Life Competencies

Autumn’s Dawn offers personalized programming in five life competencies:

• Self Determination
• Social Skills
• Employment
• Adult living
• Life-long Learning

Self Determination

We champion the idea that young adults with disabilities can be empowered to make appropriate decisions for their own lives.

We believe that all individuals are capable of living a full and purposeful life.  In order to do this, our clients will need to become self determined adults who have the ability to problem solve, make competent decisions and know how to seek assistance when needed.  Because we believe self determination is the most essential skill needed to become an independent adult, it is infused into everything we do at Autumn’s Dawn.  Essential competencies in this area include: time management, disability awareness and disclosure, goal setting, assertive communication, and problem solving.  These skills are consistently and continuously taught and reinforced during Life Management Time and through seminars.

To see current seminars, click here.

Social Skills

We champion the idea that young adults with disabilities can attain the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and maintain appropriate personal relationships, as well as, identify and access community resources and programs that match his/her personal interests.

All individuals with autism experience challenges with social interactions.  Good social skills are critical for finding and keeping a job, as well as, finding and maintaining true friendships.  At Autumn’s Dawn we offer direct instruction in social skills through small group seminars and in Life Management Time. Clients are encouraged to have lunch together during the week so they can practice the skills on which they are working.  Essential competencies in this area include: conversation skills, politely interrupting and changing topics, nonverbal body language, friendship skills, dating and relationships. 

Employment

We champion the idea that young adults with disabilities can obtain and maintain gainful employment.

Individuals on the autism spectrum are often highly skilled in specific areas, but have much difficulty securing long term, gainful employment.  At Autumn’s Dawn we help these individuals reach their employment goals through our Career Management program.  This program includes seminars to improve job readiness skills and on-one-on job coaching with a Career Trainer.  Essential competencies in this area include: understanding what it means to be a good employee; networking, resume writing and interviewing skills; disability disclosure; and understanding your paycheck.

Adult Living

We champion the idea that young adults with disabilities can secure and apartment or housing situation in which they can live independently with minimal support.

Many individuals with autism require additional training to successfully live independently.  At Autumn’s Dawn we offer direct instruction in the area of adult living through seminars and Life Management Time.  Essential competencies in this area include: personal budgeting and finances; cooking; health and nutrition; fashion and personal hygiene; and household living.

Life-long Learning 

We champion the idea that young adults with disabilities can acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue areas of interest in order to continue personal and professional growth.

College and campus life can be daunting and overwhelming to individuals on the autism spectrum.  At Autumn’s Dawn we offer direct support through Life Management Time to assist individuals who desire to attend local community colleges and continuing education programs.  Essential competencies in this area include: navigating campus life, disability disclosure, good study skills and organizational skills.