Utah Valley University has a unique program designed for young adults as they transition out of high school to adulthood.  This is a very difficult time for young adults who have been following a track of direction all through high school.  It is also extremely difficult for parents.  We now have an adult child who is likely unable to go out and get a full time job or go off to college on their own.  They will need assistance.  This Passages program is designed to provide the young adult with the  assistance they need to realize their potential, utilize their strengths through social experiences, higher education, independent living, and career guidance.  This is the start of the third semester of this program.  We did not find out about the program until the second semester.  The classes run for approximately 18 weeks and are free of charge.  The young adults attend a class alone on Monday nights.  Wednesday night is the family class.  The parents go off to one room for instruction while the young adults head off to their own class to learn life skills.  There are also fun activities about every three weeks on Saturdays.  The activities range from going to a movie, video game party, horseback riding or even a ropes coarse.

This Passages program has been life changing for my husband and myself.  For the first time we have met other parents who have struggled with our same challenges.  In the past we would try to talk to friends about our situation but they couldn’t really understand.  They didn’t have a child with autism.  We now have a support group that does understand.  We have a clearer understanding of all of the unique qualities our son has but we never understood.  We were now able to realize that these characteristics are very common among kids under the autism spectrum.  We feel better about our parenting and why certain things we tried have just not worked.  Kids and adults with autism see, hear, smell, taste, and feel in a unique way.  We have just scratched the surface in gaining a better understanding of our son.  I’m so excited about this program and want everyone who needs support to reach out for help.

UVU is having a ground breaking ceremony for their new Autism Bldg. in April. Here is the information from their website about the facility. UVU will soon have a new home for its Autism Support Center. With the help of some generous donors, the University plans to build a facility adjacent to the McKay Education Building to house the center and to facilitate collaboration on autism issues. The center will include treatment rooms for social skills groups and laboratory elementary and preschool classrooms. It will be a place where students and the community come together to find the best solutions. Your donation is much appreciated.