Success Through Structure

Our Success Through Structure program is designed for adults (ages 18+) with autism and/or other intellectual disabilities who typically spend their days at home and have so much potential to thrive once they engage in consistent, structured daily routines.

This program provides a safe, supportive, and structured pathway for building confidence, communication, and independent living skills.

We begin small with short, interactive lessons followed by energizing or calming breaks such as group exercise, dancing, games, or quiet relaxation. As students gain confidence, the length and complexity of activities gradually increase, helping them build focus, stamina, and resilience.

• Tuesdays & Thursdays: Academics, Independent Activity Schedules (IAS), group instruction, music, exercise, Zones of Regulation (emotions)
   
• Wednesdays: Social skills, arts & crafts, baking/cooking, music, and community outings
   

Whether students are fully verbal, partially verbal, or non-verbal, communication is always a priority. We support speech development as well as augmentative systems such as PECS and Proloquo2Go to help every student find their voice and express themselves.

White Pines Academy uses evidence-based assessments - the Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills (ABLLS-R) and the Assessment of Functional Living Skills (AFLS) - to determine baseline skills and guide both individual and group programming. Lessons are personalized, data is tracked, and families receive written progress reports along with end-of-year parent/caregiver/teacher interviews to celebrate achievements and set new goals.

• Staff-to-student ratio: 1:3 to 1:4 (depending on student needs)
   
• 1:1 support: Available at an additional cost
   
• Additional supports: Peer mentors, community volunteers, and placement students enrich the classroom experience
   
• Personal care: Support is available for students who need assistance with washroom use, though availability may vary on community outings depending on location and staffing
   

• Following rules/expectations & using manners in public
   
• Building or increasing communication skills (verbal and/or augmentative)
   
• Hygiene and self-care skills
   
• Calendar skills (days, months, seasons, year)
   
• Emotions & self-regulation strategies using The Zones of Regulation
   
• Independent living skills (daily routines, chores, planning)
   
• Life lessons through stories, fairy tales, and personal student experiences
   
• Reading, comprehension, writing, worksheets, folder games, fine motor skills
   
• Independent Activity Schedules (personalized to each student)
   
• Arts & crafts, music sessions, and group exercise (gross motor skills)
   
• Community helpers & community safety
   
• Numeracy and money skills
   
• Computer skills (typing, internet navigation, functional technology use)
   
• Executive functioning skills (organization, attention, planning)
   
• Healthy living: food groups, cooking/baking, recipe-following, sleep & nutrition
   
• Daily walks and the importance of regular physical activity
   

• Assessment: A one-time intake assessment ($150 fee) determines program fit. Families receive a written summary report after assessment.
   
• Eligibility: Students must not exhibit aggressive or highly disruptive behaviours

While students with highly disruptive behaviours and/or extreme aggression are not eligible to  attend WPA, individualized behaviour support plans may be created for students who could  benefit from additional support to enhance program success.                                                                  

Parents/caregivers and students are also provided with final progress reports and are invited to  parent/caregiver/student & teacher interviews in June.