Aspire offers teens and adults with a high cognitive autism spectrum disorder or related social profile a variety of ways to learn independent living skills, develop positive relationships and support successful transitions. Aspire’s year-round teen programming includes weekly social groups, special events, and summer Explorations and Transitions programs.
MGH Aspire offers a safe and caring environment where teens and adults with social profiles like a high cognitive autism spectrum disorder, learn to make positive social connections and transition successfully into adulthood. Programs for teens are designed to meet the adolescent's need to be part of a group while exploring their strengths and healthy independent living skills.
Programs for older teens or adults focus on the development of self-awareness, improve social competence by teaching ways of thinking and being social, executive function and life skills in a supportive and structured setting.
Explorations
Explorations is a six-week weekday summer program where teens, ages 14-19, participate in supported recreational and social activities while learning a variety of practical life skills in the community. Topics include:
- Money management
- Trip planning
- Using public transportation
- Peer negotiation
- Time management
Participants are encouraged to balance their needs with those of the group. Community trips take place throughout the metro Boston area (e.g. Faneuil Hall, Prudential Center, movie theatre, bowling, museums and restaurants) and typically utilize public transportation.
Explorations is also offered as a Saturday program during the school year.
Transitions
This is a six-week weekday summer program where young adults, aged 16-22 years old, participate in group activities and practice skills that support the transition to work and college environments. Participants are placed at a volunteer work site two days per week where they receive job coaching and career skill training. Participants are placed at the volunteer work sites in groups of three participants with one Aspire Transition Specialist on site. When not at their work site, participants engage in college exploration, recreational activities, and team-building activities within a larger group of their peers.
