AUTISM. EVERYDAY LIFE. MEANINGFUL PARTICIPATION.
Children and adults with autism learn and develop within everyday life — through routines, relationships, responsibilities, community experiences, work, recreation, and the many ordinary moments that make up a life.
Living & Learning Aligned explores how intentional parenting, thoughtfully built supports, and meaningful opportunities can work together to support participation across childhood and adulthood.
Three interconnected ways
of supporting meaningful participation
in everyday life.
And they develop over time,
building one day upon the next
as the person, family, and life evolve.
Intentional Parenting
Parents have a unique and evolving influence within everyday family life.
Bring intention to that influence — noticing what matters, building on strengths and interests, supporting participation, and responding to the moments that actually unfold.
Create Opportunities
Learning and participation need meaningful places to live.
Everyday routines, relationships, community experiences, recreation, work, and responsibilities can provide opportunities to participate, contribute, connect, and grow.
Build Supports
The right supports can make participation more understandable and accessible.
People, environments, routines, visual and practical tools, and technology can support participation — and increasingly support self-management as abilities grow.
These Work Together
An opportunity may require support.
A support may make a new opportunity possible.
Intentional parenting helps us notice what matters, what is working, and what might help next.
Living and learning become aligned when learning has somewhere meaningful to live.
Explore Living & Learning Aligned
Explore practical ways these ideas come to life — through everyday moments,
shared projects, technology,and community participation.
A Simple Process
For the parent or other supporting adult.
A simple, adaptable process for thinking and acting intentionally within the meaningful moments of everyday life.
Supporting Independence Through Technology
Across childhood and into adulthood
Coming Soon
Everyday technology as a tool for communication, connection, participation, and increasing self-direction.
Participation Projects
For the adult and the individual together
Coming Soon
Practical, adaptable activities that create opportunities to connect with and participate more meaningfully in one's own life.
Participation Clubs
Community participation with peers
In Development
A small-group adult service model combining meaningful activities, individualized supports, and opportunities for social connection.