The Ward Program (www.thewardprogram.com) is a program based in the UK which offers Daily Living skills training for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Asperger's and ADD. The skills , which are taught with a focus on   independent living for individuals aged 14 and older, include:

Physiological needs-

• Domestic skills
• Cookery

Security needs-

• Everyday math and time management
• Money management
• Independent travel

Social needs-

• Citizenship and the community
• Personal safety

Esteem needs-

• Everyday health
• Personal hygiene
• Hobbies and socializing

Self-actualizing needs-

• Communication skills
• Personal development

The Ward Program, an Independent Skills for Life Educational Course for Special Education Needs,  was developed by Alison Ward, an NLP practitioner and Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. The purpose of the program is to allow individuals to work through workbooks at an appropriate pace with the support of a coach who will demonstrate, explain and discuss the activity.

Workbooks, which are divided into units reflecting Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, are written in a way that ensures that all learners can access the content. All materials are printed on cream colored paper using comic sans MS font, as it is thought that people with learning differences find it easier to read workbooks presented in this format. Workbooks are designed for to track progression of independent living skills, and are accredited by the National College Open Network (NOCN).

Progress is monitored using SMART goals.  Assessment is flexible and can incorporate the following methods; photographic evidence, oral questions and answers, a project, diary, practical demonstrations, and further evidence. 

I had the opportunity to personally review the unit on Personal Hygiene Awareness for women, which qualifies for 3 NOCN credits. I found the unit to be practical and realistic. The program is thorough and flexible enough to meet the needs of individuals with varied skills, including clients with limited functional language skills. I am not familiar with any program in the US that is similar to this, but if you are interested in knowing more about this innovative and practical program, I would recommend you contact Alison Ward by emailing  info@thewardprogram.com.    

Blessings,

Mary

www.AlternativeAutismSolutions.com