Programs for Young Adults

Programs for Young Adults

Autism at Work

Our Autism at Work Program is made up of three unique programs:

PAES: PAES is an 8 week program that utilizes the Practical Assessment Exploration System (PAES®) to help individuals discover what fulfilling employment means to them. Participants practice realistic, entry-level job tasks they may never have attempted before, promoting the development of hands-on skills and self-confidence. Each day participants also work on a pre-employment skill or activity to help prepare them for future employment.

Supported Employment: ARC’s Supported Employment Coordinators work with members who are ready to find competitive employment. They work one on one with each individual to ensure their job search matches their values, interests and skills/abilities when applying for jobs available in the local community.

Vocational Volunteers: Our Vocational Volunteers volunteer with our employment coordinators throughout the city to help our members build their resumes, work skills, and connect with community organizations throughout the city. It’s also a fun way to experience new things and connect with peers.

Independent Living Program

Independent Living Program (ILP) is a person-centred program to help our members increase their independence in the community. Each participant gets to set their own goals and work towards skills that will help them become independent at home or in the community. Skill areas that can be addressed are social skills, budgeting, time management, personal hygiene, relationships and intimacy, meal planning, cooking, healthy lifestyle, and many other areas.

Cooking Program

ARC’s Cooking Program increases independence in food planning, preparation, following recipes, time-management skills and team work. Individuals work with a cooking coach to complete a recipe and enjoy the prepared meal as a group.

PEERS® Social Skills Program for Young Adults

PEERS® is a 16-week evidence-based social skills intervention program developed at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience. It targets specific skills to assist people to learn how to make and keep friends.

We Belong

The We Belong mental health and wellness program offers free, confidential one-to-one counselling to adult ARC members and their families/caregivers. The program also provides small group art, photography, and mindfulness activities as well a Parent Support Group led by our Mental Health Counsellor.

Social Drop In Program

This program for adults with autism encourages and develops social skills in a natural, fun and engaging environment. Young adults meet every Wednesday evening to share interests, participate in social activities of their own choosing and spend time with others. Social Drop-In does a wide variety of activities that encourage engagement with our local community and each other.

Chill and Connect

Chill and Connect runs every Tuesday afternoon from 1:30-4:00 pm and provides a comfortable environment for young adults to come hang out, play games, socialize and to just get out of their house for an afternoon.

Active with ARC

Active with ARC is offered Thursday afternoons as a way to get young adults moving and learn the benefits of being active. In the warmer months, members usually meet to go for a walk to enjoy the fresh air; colder months move indoors to a city run leisure centre to enjoy a variety of workout options.

Improv for Autism

Globe Theatre and the Autism Resource Centre partnered to develop an Improv for Autism class that is held on site at the Globe Theatre. This is a fantastic environment with great instructors to allow individuals to try out improvisation activities and develop some spontaneity in themselves.

Individuals must meet the following:

• Ages 18 to 35;
• A diagnosis on the autism spectrum;
• Are able to commit to attend scheduled ARC sessions; and
• Have a valid ARC Membership.

Before accessing our programs and services, our program team will meet with each individual so we can learn more about you and make a plan for how our programs can help you reach your goals. To set up a meeting, please email us with your contact information and the programs you are most interested in. Please note, this meeting and a paid membership are required before attending our programs.