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Mosaic Minds Center For Autism & Neurodivergent Learning

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(252)495- 8616

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Specialized Connections Academy Summer Enrichment Program

Building Friendships. Developing Confidence. Creating Meaningful Connections.
Every child deserves the opportunity to build friendships, develop confidence, and feel a true sense of belonging. At Mosaic Minds Center for Autism & Neurodivergent Learning, Connections Academy is a specialized social enrichment program designed for autistic and other neurodivergent children and teens to strengthen social communication, emotional regulation, executive functioning, and independent living skills in a safe, supportive, and engaging environment.

Our program goes beyond recreational activities by intentionally teaching the skills needed to build meaningful relationships, increase self-confidence, improve emotional regulation, and foster greater independence. Through structured activities, guided practice, and positive peer interactions, participants develop the confidence to navigate school, home, and community settings more successfully.

Whether your child is learning to initiate conversations, strengthen friendships, improve emotional regulation, or develop greater independence, Connections Academy provides individualized support within a welcoming community where every learner is respected, encouraged, and celebrated
 

Why Choose Connections Academy?

Connections Academy offers more than a social group. It is a structured enrichment program where children and teens develop the social, emotional, and life skills necessary to thrive in everyday life.

Families choose Connections Academy because we provide:
  • Small-group instruction with individualized support
  • A safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment
  • Neurodiversity-affirming practices
  • Structured opportunities to develop meaningful friendships
  • Guided instruction in communication and social interaction
  • Executive functioning and self-advocacy skill development
  • Sensory-conscious activities designed specifically for neurodivergent learners
  • Positive behavior supports and encouragement
  • Experienced educational leadership with nearly three decades of supporting autistic and other neurodivergent learners
 
Our goal is to help every participant become more confident, independent, socially connected, and prepared for lifelong success.

Program by Age Group

Connections Academy Junior
Ages 8–12

Building Confidence Through Connection

 

Children develop foundational social and emotional skills through structured, engaging activities that promote communication, cooperation, self-confidence, and positive peer relationships.

 

Participants strengthen:

  • Friendship skills
  • Social communication
  • Emotional regulation
  • Cooperative play
  • Executive functioning
  • Self-confidence
  • Problem-solving
  • Independence
  • Self-advocacy

 

Activities are designed to make learning fun while helping children develop skills they can use at home, school, and in the community.

Ages 13–17

Preparing Teens for Greater Independence

 

Adolescence presents unique social and emotional challenges. Connections Academy Teen provides opportunities for participants to strengthen communication skills, develop healthy relationships, build confidence, and prepare for adulthood.

 

Participants focus on:

  • Social communication
  • Building and maintaining friendships
  • Emotional regulation
  • Executive functioning
  • Self-advocacy
  • Decision-making
  • Leadership opportunities
  • Community participation
  • Independent living skills
  • College, career, and transition readiness

 

Our goal is to help teens become confident young adults who feel prepared to navigate school, work, relationships, and community life.

Core Areas of Development

Social Communication

Participants learn to:

  • Initiate and maintain conversations
  • Develop meaningful friendships
  • Understand social cues and body language
  • Improve listening skills
  • Practice teamwork and cooperation
  • Increase confidence during social interactions
  • Respect different perspectives

Participants develop strategies to:

  • Recognize and understand emotions
  • Manage frustration and anxiety
  • Develop healthy coping strategies
  • Improve flexibility during unexpected situations
  • Increase resilience
  • Build emotional confidence
  • Practice self-regulation

Activities strengthen:

  • Expressive communication
  • Receptive communication
  • Conversation skills
  • Active listening
  • Asking and answering questions
  • Self-expression
  • Respectful communication with peers and adults

Participants strengthen important life skills, including:

  • Organization
  • Planning
  • Time management
  • Attention and focus
  • Flexible thinking
  • Problem-solving
  • Decision-making
  • Following multi-step directions

Participants are encouraged to develop greater independence through experiences that promote:

  • Personal responsibility
  • Self-advocacy
  • Decision-making
  • Daily living routines
  • Community awareness
  • Leadership
  • Confidence in everyday situations

Learning is reinforced through engaging activities that encourage participants to practice social skills naturally while having fun.

 

Activities may include:

  • Arts and crafts
  • STEM challenges
  • Cooperative games
  • Team-building activities
  • Sensory exploration
  • Outdoor recreation
  • Holiday celebrations
  • Community-based experiences
  • Life skills projects
  • Special interest clubs

A Sensory-Conscious Environment

At Mosaic Minds, we understand that sensory regulation plays an important role in learning, communication, emotional well-being, and social success.

Connections Academy is designed with a sensory-conscious approach that promote comfort, engagement, and positive participation.

When appropriate, participants may also enjoy experiences in our Mosaic Minds Sensory Oasis (Multisensory Environment) to support relaxation, sensory regulation, focus, emotional well-being, and readiness for learning.

Individualized Support

Although participants learn in small groups, we recognize that every learner is unique.

Activities are individualized based on each participant’s strengths, interests, communication style, sensory preferences, and developmental needs.

Our staff celebrate progress, encourage independence, and create opportunities for every participant to experience success.

Parent Partnership

Families are an essential part of every child’s journey.

We believe strong partnerships between families and educators create the greatest opportunities for growth and success.
Parents receive ongoing communication, progress updates, practical strategies, and recommendations to help reinforce social, emotional, and independent living skills at home and within the community.

Together, we help children and teens build meaningful relationships, strengthen confidence, and prepare for lifelong success.

Helping Children and Teens Build Lasting Connections

At Mosaic Minds Center for Autism & Neurodivergent Learning, we believe every child and teen deserves opportunities to discover their strengths, develop lasting friendships, and experience the joy of belonging.
Connections Academy provides a welcoming environment where participants grow socially, emotionally, and personally while developing the confidence, communication skills, and independence needed to thrive at home, in school, and throughout their communities.

Ready to Help Your Child Build Meaningful Connections?

Whether your child is learning to make friends, strengthen communication skills, develop emotional regulation strategies, or become more independent, Connections Academy is here to support their journey.
Contact Mosaic Minds Center for Autism & Neurodivergent Learning today to learn how Connections Academy can help your child build confidence, develop lasting friendships, and thrive socially, emotionally, and personally.

Specialized Connections Academy Summer Schedule, Times, and Tuition

Age Group: Ages 8–12
Program Dates: June 13–17 and June 20–24
Standard Hours: 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
Optional Extended Hours: 1:00 PM–2:00 PM
Enrollment Option Time Tuition
Standard Program Hours 9:00 AM–1:00 PM $250 per week
Add to Cart
Optional Extended Hours 1:00 PM–2:00 PM Additional $50 per week
Add to Cart
Additional Details:
Families may choose one week or both weeks. Snacks are included; breakfast and lunch are not provided. Spaces are limited.