Success Through Structure

 Our Success Through Structure program is designed for adults (ages 18+) with autism and/or intellectual disabilities who may not have had much opportunity to participate in structured daily routines outside their homes.  This program provides a safe, supportive, and structured pathway for building confidence, communication, and independent living skills.

We begin small; 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, table work, 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 and fairy tales
   
• Reading, comprehension, writing, worksheets, folder games, fine motor activities
   
• Independent Activity Schedules (personalized to each student)
   
• Arts & crafts, music sessions, and group exercise
   
• Community helpers & community safety
   
• Numeracy and money skills (receptive & expressive use)
   
• 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 behaviors.