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How It Works

The Mission

As part of the Independent Living Resource Center’s mission of “Empowering People with Disabilities,” Greater Expectations empowers individuals with an autism spectrum disorder and other developmental differences to live their best lives through self-determination and increased social competence, executive functioning skills, and independent living skills.

 

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Prior to starting the program, the individual/caregiver will:

  • Complete the application
  • Informal “Meet & Greet” Meeting with Staff: The individual and family/friends meet staff and learn about the program.
  • Individual Rapport Session with Instructor: The individual and instructor spend time getting to know each other and building a comfortable, trusting relationship.
  • Initial Assessment: The individual, family/friend, and instructor complete an interview style assessment during a 2-hour session.
  • Successful participants are those that have the cognitive ability to communicate their thoughts and feelings, and the ability to explore and discuss abstract concepts.

What are Social Competencies?

Social competencies are the bases needed for evaluating social situations and determining the expected behavior in each context. They include self-regulation, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible problem solving.

Personalized Goals and Plan

Participants identify their personal vision and goals using evidence-based practices, guidance from current research, and collaboration with their family and friends. An individualized plan is developed to target each participant’s unique needs in:

  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Flexibility
  • Problem Solving
  • Responsibility

 

The Greater Expectations program has three levels and begins by addressing the following areas:

  • SELF DETERMINATION

    1. Understanding autism/developmental disabilities
    2. Advocating for self and others
    3. Effective communication
    4. Goal setting and attainment

  • SOCIAL COMPETENCIES

    1. Self-awareness
    2. Social awareness
    3. Self management
    4. Relationships skills
    5. Responsible decision making

  • EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING SKILLS

    1. Planning
    2. Time Management
    3. Organization
    4. Task initiation
    5. Impulse control
    6. Flexibility
    7. Working memory
    8. Attentional control
    9. Emotional control
    10. Problem solving
    11. Self-monitoring

  • LIFE SKILLS

    1. Self-care
    2. Home management (maintaining a comfortable and clean living space)
    3. Budgeting
    4. Health management
    5. Transportation

"During my time in the Greater Expectations program, I learned many things about perspective, others perspective, and how to tell between the story in my head and reality.  But what I learned about myself is I have a hard time with understanding other people’s perspective but I am a good leader/teacher.  Some tools I learned to use include checklists, proactive vs. reactive thinking, and the “story in my head” worksheet.  The most challenging part of the program was accepting “being different than others.”  My favorite part of the program was running the cash register and enjoyed engaging with customers and hearing compliments about Autism Avenue.  My daily life is somewhat different now, I do my laundry and my room is cleaner as is the basement.  I’m going to be more aware or open minded about other people’s perspectives on things.  I would encourage others to participate in the program because it teaches you that what you “don’t like about yourself” or think is a weakness can actually be your strengths!"

- Riley B.

DIVE DEEPER INTO THE GREATER EXPECTATIONS AUTISM PROGRAM

The Difference

How It Works

Program Levels

Our Staff

Success Stories

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