Skip to main content

Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD®)

Building Skills for Independence and Adulthood

At CARD®, we provide teens/adults on the autism spectrum with tailored opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive in enriched environments. Our programs offer comprehensive support to help individuals achieve greater independence and live fulfilling lives.

Our approach focuses on real-world skill development that promotes independence, meaningful relationships, and long-term success beyond therapy.

Program Overview

Our teen and adult program is designed for individuals 13 years and older, supporting their growth and independence. We provide customized care plans to meet the unique needs of teens and adults with a previous or current diagnosis of autism.

What We Offer:

  • Building Communication Skills:
    Developing functional communication techniques to enhance daily interactions

  • Fostering Independence:
    Skills
    training for independent living (e.g., cooking, dressing, managing finances).

  • Addressing Problem Behaviors:
    Helping teens/adults manage and reduce problematic behaviors through ABA techniques.

  • Social & Relationship Building:
    Opportunities to enhance social interactions and meaningful relationships.

  • Pre-Employment Training:
    Support in building pre-employment skills for successful job placement.

Treatment Goals & Objectives

Programs are tailored to address both short-term and long-term goals, focusing on skills that help teens/adults live independently, improve socialization, and participate in meaningful activities. Our comprehensive support is offered across all settings.

Key Objectives:

  • Achieve greater independence in daily living
  • Participate in enjoyable, structured leisure activities
  • Secure and maintain successful employment
  • Build meaningful friendships and relationships
  • Explore opportunities in higher education, vocational training, or job placement

As individuals on the autism spectrum enter adolescence and adulthood, expectations for independence, social responsibility, and self-advocacy increase, often faster than support systems naturally adjust. Many teens and adults benefit from targeted services that explicitly teach life, social, and vocational skills that may not develop automatically or may be difficult to practice in unstructured settings.

CARD®’s teen and adult programs are recommended to help bridge this gap by providing individualized, ABA-based instruction in real-world environments. These services support individuals in navigating daily routines, managing behaviors that interfere with independence, building meaningful relationships, and preparing for employment or further education, empowering them to participate more fully and confidently in their communities.

Supporting the Journey to Adulthood with Skills Living

CARD® is partnering with Skills Living, an evidence-based digital platform designed to support transitioning youth and adults as they build practical skills for greater independence.

Through individualized assessment, structured lessons, and progress tracking, Skills Living can help support goals related to daily living, communication, employment, health and safety, relationships, community participation, and personal responsibility. When clinically appropriate, CARD® clinicians may incorporate Skills Living resources into a learner’s individualized Teen and Adult Program.

Build Skills for the Life Ahead

Every learner has different strengths, priorities, and possibilities for the future. CARD®’s Teen and Adult Program provides individualized support designed to help teens and adults develop practical skills for greater participation and independence.

Speak with your CARD® team to learn whether Skills Living-supported instruction may be appropriate for you or your family member.

New patient inquiries:
877-448-4747
CARDEnrollment@centerforautism.com

LIVE ON AIR: Ask Dr. Doreen TUNE IN NOW