mechanisms. We strive to provide activities rooted in the natural interests of the children, an environment which provides active learning opportunities and a climate conducive to personal growth. These goals can be accomplished through a rich variety of structured, indoor and outdoor activities such as:
Clinical services include intake, assessment, treatment planning, case management, a full range of behavioral services and partnership and referrals to community support systems.
For further information, please contact The Kennedy Center Family Services Manager, 203 332-4535, ext. 243 or email.
Summer Camp Support Services
The Kennedy Center Children's Services accepts individual service requests for children to participate in summer camp and other community programs from agency and private sources.
For further information, please contact The Kennedy Center Youth Enrichment Services Coordinator at 203-332-4535, ext. 268 or email.
A partner with the Lakewood/Trumbull YMCA's Camp Tepee, The Kennedy Center has been providing individual support services through a care of professionally supervised volunteers. Parents are responsible for camp fees however specialized support services are provided at no additional cost.
For information, please call The Kennedy Center Children's Services at 203-332-4535, ext. 249 or email.
Therapeutic Support Services (DCF Funding Required)
The Kennedy Center Therapeutic Support Services address the individualized needs of children with complex behavioral health needs that are at risk of entering a residential level of care or are being discharged from residential treatment or a more acute level of care. This service includes a combination of structured and enrichment activities consistent with identified treatment plan objectives.
For more information, please contact The Kennedy Center Autism Project Manager at 203-332-4535, ext. 247 or email.
