Autism Services Association (ASA) is a private non-profit human service agency which provides community employment services, supported employment, Day Habilitation Program, and other clinical supports to young adults and adults with autism and other challenging developmental disabilities. ASA was established in 1963 by a group of concerned parents, citizens, and community leaders to serve the needs of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities in Central and Eastern Massachusetts.
Admission criteria are:
1) age 16 or older,
2) a diagnosis of autism and/or other developmental disability,
3) in need of services integrated into the community.
Programs offered by ASA include the following:
ASA’s CBDS program is designed to develop and enhance vocational and daily living skills. Community specialists and staff educates and enhances social skills and to promote interests in recreational and leisure activities. ASA’s staff work with individuals to build skills and create engaging community activities.
ASA’ s staff work with individuals on Career Exploration activities such as volunteering, tour potential employers, resume building, development of internships, job trails and travel training. ASA’s staff build the skills in health and wellness, work on interview and writing resume skills, social interactions at work and in the community, safety skills and job preparation: dressing for work, time management (how long lunch and breaks are). In addition to individual’s careers, ASA staff explore individual’s interests in various activities in the community.