Independent Living Programs

The Els for Autism Independent Living Programs are designed to support adults with ASD and other developmental disabilities, ages 18 and older, in achieving independence and living meaningful, fulfilling lives. Our programs provide evidence-based learning experiences on our campus and within the community, focusing on developing and practicing essential skills such as socialization, recreation, and safety. 

One of our key independent living offerings is the Adult Day Training (ADT) Program, which is tailored to provide participants with a variety of engaging activities, both on campus at The Els Center of Excellence and in the community. These activities include outings to recreation centers, parks, restaurants, swimming pools, and grocery stores. By capitalizing on individuals’ unique strengths and using the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA), Els for Autism creates a supportive environment that fosters learning, self-determination, and personal growth. Our goal is to help participants develop the skills they need to lead independent and fulfilling lives through our comprehensive Independent Living Programs. 

Adult Day Training (ADT) Program

The Els for Autism ADT Program provides evidence-based, learning experiences on The Els Center of Excellence campus and in the community for adults with ASD and other developmental disabilities, ages 18 and older, who have exited the school system.

This program will build on each participant’s individualized strengths supporting the development and practice of social skills, independent living skills, safety skills, and engagement within integrated activities in the community so that they can achieve greater independence and live a meaningful and fulfilling life. Using the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA), Els for Autism is dedicated to providing adults with ASD and other developmental disabilities an environment that supports learning, self-determination, and personal growth.

The ADT program is designed for individuals whose primary needs are socialization, recreation, independent living skills, and community involvement.  Participants must require no more than routine prompts, supervision, and physical assistance to perform basic personal care tasks such as eating, bathing, toileting, grooming, transitioning, and personal hygiene. Services within the ADT Program are provided both on campus at The Els Center of Excellence and in the community. Because off-campus activities include community outings (i.e., recreation centers, outdoor parks, restaurants, swimming pools, grocery stores), participants should be able to follow simple one-step directions (verbal or visual), use conventional coping strategies to communicate frustration/anger, and have no recent history or incidences of elopement, aggression, or property destruction. 

Participants attending off-campus activities must be able to use a public restroom and feed independently.  In addition, participants must be able to endure warm weather when commuting to and from the van during hot weather months and participate in group activities outdoors.

Currently, the ADT program is full and the interest list is closed.

Looking to replicate our
Adult Day Training (ADT) model for empowering adults with autism?

Our Adult Day Training (ADT) Program Replication Manual offers a comprehensive guide to implementing an evidence-based program that fosters learning, self-determination, and personal growth. Use the form below to get more info.

Special Adults Life Skills Academy (SALSA)

The SALSA (Special Adults Life Skills Academy) Program fosters independence through cooking by offering an evidence-based, culinary experience. Tailored for teens and adults (ages 15+) with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities, SALSA is perfect for those interested in cooking who can learn and engage in group instruction independently.

Participants will:

• Learn cooking techniques with a 10:1 student-teacher ratio
• Gain confidence and independence in the kitchen
• Prepare delicious and nutritious meals
• Increase willingness to try new foods
• Develop social skills and have fun!
• Learn from the Experts:
  • Lead Instructor: Professional Chef with 25 years of restaurant experience
  • Assistant Instructor: Experienced Speech-Language Pathologist

Participants must will willing to:

• Participate for five, two-hour cooking classes across the week
• Wear closed toe shoes
• Wear long hair up or in a hair net
• Stand for up to two-hours each class

For more information on the Big Easy™ Cafe, click here.