Employment transition/life skills programs for neurodiverse teens/adults?

[lieder_gern]

We're parents of an autistic ("low support needs") teen and are looking for recommendations for employment transition or transition to independence programs for neurodiverse teens or young adults. The two programs we currently know of are:

Thrive Emerge (comprehensive Life Success or Launch packages, located closer to Baltimore)

Broad Futures (internship program, but long list of eligibility criteria may exclude many from consideration, located in DC)

There are also several assorted coaching services out there, but we are more looking for robust services like the two above. Also places that do not rely on funding through disability services such as DORS, since our teen will likely not qualify for these benefits.

[Anonymous]

Marriott's Bridges program might also be an option.

[Anonymous]

Do they have to be in DC?

[Anonymous]

^Different poster, but my sister is looking for a similar program for her young adult daughter. Would be open to programs along the east coast.

[lieder_gern]

OP here. We live in Montgomery County but are open to programs anywhere reasonably close.

And unfortunately only DC residents are eligible for the Marriott Bridges program, but this is exactly the type of program we are looking for.

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

OP - You do. It indicate if your teen received a regular high school diploma or not as that might get you more responses. Some programs I know if that you can find details in in Google are:

Meaningful Outcomes for Successful Transition MOST run by the Jewish Grouo Home Foundation in Rockville.

The DORM in Washington DC serves age 18-35 with a wide range of diagnosis and transition needs including those with autism.

George Mason University has a well regarded LIFE año credit program in a residential model for young adults with a wide range of disabilities.

GMU also offers a strong academic support program for those with autism who are seeking a credit program.

Montgomery College in MOCO may also offer some options for job related training if you could put in wraparound supports of say a college mentor (paid)

You can do similar research on college no credit programs.