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About Our Programs

At the Autism Resource Center of Kansas City, our adult programs are designed to help individuals on the autism spectrum develop meaningful life and pre-employment skills in a supportive, engaging, and community-focused environment. Through hands-on experiences, structured group activities, and collaboration with professionals across multiple disciplines, participants gain the tools and confidence needed to move toward greater independence and future employment opportunities.

Embark is our pre-vocational program for adults on the autism spectrum who benefit from more tailored support. This program focuses on developing early job readiness through hands-on and structured group activities. Participants work on building social and communication skills, increasing attention and engagement, and exploring career interests through a variety of community-based vocational experiences. Each session also includes a health and wellness component, where participants engage in physical fitness activities that promote overall well-being and readiness for daily life.

 
Pathways to Employment is our new morning program designed for individuals ready to take the next step toward employment. The program consists of three separate three-week courses—Obtain, Sustain, and Gain.

  • Obtain focuses on interview skills, resume building, and career exploration.
  • Sustain emphasizes navigating the social dynamics of the workplace and developing self-advocacy skills.
  • Gain introduces financial literacy, goal setting, and continued career exploration.

Collaborative Support
An added benefit of both programs is access to a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including Board Certified Behavior Analysts, Occupational Therapists, and Speech-Language Pathologists. Together, they create an environment that promotes confidence, independence, and skill development that extends far beyond the classroom—preparing participants for success in work, relationships, and life.

 
Connections is a group that provides a welcoming space for individuals with autism to connect, share and grow together in a supportive environment. Our goal is to provide a safe space that fosters friendships, improves social skills, and increases self-confidence.

We Teach Skills for Life

Job Skills for Real Life

We help adults with autism build the practical job skills needed to work outside the home. From basic task management and communication to understanding workplace expectations, our program gives individuals the confidence to step into the world of work and contribute meaningfully.

Health and Wellness

We know that work success starts with feeling good. That’s why we focus on stress management, emotional regulation, and physical wellness. We use simple techniques like breathing exercises, daily routines, and staying active to build healthy habits for life.

Building Social Connections

Getting out there and meeting people can be hard, but it’s important! We encourage participants to volunteer, visit job sites, and join group activities. This helps them practice self-advocacy, make friends, and feel comfortable in social and work settings.

We’re in This Together

We work closely with local businesses, therapists, and community partners to ensure resources needed for success. Our goal is simple: help your loved one gain the skills to work and thrive, so they can lead a more independent life while you feel confident in their future.

Navigating Support

Access the resources you need to help your autistic adult thrive and gain independence.

Let’s Talk – How Can We Help?

Whether you need guidance, resources, or support, we’re here for you. Fill out the form, and we’ll be in touch soon.