Curriculum for Vaughn Gage Autism Support Program: Focus Assess Train Execute
F.A.T.E.
Vaughn Gage Adult Wellness Center
Which participants are the “best fit” for the F.A.T.E curriculum?
When developing the F.A.T.E program, we researched several Programs designed for young adults on the Autism Spectrum and Asperger’s syndrome. Sadly, we found a very limited number of high-quality programs focusing on independent living, vocational, and occupational skills. However, we wanted to design a program for adults who live in group homes and/or assisted living situations to receive the same services as those in independent home living individuals. Additionally, the program is beneficial to those transitioning from school into adulthood (18+).
Our program is based on a small group (6 to 1 ratio) instruction and has many useful components in the community, home, and at the facility. Our program is not a good fit for someone who needs more intense support. The best participant for our program is someone who:
● Is 18 + 65 years old
● Has a documented Autism diagnosis (also including Asperger’s, TBI &
other cognitive impairments).
● Can work in small groups for at least 30 minutes
● Can respond to basic verbal instruction
● Independent/Semi-Independent in toileting
Intake Process
• Emotional And Mental Health
• Physical Health
• Vocational Skills
• High Function Autism Disorder
Building Social
Skills With Practice Can Help Enhance Participation In The Community And Support Outcomes Like Happiness And Friendships. We Have Compiled Social Skills, Job Training, Computer Training, Talk Therapy, And Occupational Therapy In A Program For Higher Functioning Autistic Individuals.
Helping Those Adults On The Autism Spectrum Find Their Purpose In Life. To Provide Education, Socialization, And Support To Senior Adults And Their Family Caregivers.
Our Program
• Leisure Learning
• Job Training
• Computer Training
• Self Motivation strategies
• Sensory Integration
• Occupational Therapy
• Promoting Independence
• Vocational Training
• Health and Fitness
Communication & Social Interaction:
Being able to communicate across a range of functions is a key component of independence. Participants will learn to make requests, ask questions, and interact. Communication occurs in the context of daily activities, in conversations with peers, teachers, and community members. Each participant learns to respond naturally occurring cues that signal a time to communicate:
o Public Speaking
o Conversation repair/ Social awareness
o Starting, maintaining and ending conversations
o Sharing skills to build relationships
o Technology/Social Media training
Vocational Training:
Through the process of gaining independence, and interpersonal skills such as teamwork and sociality are important for proper job placement and environment. VaughnGage teaches:
o Money Management
o Technology use
o Mock interviews/Job Fair
o Informational skills training
o Accepting feedback
o Asking for help with tasks
o Staying on task while working independently
