Videos
Specialists in Autism Diagnosis & Treatment Since 2006
Student Videos
How a Transition Program Helps Young Adults Plan for the Future
For many of our students, there’s no plan. They don’t think beyond immediate needs or wants.
But you know your child can’t live that way. They’ll find themselves running out of money for essentials, or time for school or work projects. And then the cycle of failing classes or being fired from jobs continues.
So for our students, we work on making those plans.
- Creating a budget to ensure there’s enough for week-to-week needs
- Developing a daily schedule so all work is completed, but still have time for fun and relaxation
- Choosing a career and planning the steps to get there
The Value of a Routine
Many people mistakenly believe planning their day means breaking all tasks down into the hours required to complete them. But this doesn’t work. Tasks end up taking too long and eating into time assigned to something else. Or, your child finishes quickly and takes advantage of the “extra” free time, only to realize they’ve lost track and are now running behind. But by teaching your child to develop a routine with time packed in for completing tasks such as homework and chores, your child will develop the habit of completing one task and immediately moving on to the next. Once the tasks are done, the rest of the day can be spent in front of the TV or hanging out with friends.Managing Finances
Budgeting is hard for many of us. That’s why our transition program has a focus on budgeting and financial management. Students receive a set amount of money each week. We help new students develop their budget and stick to it so they know how much money needs to go to food, how much can be spent on wants, and how much they should save if they want something they don’t currently have the money for.Growing Academics into a Career
Your child may be taking classes based on what sounds fun or fits graduation requirements. But how will your child translate their coursework into a future? One way for young adults to make this leap is by completing internships. Some internships may help your child learn general job skills, such as being prepared for the work day and showing up on time. Others are geared toward providing your child with experience directly related to the work they want to do. For example, the student in the video above is interested in communications, specifically broadcasting. He gained valuable experience in an internship as a broadcaster with a local sports team, but also completed a journalism internship since he’s working on a journalism minor.Making the Plan
Students aren’t left to create these plans on their own. Throughout their sessions, our staff help students realize what they want and how to get there. And then those goals are refined as students grow. It’s important your child learns why these plans are necessary and how to develop them. Once plans are in place, they need encouragement to continue working. Repeat it enough times and your child will make plans a habit.
How a Transition Program Helps Young Adults Plan for the Future
For many of our students, there’s no plan. They don’t think beyond immediate needs or wants. But you know your child can’t live that way. They’ll find themselves running out of money for essentials, or time for school or work projects. And then the cycle of failing classes or being fired from jobs continues. So for our students, we work on making those plans.
- Creating a budget to ensure there’s enough for week-to-week needs
- Developing a daily schedule so all work is completed, but still have time for fun and relaxation
- Choosing a career and planning the steps to get there
The Value of a Routine
Many people mistakenly believe planning their day means breaking all tasks down into the hours required to complete them. But this doesn’t work. Tasks end up taking too long and eating into time assigned to something else. Or, your child finishes quickly and takes advantage of the “extra” free time, only to realize they’ve lost track and are now running behind. But by teaching your child to develop a routine with time packed in for completing tasks such as homework and chores, your child will develop the habit of completing one task and immediately moving on to the next. Once the tasks are done, the rest of the day can be spent in front of the TV or hanging out with friends.Managing Finances
Budgeting is hard for many of us. That’s why our transition program has a focus on budgeting and financial management. Students receive a set amount of money each week. We help new students develop their budget and stick to it so they know how much money needs to go to food, how much can be spent on wants, and how much they should save if they want something they don’t currently have the money for.Growing Academics into a Career
Your child may be taking classes based on what sounds fun or fits graduation requirements. But how will your child translate their coursework into a future? One way for young adults to make this leap is by completing internships. Some internships may help your child learn general job skills, such as being prepared for the work day and showing up on time. Others are geared toward providing your child with experience directly related to the work they want to do. For example, the student in the video above is interested in communications, specifically broadcasting. He gained valuable experience in an internship as a broadcaster with a local sports team, but also completed a journalism internship since he’s working on a journalism minor.Making the Plan
Students aren’t left to create these plans on their own. Throughout their sessions, our staff help students realize what they want and how to get there. And then those goals are refined as students grow. It’s important your child learns why these plans are necessary and how to develop them. Once plans are in place, they need encouragement to continue working. Repeat it enough times and your child will make plans a habit.How Music Night Helps Students Build Social Skills While Having Fun
A favorite activity at New Directions is exploring the local music scene, playing music, and reviewing music venues around town. Students and staff come together weakly to learn and play music. In our student lounge, there are acoustic and bass guitars, drums, keyboard, and other instruments. Basic instruction as well as advanced skills come together weekly to help make this event one of the favorites. When students are ready, it’s off to open mic night.
How It Started
Though Music Night is organized by NDFYA California’s Assistant Program Director Matt Xavier, it was actually Dr. Rubin’s idea. Dr. Rubin approached Matt about developing a way to take advantage of the nearby music scene. Since our California is in Pleasant Hill, close to San Francisco, there are plenty of options.Why Music Night?
Music Night serves three purposes (well, four, because it IS fun, after all). Music therapy is one of the services offered by NDFYA, so this is a natural extension. But it also builds social skills and a sense of community in our students. By traveling as a group, students find common interests with each other. But those common interests also help them forge friendships with people outside of the program. Many students are even brave enough to try Open Mike Nights (something many of us on the staff won’t even do).Back on Campus
For some students, leaving campus for Music Night might be too much. Or, for students who really connect with music, it’s not enough. So we also offer a music group. Music group officially meets on Thursdays. However, we have a couple of guitars, amps, and drums available in the office, so you’ll often find both students and staff hanging out, building those relationships, and enjoying music. Turns Out Music is Good for You Not sure music is a valuable use of your young adult’s time? Check out some of these studies gathered by Cornell University’s Evidence-Based Living. It turns out that music therapy has a lot of health benefits.A Good Way to Start the Weekend
Next Friday night, don’t try to find us on campus. We’ll be out on the town, checking out the latest in local music. See you there.
How Music Night Helps Students Build Social Skills While Having Fun
A favorite activity at New Directions is exploring the local music scene, playing music, and reviewing music venues around town. Students and staff come together weakly to learn and play music. In our student lounge, there are acoustic and bass guitars, drums, keyboard, and other instruments. Basic instruction as well as advanced skills come together weekly to help make this event one of the favorites. When students are ready, it’s off to open mic night.
How It Started
Though Music Night is organized by NDFYA California’s Assistant Program Director Matt Xavier, it was actually Dr. Rubin’s idea. Dr. Rubin approached Matt about developing a way to take advantage of the nearby music scene. Since our California is in Pleasant Hill, close to San Francisco, there are plenty of options.Why Music Night?
Music Night serves three purposes (well, four, because it IS fun, after all). Music therapy is one of the services offered by NDFYA, so this is a natural extension. But it also builds social skills and a sense of community in our students. By traveling as a group, students find common interests with each other. But those common interests also help them forge friendships with people outside of the program. Many students are even brave enough to try Open Mike Nights (something many of us on the staff won’t even do).Back on Campus
For some students, leaving campus for Music Night might be too much. Or, for students who really connect with music, it’s not enough. So we also offer a music group. Music group officially meets on Thursdays. However, we have a couple of guitars, amps, and drums available in the office, so you’ll often find both students and staff hanging out, building those relationships, and enjoying music. Turns Out Music is Good for You Not sure music is a valuable use of your young adult’s time? Check out some of these studies gathered by Cornell University’s Evidence-Based Living. It turns out that music therapy has a lot of health benefits.A Good Way to Start the Weekend
Next Friday night, don’t try to find us on campus. We’ll be out on the town, checking out the latest in local music. See you there.Parents Videos
Their Journey. Their Words.
Their Journey. Their Words.
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Why Families Trust NDFYA
Why Families Trust NDFYA
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NDFYA Changed Our Lives
NDFYA Changed Our Lives
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From Struggles to Success
From Struggles to Success
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What Parents Say About NDFYA
What Parents Say About NDFYA
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Parent Interview – Lessons Carried Forward
Michael Kellen, Ph.D., The Clinical Director of New Directions for Young Adults talks with the parent of a graduated New Directions for Young Adults student about her experiences at the New Directions program. Also discussed are observations about how the program helped her young adult. Discussed are changes in self-confidence, problem-solving abilities, frustration tolerance, and social skills. In addition, there is discussion about how developing those abilities was crucial to the student's successful transition into a typical college environment. New Directions serves clients both with and without autism spectrum disorder.
New Directions for Young Adults is a transitional living program that strives to help young adults with autism and/or other mental health concerns develop independent living skills in a structured and supportive environment. Services are customized using “Direction Therapy” a multi-disciplinary clinical treatment that includes the academic, vocational, financial, life management, and social skill domains.
Parent Interview – Lessons Carried Forward
Michael Kellen, Ph.D., The Clinical Director of New Directions for Young Adults talks with the parent of a graduated New Directions for Young Adults student about her experiences at the New Directions program. Also discussed are observations about how the program helped her young adult. Discussed are changes in self-confidence, problem-solving abilities, frustration tolerance, and social skills. In addition, there is discussion about how developing those abilities was crucial to the student's successful transition into a typical college environment. New Directions serves clients both with and without autism spectrum disorder. New Directions for Young Adults is a transitional living program that strives to help young adults with autism and/or other mental health concerns develop independent living skills in a structured and supportive environment. Services are customized using “Direction Therapy” a multi-disciplinary clinical treatment that includes the academic, vocational, financial, life management, and social skill domains.
Staff Videos
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What Our Clients/Parents Say
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