At Beyond Akeela, we focus on providing organic opportunities to work on skills pre-college teens with Asperger’s or similar a ASD (autism) profile, NLD, and ADHD/ADD need support with for their transition to college. Many high school students ask us how we develop social skills, executive functioning, self-advocacy, and life skills without using a classroom. At Beyond Akeela, our college readiness program focuses on learning through practice. Here’s what you’ll experience while you’re with Beyond Akeela:
Social Connection:
- First and foremost, we take YOUR lead on this. We DO NOT use a social skills curriculum that everyone follows. We’re going to work with you on what YOU want and need support with.
- Beyond Akeela’s teen social skills program staff provide structure and support during our camp activities and travel experiences throughout the session. They are present and focused on building relationships with you while giving you space to meet new friends.
- Most Beyond Akeela teens love free time, so we make sure to give you some each day. There are plenty of things to do in the dorm or around campus with your friends.
Executive Functioning:
- Staff share tools and life skills strategies with you to help you stay organized and give you the space to practice them on your own.
- You’ll manage your routines and daily prep independently with guidance and support from staff, as needed.
- You’ll get a schedule when camp starts which you can refer back to.
Self-Advocacy:
- We want you to get out of Beyond Akeela what YOU want to get out of it. We encourage you to talk to the staff about your college readiness goals or any ideas you have to make the transition program better for you!
- You’ll have opportunities to pick and choose your activities in many cases, including community service and day trip options.
- Staff will challenge you to solve problems independently while providing you support and guidance along the way
Health & Wellness
- There will be lots of opportunities for you to use the health and wellness center on campus. It’s a great opportunity to develop a healthy exercise routine for yourself.
- We’ll talk about all the mental and physical benefits of maintaining a good exercise routine.
- You’ll participate in group conversations about healthy eating habits and nutrition as a group, and help you reinforce those habits as you create your cooking group menus.
Life Skills:
- You’ll be responsible for managing your laundry at camp after some guidance on the machines from the staff. It will feel like you’re doing your laundry at college.
- Juniors and Seniors are assigned a cooking group at camp. You’ll share the responsibility of preparing two meals with your group, which includes setting a menu and grocery shopping.
- We’ll help you set a budget for your spending money while you’re at camp so you can practice money management skills.
