As I was exploring different websites that focused on the Autistic Spectrum, I came across a news video that was recorded back in February 2009. The news report talked about a program called, Devereux's Community Adult Autism Partnership Program, or CAAPP, in West Chester, Pennsylvania. The program provides job training along with independent living techniques for adults diagnosed with mild to moderate Autism. They brought up an interesting point, what happens to the young children diagnosed with ASD after they graduate high school. The educational services taper off as they get closer to graduation, what is the family supposed to do then? This news video provided families with answers. They provide adults diagnosed with ASD, who have completed their core education, with the proper training they need to live independently and work. "Betsy Swope, the program director, said CAAPP serves adults with
mild to moderate autism. Depending on their potential, the students are
taught everything from social skills at home and work, to making
doctors appointments, to riding the bus." According to Swope, "A lot of the people
on our program have the ability and the capability to do these skills,
they just need extra help and intensive teaching to learn them." As an early childhood educator, I was always thinking about the child as a child, not thinking about what was going to happen when the child grew into an adult. I believe that the CAAPP program is a great idea, and I believe that if the funding is there, more of these programs should be developed. These programs are providing young adults diagnosed with ASD and their families hope for a more fulfilling life. They will be able to work and function in society more independently, therefore, giving the young adult a sense of pride. Throughout the next week, I would like to further look up more information on different adult programs provided for adults diagnosed with ASD and have left the public school education system.
http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/health&id=6668343
This is so interesting! I never thought of what happens after school to these children. My main focus has been ASD and children, but now I am curious what will happen when they leave school. This sounds like a good program for adults, but unfortunately they still need more programs like this.
ReplyDeleteIt would be hard as a parent, to never know if your child would be able to live on his own or not. These programs make it so that adults can live on their own. I also think that it helps the ASD adults feel more independent, which is important.