Pilot- Afternoon Aftercare Program for Adults with Autism
Program Goals:
Foster independence through life skills training and decision-making exercises.
Improve social skills and emotional regulation through guided group interactions.
Encourage self-expression and relaxation with art, music, and creative activities.
Support spiritual growth through Bible stories, discussions, and meditation.
Promote personal growth by focusing on each individual's strengths and needs.
Program Structure:
Duration: 3:15 hours, 3-5 days per week
Staffing: 2-3 caregivers or facilitators trained in autism support and special education
Environment: A calm, sensory-friendly room with designated areas for group activities, individual work, and relaxation
Daily Schedule Example
3:00 - 3:15 PM | Arrival & Individual Check-In
Objective: Transition smoothly from the day’s activities, establishing a calm and welcoming atmosphere.
Activity:Individual greeting and check-in with each participant.
Staff asks each person about their day and any feelings they want to share.
Provide visual schedule for the day’s activities, allowing participants to feel prepared and comfortable.
3:15 - 3:45 PM | Bible Stories and Spiritual Reflection
Objective: Introduce participants to spiritual concepts in an accessible and meaningful way.
Activity:Bible Story Reading: A short Bible story shared with visual aids or simple language.
Discussion and Reflection: Engage participants by discussing the story’s message and how it applies to their lives (e.g., kindness, compassion, patience).
Quiet Reflection/Meditation: A moment of silence or guided reflection, encouraging participants to think about the values or lessons from the story.
Adaptations: Use visuals, short and simple explanations, and open-ended questions to accommodate different levels of understanding.
3:45 - 4:15 PM | Life Skills & Independence Training
Objective: Foster independence through practical skills.
Activity Options:Cooking & Snack Preparation: Guided practice in making simple snacks or preparing beverages, reinforcing kitchen safety and hygiene.
Money Management: Practice counting and managing money through role-play exercises (e.g., "buying" items in a mock store).
Personal Organization: Time management exercises or organizing personal items to promote daily routine skills.
Adaptations: Activities are modified according to skill level; visuals and step-by-step instructions are provided for more complex tasks.
4:45 - 5:15 PM | Social Skills & Emotional Regulation
Objective: Develop communication skills, empathy, and self-regulation.
Activity Options:Role-Playing Scenarios: Practice social interactions such as introducing oneself, showing kindness, or managing conflicts. Staff supports these interactionsthrough guided prompts and feedback.
Emotions Game: Use cards or visuals with various emotions, helping participants identify and express feelings. Practice phrases for expressing emotions,needs, or boundaries.
Calming Techniques: Deep breathing exercises, guided imagery, or using fidget tools and weighted blankets to practice self-soothing techniques.
Adaptations: Small group work for participants needing more support, with individualized coaching if someone struggles to engage.
5:15 - 5:45 PM | Art, Music & Creativity Time
Objective: Encourage self-expression and relaxation through creative outlets.
Activity Options:Art Projects: Painting, drawing, or collage-making, focusing on expressing emotions or creating something meaningful.
Music Therapy: Guided singing, rhythm exercises, or listening to various genres to explore personal preferences and relax.
Drama and Role-Play: Simple, expressive role-play activities where participants act out Bible stories or other scenarios to build confidence and creativity.
Adaptations: Offer adaptive tools (large brushes, textured instruments) for sensory-friendly engagement, and allow for individual or collaborative work based on eachperson’s comfort.
Blessings, 5:45 - 6:00 PM | Personal Goals & Growth Activities 1.
11/14/24, 12:25 PM Gmail - ACC Program
Objective: Promote goal-setting, self-awareness, and personal development.
Activity Options: Goal-Setting Journals: With support, participants write or draw one personal goal for the week, focusing on things they enjoy or want to improve.
Gratitude Exercise: Reflect on one positive moment from the day, sharing verbally or through drawing.
Problem-Solving Tasks: Team or solo puzzles and games that encourage critical thinking and patience, tailored to individual levels.
Adaptations: Use simplified language, offer alternative ways to record goals (drawing, symbols), and provide individualized support as needed.
6:00 - 6:15 PM | Relaxation & Closing Circle
Objective: Help participants wind down and prepare for the end of the program day.
Activity: Sharing Circle: Participants share one thing they enjoyed or accomplished. Staff guides reflections, celebrates successes, and reinforces positive behavior.
Relaxation Exercises: Gentle stretching, deep breathing, or listening to calming music as a transition out of the structured environment.
Adaptations: Provide alternative communication tools (like picture cards) for non-verbal participants to express what they enjoyed.
Additional Program Elements
Individualized Plans: At the beginning of each quarter, facilitators work with each participant and their family to identify strengths, challenges, and personalized goals. These goals are reviewed and adjusted monthly.
Progress Tracking: Maintain a progress journal for each participant, noting areas of growth, new skills acquired, and any emotional or social milestones.
Parent Communication: Weekly updates via email or meetings to share participant successes, challenges, and suggestions for reinforcing progress at home.
Community Outings (Monthly): Social skills outings, such as visiting a park, grocery store, or café, where participants practice life and social skills in real-world settings with staff support.
Staff Training Focus:
Positive Behavior Support (PBS) and Communication Skills: Staff will use PBS and communication strategies to foster a calm, nurturing environment.
Sensory and Emotional Needs: Staff are trained to recognize sensory triggers and emotional distress, employing strategies to support participants’ self-regulation.
Adaptability and Flexibility:
Emphasize a flexible approach that adapts activities to accommodate each participant's unique interests and pace.
This aftercare program provides a well-rounded, supportive environment tailored to fostering independence and holistic growth. By emphasizing individual needs, it nurtures each participant’s confidence, skills, and spiritual foundation.