Question 1

What is Lifeworks for Autism?

Accepted Answer

LifeWorks is a non-profit 501(c)3, two-year postsecondary program designed to prepare autistic young adults for a successful transition to work and independent living. Our participants develop crucial skills in work readiness, self-reliance, and social interaction.
The primary focus of LifeWorks is to facilitate a supportive, person-centered learning environment that empowers individuals to work towards achieving successful outcomes in the following areas:

Employability
Housing &Transportation
Health, Wellness, & Nutrition
Daily Living Skills
Relationships
Financial Management
Adaptability
Personal Safety
Social & Leisure Activities

Question 2

What is the profile of a typical LifeWorks participant?

Accepted Answer

A young adult between the ages of 18-35 diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or other neurodiverse diagnosis.
Has the desire, maturity level, and potential for independent living and entering the work world.
Has low-average to high intelligence and a variety of educational levels and backgrounds.
Is personally motivated toward success and possesses the ability to maintain personal safety.
May be experiencing what is commonly referred to as “failure to launch” – a struggle to transition to young adulthood because of underdeveloped independent living skills, social immaturity, low confidence and/or self-esteem, anxiety, and underdeveloped executive functioning skills.

Question 3

What is the Transition Academy?

Accepted Answer

The LifeWorks Transition Academy is unique in that it is not a long-term residential program or an adult day program. Rather, it is a runway or launching pad where individuals transitioning to adulthood take flight.
The two-year postsecondary program prepares individuals to live independently and be successful in the workplace. We believe employment adds value and purpose to every individual’s life and serves as the cornerstone of independent living.
The Transition Academy provides structured programming for up to 40 hours per week, focused on developing daily living skills, vocational aptitude, financial management, and positive personal and professional relationships. Our daily schedule is customized to support individuals as they enter and thrive in the workplace.
We offer two distinct learning pathways through our LifeWorks Transition Academy:

Transition Academy: This program is a two-year full-time transition to independence program for autistic adults who want to live independently.
On-The-Go: This program offers the same programming focus with a more flexible schedule.

Participants in either program can elect to live on-site in our Julie and Gary Ransdell Living & Learning Community apartments, gaining hands-on experience with independent living skills.

Question 4

How much support and supervision are provided?

Accepted Answer

LifeWorks participants do not require continuous supervision and have the ability to function safely without direct supervision while in their apartment, in the community, or at their place of employment. Staff support is provided intermittently throughout the day and as needed (for emergencies) in the evenings. LifeWorks is not a residential treatment center and does not provide inpatient-level mental or physical health care.

Question 5

How can I inquire?

Accepted Answer

If you are interested in inquiring for the LifeWorks Transition Academy, the first step is to contact the LifeWorks Admissions Office at (270) 745-4380, at info@lifeworksforautism.org, or simply use the form above to obtain more information and to schedule a tour. Prospective students and their families are strongly encouraged to visit the LifeWorks campus adjacent to Western Kentucky University’s campus in Bowling Green, KY. Having the opportunity to tour our campus and personally meet with our program staff is the best way to discover if LifeWorks is the perfect fit.

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