Program Levels

Greater Expectations has three program levels that include:

INITIAL ASSESSMENT

1-2 hours

  • Interview with the individual and parents/caregivers
  • Establish the individual’s unique autism profile including strengths, challenges, and personal goals
  • For further inquiries, please contact us online or apply now!

LEVEL 1

Assessment data, application information, and data from the initial interview will be used to determine areas of greatest need and develop individualized programming in the following areas:

  • Self-determination – developing vision, SMART goals
  • Self-awareness – individual strengths and
    weaknesses, emotions
  • Social awareness – hidden rules, expected behavior,
    social cues
  • Planning – prioritizing, task analysis, work systems
  • Time management – estimating time, budgeting
    time
  • Organization – checklists, calendars
  • Task initiation – first-then, self pep talk, rewards
  • Life skills – hygiene, daily routines, household chores

 

Level 1 Requirements

  • 12 one-on-one sessions
    1 or 2 times per week for 1 hour each
  • Team meeting
    To review progress, next steps, and recommendations

LEVEL 2

Introduce and practice the following skills:

  • Self-determination – workplace values, working style, career interests
  • Self-management – sensory supports, calming strategies, self-regulation
  • Relationship skills – social behavior mapping, healthy boundaries, communication
  • Impulse control – perseverance, making better choices
  • Flexible thinking – size of the problem, what I can control, multiple solutions
  • Working memory – learning styles
  • Attentional control – managing distractions, Pomodoro
  • Life skills – clothes, budgeting, home maintenance, health care

 

Level 2 Requirements

  • 12 one-on-one sessions
    1 or 2 times per week for 1 hour each
  • Team meeting to review progress, next steps, and recommendations

 

LEVEL 3

Introduce and practice the following skills:

  • Self-determination – self-advocacy, disability disclosure
  • Responsible decision making – teamwork, work attitudes, responding to feedback
  • Emotional control – mindfulness
  • Problem solving – integrated supports, backup plans
  • Self-monitoring – knowing when things go right, periodic self-reviews
  • Life skills – job applications, resume, mock interview

Ready to sign up? Please see our application form to get started!

Level 3 Requirements

  • 12 one-on-one instructional sessions
    1 time a week for 1 hour each
  • 8 apprenticeship sessions
    1 time a week for 2 hours each session
  • Apprenticeship supervision: 8 hours total
    • Week 1 & 2 
      2 hours each session
    • Week 3 through 6
      1 hour each session
    • Week 7 & 8
      No supervision, each session is independent of staff. Instructional sessions and apprenticeship sessions will take place concurrently
  • Team meeting to review progress, next steps, recommendations, and continuing support

"I gained better communication skills and the experience to convey my message more effectively than before I started the program. I learned better organization and reasoning skills that have benefited my career and home life. The most challenging part was adjusting to a different style of work than I was used to. It is somewhat of a big jump from part time kennel assistant to flower shop employee. Working with other people who have the same issues I have faced in my life. It is where I meet Jacob Hampton who I call a friend. This program allowed me to attain a full time job that I enjoy and allows me to support myself. Before my current job, I was a part-time kennel assistant and a part time courtesy clerk at Dillons. I had graduated Magna Cum Ladue from Friend University, but due to certain aspects about myself I could not find a suitable job. It was through greater expectations that I was offered a job at the Maintenance Supply Company at a position I had no experience at. They gave me a trial period to see how I would do, but after a month and a half they were so impressed that they decided to fully hire me. This program gives an opportunity to those who wish to improve their life and become more self-sufficient. It may be difficult to change from a comfortable or set routine, but the rewards for opening your minds to new ideas are worth it."

- Matthew A.