THE ASPERGER’S SYNDROME/HIGH FUNCTIONING AUTISM SUPPORT GROUP Since 2002, the Asperger’s Syndrome/High Functioning Autism Support Group has been providing information and support to parents and caregivers of children affected by high functioning autism spectrum disorders. Serving over 450 members, this support group has been a valuable resource for designing the social, life skills, and vocational programs at the Achievement Vocational and Life Skills Academy. Barbie Lauver, the support group’s co-founder, is also the Program Director of The Achievement Academy and the Achievement Vocational and Life Skills Academy. Beginning in February 2012, the Achievement Vocational and Life Skills Academy will become the new home of this monthly support group.
ABOUT US The Achievement Vocational and Life Skills Academy is a specialized program developed by The Achievement Academy, a private, non-profit school for children with Asperger’s Syndrome, high functioning autism, and related developmental disorders located in Henderson, Nevada. The Achievement Vocational and Life Skills Academy is designed to focus on the employment, life skills and social needs of individuals ages 16 years and older with high functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Our mission is to provide a lifetime of training and support for individuals ages 16 years and older with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders
DONATE TODAY to help fund these important programs that help to improve the lives of individuals with high functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders who work, live and play in our Southern Nevada community. Please make your check or money order payable to “The Achievement Academy, Inc.” and earmarked for the Achievement Vocational and Life Skills Academy OR go on-line at http://achievementacademy-nv.com and click on the “Donation” tab. The Achievement Academy is a 501(c)(3) NonProfit Nevada Corporation. Tax ID # 39-2058202
ACHIEVEMENT VOCATIONAL AND LIFE SKILLS ACADEMY
and their families.
Located in the:
72 N. Pecos Road, Suite C, Henderson, NV 89074 Barbie Lauver, Program Director Phone: 702-260-1814 Fax: 702-436-7996 E-mail: achievementnv@aol.com
Lifelong Empowerment through Training & Support
CAREER AND JOB DEVELOPMENT
DAILY LIVING SKILLS TRAINING
SOCIAL SUPPORT
Interest-based job development and employment training provides assistance to help individuals with high functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder succeed at a job. This training includes, but is not limited to:
Life skills classes are designed to provide the basic skills needed to lead individuals with high functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders toward an improved sense of independence.
This program is comprised of support groups, classroom social skills instruction and recreational activities for adults ages 18 years and older. • Monthly support groups will be held to provide support and information.
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job search skills,
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filling out forms and applications,
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resume building,
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interviewing skills,
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appropriate job attire for various work settings, and
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The following series of classes include safety and time-management components: •
Menu planning, grocery shopping, and preparation of simple meals. •
job sampling.
Employment preferences and interests are assessed and employment opportunities are researched that are compatible with individual strengths. Customized job plans are then designed to meet individual employment needs. One-on-one job coaches will provide on-the-job training and support, ongoing employment assessment, job development and training within community settings.
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COOKING
BUDGET Basic budgeting and money management, paying bills, balancing checkbooks.
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LAUNDRY Sorting and washing clothes and various household items.
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PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Utilizing public transportation for work and recreational purposes.
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COMPUTER Computer literacy, navigating the internet, typing programs.
Social opportunities will be available with typical peer mentor volunteers and staff to participate in various community events, including dinners, bowling, board game parties, picnics, and athletic games. Information and feedback gathered from the peer mentors and staff provide invaluable insight into the challenges faced by our students during social situations, which can then be incorporated into the social skills classes. • Monthly social skills classes will be held with a therapist to work on communication skills, peer relations, and to practice new skills in a safe and structured environment. The primary goal of this program is to serve both as a learning experience, and an opportunity for adults with high functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders to be accepted and to lessen their sense of loneliness. •
COMING SOON in 2012 *
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