Curriculum for autistic teens debuts in Phoenix

A Phoenix advocacy group is helping teens with autism. 

Raise the Roof for Autism, a Phoenix-based national advocacy foundation,  announced a unique curriculum that has been specifically designed for autistic high school juniors and seniors.

The 16-week online program with monthly in-person meetups, will lead to a five-day outdoor adventure in Sedona where students will be able to practice and refine many of the skills they’ve developed throughout the course.

The Life Learning Curriculum is an evidence-based program that incorporates PEERS Social Skills Training with visual time management, organization, problem-solving and physical training.

It addresses social competence and executive functioning skills and pairs this learning with a physical training program designed to prepare participants for a real-world, hands-on travel adventure.

“This curriculum is life learning but also life changing,” said Raise the Roof Founder Gene Taylor. “We’re going beyond the scope of anything that’s ever been done in this space and challenging these students in new ways. The physical training and adventure component gets them out of their comfort zone and creates an incredible sense of accomplishment, while providing an opportunity to apply learned skills in a real-world setting.”

The core curriculum is taught by licensed clinicians and certified educators Stephanie Miller and Danielle Barkley.

All  program staff are trained in Autism Spectrum Disorder and have experience in the practice and application of applied behavior analysis interventions and strategies.

Each adventurer is assigned a peer mentor all of whom are autistic adults, college graduates and successfully employed. Additionally, in an effort to build community amongst the participants, the curriculum includes organized local in person monthly meet ups.

The cost of the 16-session program including the five-day adventure travel is $3198, which is comparable or below to other post-high school transition training and education programs.

But the program offers the unique benefit of real-world applications and enhanced social development through the monthly meet-ups and the five-day outdoor adventure culminating curriculum.

For more information, please visit Autism Adventure Education Program (raisetheroofforautism.com)