We truly appreciate your interest and are excited to share more about the enriching tracks we offer to individuals with autism based on their unique support needs.
At Avondale House, we recognize that every individual thrives differently. That’s why our Day Program features two specialized tracks—each designed with a specific focus and supported by evidence-based strategies to foster growth, independence, and meaningful connections.
Track 1: General Track- CURRENTLY ENROLLING
Fostering Friendship, Creativity, and Daily Living Skills
Program Overview: This year-round program track is designed for adults 18+ who benefit from a supportive, social environment that nurtures interpersonal growth, creativity, and everyday life skills. Participants engage in a variety of enriching activities that promote self-expression, relationship-building, and community inclusion. The General Track is ideal for individuals seeking a vibrant, peer-centered experience that encourages long-term friendships and personal fulfillment.
Curriculum Highlights: The program follows a schedule of structured activities including:
Social Skills & Communication
- Group games
- Role-play and conversation practice
- Conflict resolution and empathy building
Creative Expression
- Art projects using various media
- Music appreciation and rhythm-based activities
- Drama, storytelling
Daily Living Skills
- Cooking classes with recipe planning and safety
- Household routines like laundry and cleaning
- Personal hygiene and grooming
Community Engagement
- Monthly outings to parks, museums, and local events
- Volunteering opportunities and civic participation
- Navigating public spaces and transportation
Track 2: Preparing for Employment- CURRENTLY ENROLLING- OPEN HOUSE ON OCTOBER 23, 2025, FROM 6:00- 7:00 PM. FIRST DAY OF CLASS IS ON NOVEMBER 4, 2025!
Empowering Neurodiverse Participants for Life, Work, and Community
Program Overview: This track, officially known as STEP (Social Training & Employment Preparation) is year-round, structured curriculum designed for neurodiverse learners ages 18+ who are preparing for community-integrated employment. Through a blend of classroom instruction, hands-on experiences, and personalized support, students build the skills they need to thrive in real-world settings.
Curriculum Highlights: The program track is built around 44 themed weeks, each focusing on core life skills, social-emotional competency, or vocational topic. Sample themes include
- Routine & Structure
- Communication & Advocacy
- Emotional Regulation & Citizenship
- Workplace Readiness
- Reflection & Transition
Each week will include visual supports, role play, journaling, and staff-guided activities tailored to individual learning styles
Next comes the Employment Readiness Series! Participants will participate in a 5-week workshop series focused on:
- Resume Building
- Interview Practice
- Workplace Behavior
- Advocacy & Self Expression
- Mock Interviews & Job Fair Simulation & Practice
These sessions are supported by visual templates, peer modeling, and real-world role play and practice.
We all know that employment opportunities are more plentiful when you have experience, so this program has a 16-week (unpaid) internship built in! Participants will be placed in structured internships within Avondale House to build hands-on experience. Interns will work with Avondale House staff in the various areas as they progress through the internship, with bi-weekly progress reviews to make this a meaningful experience. Internships include:
- Facilities/ Housekeeping/ Landscaping
- Administrative Assistant
- Receptionist
- Training/ Classroom Aide
- Activity Coordinator/ Assistant
Once the participant has completed the program, they may choose to have Avondale House’s Employment Services program assist them with securing and supporting in community integrated employment!
Tuition and Funding
Individuals that have a waiver such as HCS, TxHmL, or CLASS may use their funding to help offset the total monthly cost of the program. Private payment options for those without existing funding is also accepted.
