For young adults with autism and their parents, the transition from high school can be overwhelming. The school years, while at times challenging, offer a certain amount of structure and predicability. IEP meetings keep parents well informed and connected with teachers and the plan for their child’s unique needs. After high school however, this structure is no longer in place. Parents need to make decisions about what kinds of services their child still needs and what type of program will best suit their needs.
Among the challenges for parents with kids aging out of high school are concerns about their child’s readiness for independence, keeping their child engaged in social environments, and finding programs that are affordable. At Delphi, we’ve kept all of those concerns in mind when creating our programming. Our hope is that there is something that works for each unique young adult and their families. Our focus is on helping foster independence while maintaining access to social opportunities.
Our programs:
Whether it’s a job, an apartment, or college classes, our coaches help young adults to achieve their goals after high school. Our coaches work with the young adults, but also their families to create custom plans. We work on social skills, independent living, self-advocacy, and even relationships. Think of this program as mentorship meets case management. We’re there to help our young adults stay on track and support them in whatever environment they are in.
Maybe a young adult wants to have a job but needs some help honing their skills. Our Workspace program is like a work place simulator. We work in teams on real
projects. We also help with resume writing, time management skills, job searching and communication. Together we learn what it means to find and thrive in a job.
One of the biggest question parents have is whether their children will be able to live on their own. We want to create a living environment that allows for independence for young adults and peace of mind for parents. The Commons are similar to college dorms in that small groups live together with a resident advisor who checks in and supports them in their long term goals. We work on the skills that make living independently possible like cooking, budgeting, and health and wellness.
If independent living is on the horizon but not quite a reality yet, the Life 101 series is a great way to learn those skills before they’re put to use. This seminar style workshop is like a college class on life skills. We talk about all the things that come with adulthood like money management, job hunting, and dating.
A big part of becoming an adult is in the new found freedom to spend time with the people you really want to. Because we know that staying social is a challenge for these young adults, we’ve created the Delphi Social Clubs. These clubs will meet in person but also offer a virtual community to connect with. We’ll get together to play video games, go bowling, go out to eat and more! Our coaches are always on hand to facilitate and encourage social activities.
There is no one-step-fits-all approach to life after college for young adults with autism, ADHD, and other learning differences. Our hope is to help find the path to success that works for each individual. If you have questions or want to learn more about our programming, please get in touch at info@delphiyoungadults.com
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