Spectrum's Summer Transition Academy
Social Skills
LIFE utilizes PEERS, The Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills, an evidence-based social skills intervention program which has a strong evidence-base for use with adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder but is also appropriate for adolescents and young adults with ADHD, anxiety, depression, and other socioemotional challenges.
Teens and Young Adults will learn how to lessen social anxiety and symptoms of depression related to histories of social rejection and or isolation and improve their outcome levels of social success with this curriculum supported by lots of research and paired with the support of our trained Personal Development Professionals. The classes support those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder or other social disorders who have difficulty with peer interactions and interpersonal skills when developing and maintaining relationships.
Interdependent Living
The Steps to Self Determination is a curriculum developed to be used as a component to transition programs. It is designed to support young adults as they learn to define goals and develop decision making skills. The five areas of focus are to Know Yourself, Value Yourself, Plan, Act and Experience Outcomes. This research-based program supports people when navigating transitions and believes self-determination is an essential key to successfully making changes in their lives.
Career Development
LIFE offers programming to support young adults as they identify what careers reflect their interests and skill set, and how to find the position of their choice! LIFE provides coaching to identify the position that is a good fit, build a resume, prepare for interviews, build professional social skills and learn strategies to maintain employment.
LIFE has had hundreds of clients participate in our classes and we have been thrilled to hear about the variety of accomplishments they have achieved! We have received great feedback about how clients feel they have benefitted from learning and using the skills. Our classes are not meant to change anyone but are intended to provide tools to use in situations where they may want or need to use them depending on each person’s individual goals.
Classes offered will span 6 weeks of services, Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:00pm. LOCATION: Spectrum Autism Support Center 2997 Main St., Duluth, GA 30096
- June 10-14,
- June 17-21,
- June 24-28,
- July 8-12,
- July 15-19
- July 22-26
All classes are led, in-person, by two Professional Development Providers from LIFE Behavior Consulting. Our LIFE staff will support and coach participants as they learn the skills to take action steps toward their goals and overcome challenges and barriers to success!
Interactive online curriculums, activities and practice sessions will be used to support and enhance the daily lessons. These activities and programs can be accessed from any device to practice skills, review topics and share progress with the participants' support system!
Potential Program Modules
Starting and Maintaining Conversations for Young Adults
Topics: Characteristics of a good friend, starting conversations trading information, finding common interests, assessing interest, and maintaining conversation
Entering and Exiting Group Conversations
Topics: Learn how to lessen anxiety when entering a group conversation, how to assess if you are accepted and how to leave the interaction without feeling awkward. Learn how to use humor appropriately.
Conflict Management for Young Adult
Topics: How to handle a disagreement, how to advocate for your needs, how to bring up a challenging conversation
Electronic Communication and Safety
Topics: Learn etiquette and safety for phone, social media, and other electronic communication
Resume Building
Topics: Looking for your first job? Our Resume Workshop will teach you how to create a professional resume that you will be proud to send to potential employers. This six-week workshop is for individuals without previous work experience
21st Century Job Skills
Topics: Enhance your resume with a powerful and professional skills section. In this four-week course, you will learn about the skills in demand in our nation’s top industries
Interviewing Skills and Strategies
Topics: Focus on the techniques and strategies necessary to plan for a successful job interview in today's market
Basic Money Management
Topics: How to open a bank account, use a check register, identify wants vs. needs, plan a basic budget and pay bills
Groceries 101
Topics: Meal planning, how to write a grocery list, how to budget for groceries, how to shop for groceries
Let’s Meet Up!
Topics: Learn steps to exchanging contact information to build friendships, how to plan a get together, how to find meet-ups and rules to follow during social gatherings and events
Time Management
Topics: How to build a schedule, use a calendar, set reminders and plan ahead
Steps to Self Determination
Topics: Develop decision making skills, identify rights and responsibilities, learn to set goals, anticipate consequences, learn to access resources and support