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.

How to Begin Your Journey

For more information or to initiate the intake process, call our general line at (469)-694-1754, apply online, or email info@centerforautism.com. We offer a streamlined process, which includes an initial consultation and comprehensive assessments to understand each individual’s unique needs.

Assessments Include:

  • Surveys with key individuals (parents, caregivers, patients)
  • Structured interviews to gain deeper insight into goals and challenges
  • Direct observation in real-world settings (home, community, workplace)