6 Ways Day Programs Can Enhance Autistic Adult’s Life Skills

Day programs for autistic adults  allow students to work on the skills they need for a happy and successful life. This could include learning how to manage their home, to build relationships and interact with their community, or to prepare for work. They also build confidence, allowing individuals to better advocate for themselves.

What are day programs?

Programs for adults with autism come in many forms depending on the degree of support needed. Day programs are structured similarly to a typical working day, though some will be full-time and others part-time. Over the course of the program, students will have the opportunity to learn and practice a range of different skills to help them be healthy, happy, independent and successful adults.

1. Independent living

   One focus of many day programs for adults with autism is allowing students to live more independently. This means being able to manage or at least actively participate in their own household. Meal planning, shopping and cooking are all vital life skills for independent living, as are other basic household tasks such as cleaning. Independent living could also include aspects of personal care such as good hygiene. All of these things can be practiced within a day program. For example, real cash can be earned through work placements so students can practice money management.

   2. Community living

   Independent living becomes more important when someone living with autism becomes an adult, as societal expectations and the degree of support available both change. The same is true of community living. Adults with autism need to learn how to move through public spaces such as streets, parks, shops and public transport. They need to understand basic etiquette, how to self-regulate when stressed or overstimulated, and even more importantly, how to be safe. Hopefully, they will have opportunities to participate in community events, build meaningful connections with others and generally experience a more meaningful existence.

   In a day program, students can rehearse aspects of community living in a controlled setting, such as the classroom. They can practice out in the world, first with more intensive support, then gradually increasing the degree of independence while ensuring they still have assistance to fall back on when needed. Many programs will have partnerships with local organizations to ensure that the community is prepared to offer support and accommodations to students.

   3. Relationship building

   Many people with autism struggle to read social cues or understand appropriate behaviour in specific social situations. In some cases, this can lead to distress and meltdowns, as well as a general difficulty forming and maintaining relationships. Day programs provide an opportunity to study the rules governing etiquette and social interactions, and to role play likely scenarios in a controlled environment before practicing them out in the world.

   4. Foundational skills

   Foundational skills such as literacy and numeracy are not usually the main focus of programs for students with disabilities, as the aim is often to focus on a wider range of skills, but most programs will still include some academic classes, often using modern assistive technology such as speech to text and using evidence-based teaching methods. This gives students the best chance at mastering these foundational skills, which are so essential for everything from managing a budget to reading a recipe to securing a job.

   5. Preparation for work

   Work is an essential part of many adults’ lives. It provides an independent source of income, presents an opportunity for personal development and is one of the most common ways to meet new people. Day programs can help adults with autism at every stage of their potential career, from identifying suitable jobs, preparing a resume, and practicing interviews to developing organization, time management, communication, problem solving, health and safety and other skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in the workplace. Strengthening self-advocacy is also important if asking employers for accommodations. Again, partnerships with local organizations are invaluable, as they allow students to gain practical experience through work placements. Internal work placements within the program environment can provide a more controlled experience.

   6. Improved self-confidence

   All of these improved skills can help build an individual’s self-confidence. Having more confidence in their own abilities will mean they are better able to pursue their goals, whether that is living more independently, embarking on further education or beginning a career. They will be able to engage and self-advocate on their own behalf and will not set artificial limits on their own potential.

Conclusion

The exact nature and focus of day programs for adults with autism can vary depending on the specific needs and goals of the attendees, but the general aim is to build both abilities and confidence so that individuals are better able to interact with the world and can achieve the maximum degree of independence, while providing an appropriate degree of support.