Milestones' Enrichment Program for Social Skills
(the MEPSS model)
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MEPSS Model Features:
The MEPSS treatment model was developed by Tracie Vickers, M.S. and launched in 2007 after fifteen years of experience teaching social skills to children with autism in 1:1 settings, in school environments, through facilitated play dates, and in small social skills groups.
The MEPSS model has variations in program curriculum to appropriately match the chronological as well as the developmental age of participants.
The MEPSS program for children 2-3 and the one for children 3-4 years in age looks similar to a preschool or a pre-k class. It includes a circle time with phonics activities, a sight reading program, guided playtime, turn taking games, group dance and movement, group tactile activities, and group motor activities such as obstacle courses. However, unlike a school program, the MEPSS model focuses on social skills development and communication in a therapeutic atmosphere that mimics the flow of a natural social environment.
The MEPSS curriculum is designed to create many moments of shared enjoyment through social activities between participants, to promote reciprocal social interaction through turn taking games, to develop the social skills needed to effectively participate in group games and activities, and to improve social communication skills.
MEPSS participants are welcome to bring a friend from school, their neighborhood, or a family member on a regular basis. It is the goal of the MEPSS program to build relationships between children with ASD and their peers, siblings, and other family members while improving social skills.
In school programs children are left to socialize on their own. As a result, many social learning opportunities are lost. Children with ASD need expert adult guidance to help them learn how to interact with their peers. The MEPSS model emphasizes social skills development. We make sure that each child has the support they need to connect with their peers and to further develop play, social, and communication skills.
The MEPSS model is designed for intensive social development as participants attend one or two times per week for a total of three to six hours.
The MEPSS model allows space for five children with an ASD and up to four neurotypical children. Key components to the MEPSS model is that it is an intensive, integrated, social program with a sufficient number of trained staff available to ensure that learning opportunities are identified and facilitated during social activities.
Participation in the MEPSS program is for a minimum of six months and a maximum of eighteen months.
Current MEPSS Groups
The MEPSS program for children 2-3 years old meets on Monday and Wednesday from 9:00-12:00.
The MEPSS Program for boys 5-6 years old with emerging communication, play, and social skills meets on Monday from 2:30-5:30.
The MEPSS program for 6.5-8 year old girls whose primary needs are social communication (conversation, pragmatics, body awareness), imaginary and pretend play, cooperative play, team building, and awareness of social rules, meets on Wednesdays from 2:30-5:30.
The MEPSS program for 6-7 year old boys whose primary needs are social communication (conversation, pragmatics, body awareness), cooperative play, team sports, team work, and awareness of social rules, meets on Fridays from 2:30-5:30.
The MEPSS program for children 5-7 years old whose primary needs are participation in large group play activities, turn taking/reciprocal play, social communication and team sports meets on Saturdays from 9:30-12:30.
The MEPSS program for children 3-4 years old whose current needs are to expand play skills, develop simple reciprocal play with peers, basic social communication, and participation in adult facilitated group games meets on Saturdays from 1:15-3:45.
If you are interested in enrolling your child in one of our MEPSS programs please send an e-mail to Tracie Vickers. Identify the MEPSS group you are interested in and give a brief description of your child including gender, age, and current communication level.
