Transitional Services (15-21 years)
It’s never too soon to start thinking about the future. Whether your child is college-bound, entering the workforce or not sure what is next, the Kinney Center has a program to meet their transitional needs.
Social Skills Programs
This program is designed for participants seeking to work on foundational social and independent living skills. Weekly sessions focus on building skills specific to each participant through structured lessons and activities. Covered skills vary by group, but may include attending to peers, taking turns, waiting, accepting no, identifying emotions, responding to questions, beginner self-advocacy, asking for reinforcers, sharing items with peers, teamwork, general housekeeping, basic meal preparation, executive functioning, and direction following. All social skills are taught explicitly with a set of expectations, modeled by staff and SCHOLARS, and then participants have the opportunity to role play. They are then able to practice these skills during an activity or game.This program aims to encourage participants to interact with peers, build confidence in social settings, and enhance independence.
For participants in this age range looking for more advanced social skills instruction, such as making friends and navigating relationships, we recommend applying for one of our PEERS social groups.
Transitional Building Blocks
Tuesdays | September 22 - December 1
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Phone: 610-660-2170
- Email: kinneyautism@sju.edu
Vocational Bridge
Vocational Bridge is designed with the flexibility of meeting the needs of students where they currently are – and to help them determine and arrive where they want to go. The goal of the program is to assist individuals in developing hard and soft skills needed for employment and practicing them in internship and paid employment experiences.
Program Highlights
- Evaluation in Practical Assessment Exploration System (PAES) Lab, designed to identify potential career tracks based on interest and ability
- Individualized skill development to hone work, social and daily living skills needed to be successful in the employment track of choice
- On-campus internship or paid campus position with a job coach
- Off-campus internship or paid positions with a job coach
Dates and times vary based on school schedule and need.
Discover Your PATH
The Discover your PATH program (Preparing Autistic Teens for Higher education) is a comprehensive transitional program designed to support autistic high school students in developing the skills necessary for success in post-secondary education. This program offers two flexible participation options—a Summer Intensive Program and a Semester-Based Program—allowing students and families to select the format that best meets their needs, schedules, and stage of college readiness.
Research demonstrates that job activities that encourage independence reduce autism symptoms and increase daily living skills.