Beyond Akeela was designed from its inception to be a college transition camp for Asperger’s teens. There are many ways to prepare Asperger’s teens for college, and we look at the transition in four different areas. Social Development, Executive Function, Acts of Daily Living, and Self-Advocacy.
Social Development in College Transition Camp for Asperger’s Teens
Beyond Akeela creates a level social playing field for Asperger’s teens who often are a year or two behind their same aged peers when it comes to social development. This provides opportunities for teens entering the community to feel more comfortable right when they arrive. They are therefore more likely to take positive social risks and learn from their mistakes and successes.
What is a Positive Social Risk?
Some associate risk-taking as a negative behavior, but risks help us learn every day. A positive social risk is when we step out of our comfort zone to try something new that can further our social connections. For example, asking to join an ongoing game in a dorm lounge, or asking a new friend for their phone number. Regardless if they are successful or not, Asperger’s teens learn from each of these risks.
Structured Social Scaffolding
After teens take a social risk at Beyond Akeela, trained staff members provide in-the-moment coaching and feedback. This reinforces the learning that occurs through natural feedback a teen gets through a peer interaction. As teens progress, staff members scaffold back their support and previewing to allow teens to independently implement their social skills.
Importance of Social Development for College Transition
Staying socially connected in college promotes success. Through conversations with many Beyond Akeela alumni families, the most successful teens found ways to stay socially engaged in college. Whether it was building a connection with a roommate, joining an affinity club, or forming friendships with classmates, it was a key factor in the success of many Beyond Akeela alumni.
Do you have a Asperger’s teen preparing to transition into a post-secondary program or college? We’d love to chat and see how we can help!
