Prepare for Life
Prepare for Life: An Individualized Adaptive Life Skills Course
What is the primary predictor of success for individuals on the Autism Spectrum?
Is it intellectual ability? Could it possibly be the numbers of degrees individuals obtain from post-secondary institutions? Maybe it is the level of parent support or social astuteness demonstrated by individuals? Although all of these are important factors, adaptive behavior skills are considered the single best predictor of adult outcome.
You might ask….what are adaptive life skills? These are the real life skills that most of us begin to learn in our households at a young age and continue to master many of these skills well into adulthood. They include grooming, dressing, safety, shopping for groceries and clothes, making friends, transportation skills, cleaning and other household skills, ability to work and last but not least money management.
Prepare for Life is a 12-week course that directly teaches and practices these skills. Each of the weekly two-hour classes involves assessment; direct teaching of the skill and opportunities to practice the skill in the appropriate context. Homework involves activities that incorporate newly developed skills into daily life.
Week One: Organization and Time Management Skills
Week Two: Money Management
Week Three: Transportation
Week Four: Food Management
Week Five: Personal Appearance and Hygiene
Week Six: Health and Wellbeing
Week Seven: Emergency and Safety Skills
Week Eight: Housekeeping Skills
Week Nine: Socialization and Friendship
Week Ten: Relationships and Dating
Week Eleven: Recreation and Leisure Activities
Week Twelve: Community Resources and Ordering at a Restaurant