Choosing and Enrolling in an Adult Program

How do you find the right path/program?

Choosing the right program for your adult loved one with moderate to profound autism is a deeply personal decision. It’s not just about services, it’s about safety, growth and creating a life filled with meaningful experiences. At Morgan Autism Center, we understand how much thought and love goes into this process, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. 

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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.

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Understanding Your Options

Every individual is unique, and so are their needs, strengths, and goals. That’s why we offer flexible paths that can support your loved one in the way that suits them best.

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Adult Day Programs provide structured, supportive environments focused on community participation, social interaction, and enriching daily activities. These programs are often a great fit for individuals who benefit from routine, engagement, and opportunities to connect with others in a safe and supportive setting.

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Adaptive Skills Training Programs focus more intensively on building independence. These services help individuals develop everyday life skills—such as communication, self-care, decision-making, and functional routines—that can increase confidence and open doors to greater autonomy.

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We have many adults that may benefit from a combined approach - enjoying the social and community aspects of our day program while also working on targeted skill development. This balance allows for both meaningful participation today and growth for tomorrow.

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The Enrollment & Evaluation Process

We know that getting started can feel overwhelming, so we aim to make the process as supportive and transparent as possible.

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1. Initial Connection
   It begins with a conversation. We’ll listen to your goals, concerns, and hopes for your loved one. This often is a team meeting with the adult who is considering options along with their family and/or caregivers, the Regional Center representative, any supportive living staff, and/or other clinicians and service providers, if any. This is the interdisciplinary (IDT) team.

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2. Comprehensive Evaluation
   The interdisciplinary (IDT) team will take time to understand your loved one as a whole person—their strengths, needs, preferences, communication style, and current level of independence. 

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3. Collaborative Planning
   Together, we’ll review recommendations and explore which program—or combination of programs—may be the best fit. 

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4. Personalized Enrollment
   Once a plan is in place with the guidance and participation of the Interdisciplinary Team, we’ll guide you through enrollment and help ensure a smooth, supportive transition into services. 

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A Team-Based, Flexible Approach

It’s important to know that no single person makes this decision alone. As stated above, program recommendations are made by an interdisciplinary team, often including clinicians, program staff, families, and when possible, the individual themselves. Your voice is essential in this process.

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Just as important—no decision is permanent.

As your loved one grows, learns, and gains new skills, their needs may change. We continuously reassess and adjust supports to ensure we are always working toward the least restrictive, most empowering environment possible. Progress may mean shifting more toward independence, trying new experiences, or exploring different program options over time.

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Moving Forward 

There is no “one right answer”—only the right fit for your loved one at this moment in time. Our goal is to help you feel informed, supported, and confident in whatever path you choose.

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