A Curriculum for Life’s Lessons

Life 101: That’s how the University of Arizona’s Chapel Haven West program is referred to in a story on yesterday’s ABC News. The program helps young adults with autism learn “to live independent and productive lives.”

“Just friendships, job interviews, actually filling out resumes and bringing them to a job, having a roommate,” said Betsey Parlato, president of Chapel Haven. “These are all things that you and I take for granted, but for someone with autism it’s a monumental challenge.”

In a social skills class, University of Arizona teaching assistants show the students the “hidden rules” that help them navigate their surroundings and interpret changing social cues.

“Not to stare inappropriately and that kind of stuff,” said Mackenzie [Smith, who's described as obsessed with politics]. “And about teacher-student relationships and that kind of stuff.”

“They have to be taught as if they have never seen before what kind of behavior is, for instance, at a concert,” Parlato said. “Is it all right to talk and laugh loudly at a concert? And then there’s a distinction made — well, what kind of concert? And they actually have to learn it.”

Special education teachers also assist students about skills such as using the bank, cooking, and home repair (changing a light bulb) (sounds like more than a few of us might benefit from a refresher in some of these…..).

Go here to learn more about Chapel Haven West’s residential, education, recreation, supported living, and employment programs.