SAMPLE WORKSHOP (C)

Independence Training For Professionals

Date: TBD (1 day) A discussion based/interactive workshop

Morning Session

Opening Presentation: Discover What Parents Must Have

9:00-9:45am

How to Work Together With the Parents 10:00-11:30am

Lunch 11:30am-1:00pm

Afternoon Session

Advance Planning for Professionals 1:00-3:30pm

Objectives:  As a result of these activities you will discover:

How to work together with the parents and help their autistic adults accomplish maximum independence by living a fulfilling life and contributing to society.

Goals: To have our autistic adults live a life to be free to express themselves and live their lives their way, while being treated with respect and dignity. Maximizing individuals personal growth potential and to have our adults live a happy, productive life.

  1. Independence needs to be individualized for success. Teaching everyday knowledge and lifelong learning skills and being exposed to new experiences for opportunities for growth.
  2. There must be ongoing family and personal assistance and support, especially during the first year.
  3. It is necessary to focus on physical, psychological and educational needs for all those involved; the parents and the children.
  4. In addition, we will also discuss how to prepare for when the parents are no longer here.

Our autistic adults will be at different stages and will have different needs.  Every step of the way must be individualized.  That is what makes this transition even more complex.

Unfortunately, in this case, one size does not fit all and it never will.  Making independence work for most of our autistic adults will take some type of continuous support, but in most cases over time, the support will lessen as the individuals learn to adapt to their new surroundings.

This is a discussion-based workshop set in a safe environment designed to generate interaction between participants to express their own personal experiences and feelings, which will be shared with one another.  We will address firsthand experiences and stories that paint vivid pictures and teach valuable lessons.

Amalia helped her adult son, Brandon live his dream of independence for 17 years.  She will talk candidly as she addresses, supports, and answers questions on this most important subject, transitioning to adulthood.  It is never too early to begin to talk about independence.  It is a lifelong process.

  • Resource Books:
  • I Have Autism…What’ll I Do Without You, Mom (Chapters Seven & Eight)
  • Raising Brandon: Creating a Path to Independence

For more information and to buy Amalia’s books visit her website at www.AmaliaStarr.com.