April 2023 Newsletter
To our Advance LA Community,
April is Autism Acceptance Month, a time to increase understanding and acceptance of people with autism, as well as to provide continued support, kindness, and compassion for the autism community. The hope is to ignite change through improved support and opportunities in all areas of life including education, employment, and independent living.
In this month’s blogpost, we discuss the importance of teaching young adults with autism how to live as independently as possible. The sooner a young person is provided support to begin opportunities for taking responsibility and managing aspects of their life, the sooner that person may be able to launch successfully to independence.
Advance LA’s mission is to help our clients advance to independent adulthood. Our Life Skills Coaches meet with their clients remotely, or in person, to provide support and guidance in areas including academics, executive functioning, time management, organization, social/dating skills, job/internship obtainment and maintenance, and independent living skills.
Please contact us at advancela@thehelpgroup.org for more information.
Wishing you all the best,
Jeri Rochman, JD, MS
Program Coordinator
Advance LA
Many young adults with autism are in need of support during the transition time after high school. Recent studies show that one-third of high school graduates with autism attend college, less than 20% of adults with autism live independently, and less than 60% of adults with autism have jobs. This data means that many young adults with autism struggle to live independently. The media often refers to this concept as “failure to launch” and usually with a humorous twist. But for parents of young adults with autism, and the young adults themselves, this can be a very challenging and frustrating time.
Special Needs Resource Fair
Sunday, April 30 | 11am – 2pm PT
Join The Help Group and LA Parent Magazine at the Special Needs Resource Fair and enjoy children’s activities, food, and family fun as you discover the wonderful resources that L.A. has to offer its special needs community. Learn about life skills coaching, therapeutic services, financial & estate planning, vocational programs & more. Free admission!
Upcoming Events & More
club l.a.’s Spring Fling
Wed., April 19 | 6:30-8:00pm PT
Join old friends and new friends for the club l.a. Spring Fling! We will have dinner and dessert, games and karaoke, Don’t miss out on the fun – register today! For neurodiverse young adults ages 18-29.
Parent-to-Parent Support Group
Thurs., March 2nd & 16th | 6-7 pm PT
Free online sessions for parents to connect, share stories & learn from one another. Parents will select topics and group leaders will facilitate discussions and offer guidance. Meetings take place the first and third Thursday of each month.
Dating & Relationship Coaching
Available now!
Advance LA now offers dating and relationship coaching for neuro-divergent young adults who are interested in learning the social skills involved in dating, as well as the communication skills required to maintain a romantic relationship. To learn more, contact Jeri
Life Skills Coaching
Virtual coaching available for academic, vocational, social, and independent living skills support (individual or group sessions). Contact us to learn more.
Lumina Couseling
Lumina offers insurance and private pay individual, group, couples, and family therapy to people of all ages, both in-person and online, throughout the Los Angeles area. Lumina believes that everyone has the right to be heard and to be guided to live their best possible life. For more information, please call 818-779-5100.
Other Programs at The Help Group for K-12 & Transition Students
Upcoming Webcast:
Traditional vs. Specialized Camps: Which is Better for Kids with Autism?
DATE: April 12th
TIME: 10 – 11 am
Your child has just been given the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The important thing to know is that the diagnosis does not close any doors to your child’s future. In this webcast, we will review the first steps to educating yourself about the diagnosis, learn about strength-based approaches to your child’s needs, and discuss available services and resources for you and your child.
In Case You Missed Our Webcast:
My Child Was Diagnosed with Autism. NOW WHAT?
Your child has just been given the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). For some, the news comes as a shock, while others may have been expecting it. The important thing to know is that the diagnosis does not close any doors to your child’s future.
ABOUT ADVANCE LA:
At Advance LA, we offer the answer to one of the most frequently asked questions by parents of teens and young adults with special needs, “What happens next?” Our personalized program provides clients with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, executive functioning difficulties and learning differences the experiences and opportunities necessary to lead a fulfilling adult life. We offer coaching services and support groups, as well as workshops and conferences for young adults, parents, and industry professionals.
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