MAPSS

Maturing to Adulthood:  Planning for Social Success (MAPSS) is a program designed to help adolescents with Asperger’s Syndrome, high functioning Autism, or Pervasive Developmental Disorder NOS achieve their full potential as adults.  We recognize common needs for these clients in the areas of personal and emotional struggles, difficulty with social functioning, and academic difficulties.  The program consists of:

  • Psychological testing to identify strengths, weakness, and abilities
  • Vocational testing and counseling
  • Sensory evaluation and recommendations
  • Academic skill-building seminars
  • Individual and family planning sessions to establish goals
  • Individual and group therapy to provide support for emotional needs
  • Coordination with school to assist with academic planning
  • Community mentoring and activities to practice skills in real life situations
  • Ongoing communication and support for parents and family

MAPSS is designed for adolescents from 7th grade through young adults and their families.  BRAINS is dedicated to providing services not only to the individual client, but also to support the entire family system.  Regular group, parent, and family meetings are offered to help with these goals.

A formal diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome, ASD, or PDD is not required for enrollment in MAPSS, but most group interventions and seminars are tailored for symptoms common with these diagnoses.

Expectations

Much in the same way people purchase gym memberships for support in reaching their physical fitness goals, MAPSS requires both financial and emotional commitments to reach and maintain personal goals.  The one-year membership provides numerous services, as described above, which are designed to develop a foundation of skills and abilities over time.