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

"In the Greater Expectations program, I learned several organization skills. I learned several methods on how to survive in college. I learned how to use checklists, schedules, how to better read some social cues and how to run a cash register. I use these tools in college to help me navigate my day. The most challenging part was changing the way I do homework and how I organize. My favorite part was working with the program leaders Audrey, Andi, and at the time, Connie. They are all very good women and are excellent mentors. Since my completion of the program, I have become more self-aware. I am more able to see things for what they are and take in possibilities for how the future may occur. This program is very good for people with no work experience or social issues. They help you raise your confidence and awareness in both areas, and help you find your inner value and strengths."

- Jacob C.