MASTERS OF SELF-MANAGEMENT

The Masters of Self-Management course is designed for adults (ages 18 and above) with autism and/or intellectual disabilities who are more advanced with respect to being able to sit and attend in class for longer periods of time and have well developed receptive and expressive communication skills.

The duration of time sitting and participating in an interactive lesson can range from 20 - 45 minutes and are followed by various types of breaks (group exercise, dancing, games, and relaxing breaks).  Lessons take place in a classroom; class trips into the community also take place on a monthly basis.

Intake assessments are facilitated and assist in determining the suitability of specific Academy programs.  There is a one-time assessment fee of $150.  A summary report of the assessment is provided to the student and their family/caretakers once completed.

White Pines Academy utilizes the Assessment of Language and Learning Skills (ABLLS-R) and Assessment of Functional Living Skills (AFLS) to assess students' baseline skills, and to guide  future individual and group programming.  Specific skill acquisition programs are written, and progress is tracked via data collection.

Parents/caregivers and students are also provided with mid-term and final progress reports, and are invited to parent/caregiver/student & teacher interviews.

Lesson Themes Include:

• Review of emotions and advanced applications of emotional regulation using "The Zones of Regulation" by Leah Kuypers
• Perspective taking
• Utilization of "Social Thinking" curriculum by Michelle Garcia Winners
• Use of Individualized Activity Schedules (IAS) 
• Social problem solving
• Active listening
• Increasing appropriate communication skills
• Managing time and the importance of daily routines
• Arts and crafts
• Safety in the community
• Different types of relationships
• Money management
• Telling time
• Self-reflection and creating a skills inventory (step one of a resume)

Prospective student must be able to use the washroom independently and must not exhibit aggressive or highly disruptive behaviours.