A Curriculum for
A Curriculum for Independence
Scaleable, Comprehensive Education for Young Adults on the Autism SpectrumÂ
Scaleable & Affordable:
Classes are included in the NextWork Residential Program
or may be taken separately at $500 each.Â
At Columbus NextWork, our classes are each designed so that they can be taught one-on-one or in a group. Each term, 5 classes will be offered in the classroom at NextWork. These classes will be different each term. Any student who wants to join these classes may join (limit 10 students per class), but they must follow the same schedule as the instructors. Each term is 3 months long and coincides with fiscal quarters. (e.g. Jan. Feb. Mar. = 1 quarter) The 5 classes taught in the classroom are the only classes that are taught according to a specific schedule. These classes all include lecture, curriculum, homework,Â
and are hosted on Canvas. They are designed to teach concepts. Assignments may involve practical application. You should plan on one hour per week, per class.
Classes that are not taught in the classroom are available for any student to take at any time and are taught individually through zoom. These individual classes are scheduled according to instructor availability. Though students may take any class, we recommend that the classes are taken in a certain order, as the curriculum is scaffolded and increases in complexity.Â
Labs: Some classes include labs. These all include practical application of a concept, and are done in person at NextWork. This may involve a demonstration of a skill with an opportunity for the student to try the skill. Labs are a required portion of the classes. Reasonable accommodations are acceptable, so advocate for your own needs!
CLASS OVERVIEW
COMMUNITY
Learn about transitioning into the community, accessing services and support networks, safety in the community and time management with work, transit, and community activities.
ETIQUETTE
Learn about the benefits of etiquette and practicing social norms, especially in certain settings.
FINANCES
Learn about problem solving with money, budgeting, saving, protecting your information, and creating a personal financial plan.
HEALTH
Learn about personal care, including managing medication, health care, and living a healthy lifestyle to support mental health and deal with stress.
IDENTITY
Focus on self-awareness and acceptance, which leads to self-determination and self-advocacy.
LIVING ON MY OWN
Learn about living with roommates, being a good neighbor, working with landlords, and safety at home.
NUTRITION
Learn about food safety, cooking, healthy eating, meal planning, budgeting and shopping for groceries, and planning group meals.
RELATIONSHIPS
Learn about making friends, dating, sexuality, dealing with breakups, and important issues with sexual harassment and reading relationship cues. Also learn about social media relationships.
IDENTITY
Focus on self-awareness and acceptance, which leads to self-determination and self-advocacy.
LIVING ON MY OWN
Learn about living with roommates, being a good neighbor, working with landlords, and safety at home.
NUTRITION
Learn about food safety, cooking, healthy eating, meal planning, budgeting and shopping for groceries, and planning group meals.
OTHERS
Learn about making friends, dating, sexuality, dealing with breakups, and important issues with sexual harassment and reading relationship cues. Also learn about social media relationships.
SAFETY
Learn about safety at home and in the community, including physical safety, crime and personal safety, using public transportation and travelling, and safety in public places. Also learn about emergency preparedness, interaction with police officers and emergency personnel, and preventing crime.
SOLUTIONS
Focus on conflict resolution and prevention—recognizing bullying, managing frustration and anger, anger management in the workplace, and developing coping skills for conflict.
TRANSPORTATION
Learn about using public transportation, ride sharing, personal safety while traveling, taking vacations, travel etiquette and itineraries.
WORK
Individualized employment services using existing employment Program and vocational Rehabilitation supports.
SAFETY
Learn about safety at home and in the community, including physical safety, crime and personal safety, using public transportation and travelling, and safety in public places. Also learn about emergency preparedness, interaction with police officers and emergency personnel, and preventing crime.
SOLUTIONS
Focus on conflict resolution and prevention—recognizing bullying, managing frustration and anger, anger management in the workplace, and developing coping skills for conflict.
TRAVEL
Learn about using public transportation, ride sharing, personal safety while traveling, taking vacations, travel etiquette and itineraries.
WORK
Individualized employment services using existing employment Program and vocational Rehabilitation supports.
EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING
Students learn how to be the administrator of their own adulthood. Practice skills such as prioritizing tasks, managing time, simplifying daily routines, and coping with the stress of being an adult. Also learn ways to manage your personal documents, as all adults do.
ADULTING 101
This class teaches coping skills that every adult has to learn one way or another. All adults have to deal with stress, anger, disappointment, frustration and loneliness. In this class, instructors give guidance specific to challenges common with autism.
HOW TO REGISTER
To register for classes, click here to see the class schedule and either fill out the contact form (below) and mention the classes you are interested in and the month they begin. Or contact Amy directly to register. You will be sent a fillable PDF registration form and instructions on applying for financial assistance.
CONTACT US
ADDRESS
3848 South West Temple | Suite 107
Salt Lake City, Utah, 84115
PHONE
385-715-5376