(The following verbatim press release was provided by NOVA)
NOVA, Bucks County’s comprehensive crime victim services agency, is proud to announce that it’s SHARE Program has been officially designated as an evidence-based program. SHARE, which stands for Smart Healthy Appropriate Relationship Education, was designed to reduce victimization and its impact by fostering healthy relationships and self-advocacy skills for young adults aged 18–22, with Autism-Spectrum-Disorder (ASD) or other neurodivergent conditions.
The effectiveness of the SHARE program was evaluated in a two-year research study by Lahti Anderson, PhD, of the University of Minnesota. Anderson is a professor of Rehabilitation Science, with a focus on health disparities for individuals with ASD and Intellectual and
Developmental Disabilities (IDD). Anderson also has experience in qualitative research methods that promote inclusion of under-represented groups in research. Anderson’s study showed that participants in the program gained knowledge about healthy relationships. Changes in SHARE participants pre- and post-program survey scores showed positive change as a result of their participation in the program.
The SHARE program was developed to meet the glaring need for neurodivergent-specific education around consent, self-awareness, and relationship skills. SHARE utilizes various learning modalities and group activities to engage participants in conversations about these critical topics.
“We are so pleased that our SHARE program has been officially designated as an evidence-based program,” said Mary Worthington, NOVA’s Director of Prevention Education and Training. “We knew there was need for a specialized program like ours to help young people, with neurodivergent conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) learn to form and maintain relationships that are healthy and appropriate. As perceptions and understandings of autism continue to evolve, we have great hope for the future. A parent of a participant who was a willing learner, shared her comments. ‘The program was a game changer for our family. Had more impact than a year of talk therapy – for both my son and me. Glimmers of success are wonderful. Thank you so much!’”
For additional information about NOVA's SHARE Program, contact Katie Sanford, High School Primary Prevention Coordinator, at [email protected].
About NOVA
NOVA supports, counsels and empowers victims of sexual assault and other serious crimes in Bucks County and works to prevent and eliminate violence in society through advocacy, training, community education and prevention programs.
Founded in 1974, NOVA is a non-profit 501(c)(3), community-based organization operating out of three offices in Fairless Hills, Jamison and Perkasie. Services are made possible through the financial support of federal, state and local government grants and contracts, corporations, foundations and private donations. All contributions are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. For more information, visit www.NOVABucks.org.
