Question 1

What does Authentic Connections do?

Accepted Answer

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Question 2

What age groups are served by Authentic Connections?

Accepted Answer

We serve individuals middle school (6th grade or 11/12 years old) though young adult (29).  We have classes and groups for middle school, high school and young adults.  Some activities serve multiple age groups. We do have a Social Connection Hangout for 3rd-5th grade on the 1st Friday of the month.

Question 3

What can we expect for Middle School and High School Social Skills Classes?

Accepted Answer

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Question 4

What type of participant is a good fit for classes or groups?

Accepted Answer

Participants should have functional language skills (be able to express wants and needs) and be able to participate in a group learning environment without extensive adult support or display of problem behaviors that would significantly disrupt the learning environment.  If you have specific questions, please reach out to us!

Question 5

Where are classes and groups held?

Accepted Answer

Classes and groups are currently held The Co-op At Shoal Creek. 6816 N Church Rd, STE 101 Pleasant Valley, MO 64068

Question 6

When are classes and groups?

Accepted Answer

Middle School and High School Social Skills Classes are held weekly on Monday nights.

STRIVE Young Adult Classes are held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month.

Support groups for Middle School, High School and Young Adults are held on 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month.

Monthly connection activities are held every Friday.

D & D Campaigns are held on select Saturdays.

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Please see the corresponding page for the activities you are interested in.

Question 7

What are the costs for classes and groups?

Accepted Answer

Middle and High School Social Skills Classes are $45 per class, 4 classes per month.
STRIVE Young Adult Classes are $55 per class, 2 per month.
Support groups are $30 per session, 2 sessions per month.

Monthly connections activities are $30-$35 per activity.

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Fees are billed via PayPal invoice monthly for classes and support groups.  Monthly connections activities are billed via PayPal the week of the activity.

Question 8

How is payment made?

Accepted Answer

We are a private pay organization. Most participants use funding sources to pay for classes.  We are currently not a direct pay provider for the Kansas City Regional Office.  We bill participants via PayPal monthly.  Most participants pay and then seek reimbursement via the funding source of their choice (Autism Waiver, etc.).  If you have specific needs, please makes sure to indicate those when you enroll.

You do not need to have a PayPal account to pay the invoice, you may use a credit or debit card as you would with any other online payment system.

Question 9

Can we get a refund for missed classes?

Accepted Answer

If Authentic Connections needs to cancel classes for any reason, you will be issued a refund for that class.

We do not offer refunds for missed classes as our expenses remain the same regardless of participant attendance. We do understand there may be extenuating circumstances and encourage you to reach out to Dr. Mitchell with any special circumstances.

Question 10

Are there summer classes and activities?

Accepted Answer

During summer we try to offer a variety of connection activities for different interests for the simple purpose of connecting with others.  Activities vary each summer and the Summer Connections Activities tab of the website will be updated in May.  Some past activities included:

Pool Parties
Main Event Bowling and Game Night
Monthly Pizza and Game Nights
Art Classes
Chess Classes
Healthy Relationships Class for High Schoolers and Young Adults
Rush Funplex Outings
Laser Tag
Museums
Paintball
Kansas City Zoo

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