Adult Program

Overview

Morgan Autism Center (MAC) is well known for having run its current adult day program for over 40 years. We are excited to have opened a second program for adults–our Adaptive Skills Trainer program–in 2025. Both programs incorporate MAC’s proven person-centered approach to serving our target population. You can find out more about both programs below as well as how to choose among the two programs and apply if you are interested.

IMPORTANT NOTE: As of Summer 2026, we have very limited facility space to expand our adult programs and therefore our ability to enroll additional clients is quite limited.

Adult Day Program (ADP - 531)

Our Adult Day Program is warm and person-centered and is designed specifically for individuals with autism, emphasizing meaningful engagement. We focus on creating a calm, sensory-friendly environment where each participant feels safe, valued, and understood.

Care and Love Are at the Top of Our List

Staff who greet participants by name and celebrate small wins
Soothing routines and predictable schedules
Emphasis on kindness, patience, and genuine human connection
Creating moments of joy, comfort, and belonging every day

Staffing & Support Ratios

Low staff-to-participant ratios (e.g., 1:1 to 1:3 depending on needs)
Highly trained staff with experience in all levels of autism and various development disabilities, communication challenges, and complex behaviors
Ongoing staff training in crisis prevention and positive behavior supports

Individualized Programming

Personalized daily schedules tailored to sensory needs, energy levels, and interests
Clearly defined, measurable goals aligned with everyone’s IPP
Flexible pacing to reduce stress and prevent overwhelm
Emphasis on strengths-based development and small, meaningful achievements

Life Skills & Functional Independence

Instruction in activities of daily living (ADLs) such as hygiene, dressing, feeding, and toileting (as appropriate)
Development of independence at everyone’s level

Behavioral & Emotional Supports

If needed, Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSP) based on functional behavior assessments
Emphasis on prevention, understanding triggers, and teaching replacement behaviors
Gentle, respectful de-escalation strategies

Health & Medical Support

Medication administration and monitoring by trained staff (as required)
Attention to dietary needs, allergies, and specialized feeding protocols

Social & Relationship Development

Opportunities for safe, supported social interaction at everyone’s comfort level
Group activities adapted for sensory and communication needs
Building trust, connection, and familiarity with consistent staff and peers

Meaningful Activities & Enrichment

Gentle, engaging activities such as music, art, nature exploration, and movement
Varied recreation (e.g., walks, gardening, simple crafts)
Community-based outings with proper support

Family & Caregiver Collaboration

Regular communication with families (daily notes, check-ins, progress updates)
Family involvement in goal setting and program planning
Respect for cultural, linguistic, and family values

Environment & Safety

Clean, comfortable, and secure setting designed for individuals with high support needs
Safety features such as secured entry/exit, supervision protocols, and adaptive equipment
Emergency drills and safety plans tailored to participants

Adaptive Skills Trainer (AST - 605)

Our Adaptive Skills Training Program is designed to help individuals with developmental disabilities strengthen the everyday life skills needed for greater independence, confidence, and participation in their communities.Our program provides individualized instruction in real-life skills within a warm, supportive, and small-group learning environment. Every participant receives personalized support designed around their unique strengths, interests, and goals. Our program focuses on helping individuals develop practical abilities that support daily living, communication, social interaction, and participation in meaningful activities.Participants are supported by staff who are patient, experienced, and deeply committed to helping each individual succeed. Our small program size allows us to provide personal attention, flexibility, and meaningful relationships with the individuals and families we serve. Many participants develop friendships, confidence, and a stronger sense of belonging while working toward their personal goals.

What Are Adaptive Skills?

Adaptive skills are the everyday abilities that help a person function successfully at home, in the community, and in work or volunteer environments. These may include:

Communication and social interaction
Self care
Community safety and awareness
Emotional regulation and problem solving
Daily living skills such as cooking, cleaning, and personal organization
Money use and budgeting
Transportation and community navigation
Vocational readiness and work habits
Executive functioning and decision making

Instruction happens through hands-on learning, repetition, encouragement, and real-world practice.

Our Approach: Individualized and Supportive

One of the most important features of our program is that every participant has an individualized plan. We understand that everyone learns in their own way. Our trainers take the time to get to know each participant and develop instruction that supports their personal goals and learning style.
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Key features of our program include:

Individualized goals based on each participant’s needs
Small group instruction with personalized support
Hands-on learning in real-world settings
Positive reinforcement and encouragement
Consistent progress monitoring through extensive data collection
Continuous collaboration with families and Regional Center staff
Quarterly reporting and biannual IDT meetings

Our goal is to create an environment where participants feel safe, supported, and proud of their progress.

Individual Goals and Program Planning

Once enrolled, the program staff develops an individualized training plan for each participant.
This plan includes:

Specific adaptive skill goals
Teaching strategies tailored to the individual
Expected outcomes and timelines
Methods for measuring progress

Goals are carefully designed to be meaningful, achievable, and relevant to everyday life.
Examples of goals might include:

Following a daily schedule independently
Improving emotional self-regulation strategies
Preparing a simple meal
Using money to make a purchase
Practicing conversation skills
Learning public transportation routines

Measuring Progress

Our program uses data collection and progress monitoring to ensure participants are making meaningful gains.
Staff record information about:

Skill practice
Level of assistance needed
Accuracy and independence
Behavioral or social improvements

This information helps us adjust instruction and celebrate progress along the way.
Progress reports are typically shared with:

Families
Regional Center Service Coordinators
Interdisciplinary team members

Feature

Adult Day Program (ADP)

Adaptive Skills Training (AST)

Service code & vendorization

Service Code 531 for Adult Day Program.

Service Code 605 for Adaptive Skills Training.

Primary focus / goal

Provides socialization, structured activities, general day services.

Provide individualized instruction to enhance or remediate adaptive skill deficits (behavior, communication, safety, hygiene, community access, etc.) and promote greater independence.

Population served / intensity

May serve a broad adult population.

Targeted for individuals who need specialized, individualized training to build or regain skills - often those with more moderate-to-high support needs.

Curriculum / instruction model

Structured day activities: social, recreational, wellness, general supervision, shared meals, and community participation.

Skills-based instruction: daily living, hygiene, communication, safety, money skills, community integration, job readiness, behavior support

Staff credentials / vendor requirements

Staff has multiple years of experience with our targeted population.

In addition to years of experience, providers for AST must meet more stringent educational requirements - Master’s degree and/or Bachelor's degree in specialized areas.

Outcome expectations

Provide active day engagement and social participation in a safe environment.

Measurable improvement in adaptive skill areas (as identified in IPP), evidence of skill acquisition, remediation of deficits- always striving to reach a level of greater independence.

Adaptation / individualization

Day program may offer some individual support but often operates in a group or higher participant to staff ratio.

Highly individualized, goal/objective/curriculum-driven, remediation focus, potentially higher frequency or intensity of support.