Welcome to Social Harmony

Social Harmony produces cutting-edge, innovative Social Skills products for families and children on the Autism Spectrum. Our first CD release, "Faces," features the band The Expressions performing rap and rock songs rich with strategies and cueing systems for children to utilize in social and learning situations.

Mission Statement

To provide an innovative social skills program that appeals to typical kids as well and is implemented primarily through music, a proven learning method for kids with autistic disorder.

Founders

Shaun Howell is a Speech Language Pathologist and Co-Founder of Social Harmony who has 15 years experience. She has a private practice affiliated with Us Too Center in Lake Forest, CA. She works primarily with kids on the Autism Spectrum and was inspired to write the songs for the kids with whom she has and currently works.

Dena Lusardi is a Parent of a Child with Autism and Co-Founder of Social Harmony. She is also the founder of Us Too Center in Lake Forest, CA. Us Too Center is a non-profit organization that teaches gymnastics and provides services to kids primarily with autism. She works with Shaun on providing social skills classes that incorporate gymnastics, music and life skills. Her daughter Lauren and her son Dominic who has autism are in the program.

Philosophy

Past and current social skills music programs are designed for younger kids and are generally performed by adults. The music is typically slower and does not sound like music one might find on the radio. The RAD program is for kids by kids and has the "cool factor" that appeals to everyone. The songs increase awareness and provide a welcome alternative to constant verbal cueing that parents and professionals feel they need to provide. They have built in cueing systems as well as strategies for kids to utilize in social and learning situations. Kids respond extremely well to these cues and strategies. We strive for kids with autistic disorders to have optimal success and independence for socialization and building/maintaining positive peer relationships.