- Where are life skills classes held? All programs, except our annual summer camp program, take place at our center located at G-4476 S Dort Hwy, Burton, MI 48529.
- How long do the classes run? Most classes meet for 1–2 hours per day, 1–2 days per week, over a 6–8 week session.
- What is the cost of your programs? Life skills and recreation classes typically range from $100–$200 per session. We also offer partial need-based scholarships for families who qualify. Our Friday Night Socials cost $5 per event.
- How many people attend the programs? Life skills classes generally include 6–8 participants with autism, allowing for personalized support. Friday Night Socials usually welcome 10–20 participants.
- Who teaches the life skills classes? All life skills and recreation programs are taught by Amy Morris, Director of Family Education, and Julia Jackson, Assistant Program Director.
- Do you provide transportation? We do not offer transportation. All participants must arrange their own transportation to and from programs.
- Do you offer programs year-round? Yes! We offer life skills and recreational programs throughout the entire year.
- Are your programs appropriate for individuals with higher support needs? We do offer programming for individuals with higher support needs; however, we are not able to provide one-on-one support or behavioral intervention. We are also a non-restraint program, so individuals who are routinely aggressive toward themselves or others, or who frequently elope, may not be a good fit for our environment. Please contact us to see if our programs would be a good fit for your child’s specific needs.
- What should participants bring to class? Just themselves! Some participants like to bring a water bottle. If participants bring a phone, we ask that it be placed in our phone bin for the duration of class so we can maintain everyone’s full attention.
- What is the age range for your programs? We offer programs for individuals with autism ages 13–29. Our Summer Camp Program begins at age 7.
- Do participants need a formal autism diagnosis to join? Yes. We require all members to upload either a full psychological evaluation diagnosing autism or a school IEP indicating autism as the primary area of disability.
- How do I register for a class or event? Registration for Friday Night Socials is posted in our private Facebook group at the beginning of the week of each social. Registration for all classes is sent out via Google Forms.
- Do you offer payment plans or financial assistance? Yes! We offer partial need-based scholarships for families who qualify, as well as payment plans.
- What topics are covered in the life skills classes? Some topics that we teach include: cooking, basic meal planning, kitchen safety, cleaning, basic home maintenance, basic budgeting, socialization, employment preparation and readiness, and health and wellness.
- Can caregivers stay during the classes? If this if your loved one's first time participating in our programs, we welcome caregivers to come in for the first few minutes to get them situated, but we do ask that all caregivers leave. We find that participants do not want to participate if caregivers are present. We do have a parking lot that you are welcome to stay parked in for the duration of the class.