The challenge: Neurodiverse young adults need training in important lifeskills: preparing healthy foods, practicing good hygiene, maintaining a clean and safe environment. Many have never–or rarely– spent time away from family. The COVID-19 crisis has left young adults home all day with parents or guardians, who are exhausted from caregiving.
The solution: Alink is currently working with public and private partners to help create a lifeskills training/respite program in a supervised apartment. Young adults will take turns spending weekends in the apartment; staff will be present 24/7 to teach skills and provide support.
The program will help prepare young adults and their families for a difficult transition: young adults moving out of the family home.