Creating Independence and Opportunity

Autistry Studios and Tamalpais Union High School District have joined forces to create a comprehensive transition program for post-secondary certificate track students. Based on Autistry’s successful programs for autistic young adults or those with similar neurocognitive differences, the Autistry/TUHSD Transition Program offers college support, pre-vocational support, and workplace-socialspace skill building.

Program Curriculum

The Autistry/TUHSD Transition Program (A/TTP) curriculum is comprised of four interwoven programs: Education, Vocation, Life Skills, and Physical Fitness/Healthy Living. Together these programs provide a 5-day comprehensive learning experience that supports growth, maturation, and individuation.

Education Program

Students are encouraged to take at least one academic course each semester. We support continued education in several ways:

On campus courses at a local community college (College of Marin). A/TTP provides in-class mentors, homework assistance, registration help, and coursework organization. Students also learn transportation skills using local transit systems.

Individualized self-paced Math and English courses preparatory to college level class work to review basic academic skills. Courses in Math and English will be taught at Autistry Studios and can also be used to complete high school level work with the goal of converting the Certificate into a Tamalpais Union High School District Diploma.

Support for courses offered through various online curricular options. Several community colleges offer online courses. Additionally, TUHSD has access to high school courses for online learning that meet graduation and college prep requirements. A/TTP will support individuals and groups in online learning.

Continuation of IEP Services: Specialized Academic Instruction and Related Services. A CA certificated Special Education/ Educational Specialist from TUHSD will provide direct specialized academic instruction, case manage student’s IEPs, and consult through on-site work at Autistry Studios.

Vocational Training Program

Having successfully participated in the A/TTP program for at least one month, students have the option of interning at Autistry Studios’ partner organizations. These sites offer unique opportunities to learn marketable skills. The intern positions may transition into paid internships:

At the Square Peg Foundation at Cadence Farm in Sonoma student volunteers work with rescued thoroughbred racehorses, helping to maintain the farm, and keeping all the various riding equipment in top shape.

At the Western Railway Museum in Rio Vista there is much work to be done restoring historic trolley cars, general museum upkeep, and engaging with the public.

Students will also have the opportunity to work alongside Marin County Parks rangers maintaining trails and doing special park projects.

Life Skills Program

The A/TTP Life Skills Program teaches everyday domestic skills for independent living as well as communication and comportment skills necessary to enjoy our community. Activities range from baking a pie to appreciating the de Young Museum and may include:

Shopping, cooking, cleaning, and other domestic chores are done at the Studio. Students are encouraged to learn how to prepare their favorite foods.

Community exploration through weekly excursions. Fridays are all about discovering new places and activities in our community. Students visit Bay Area museums, libraries, and explore other venues of interest. Transportation training is a large part of the Friday outings as the students take public buses, trains, and ferries to reach their destinations.

Physical Fitness/Healthy Living

In addition to fitness classes at College of Marin, students may participate in group activities at Autistry Studios. The activities take into consideration the needs and abilities of each individual and may include:

• Gym circuit training at COM

• Yoga / Pilates at COM and at the Studio

• Weight training at COM

• Hiking

• Nutrition workshops

• Healthy relationship workshops

Admission Process

We conduct an initial 1-hour intake interview to access whether the participant is an appropriate fit for the program and whether the program meets the participant's needs and personal goals. Acceptance into the Autistry/TUHSD Transition Program is based on the following criteria:

• Must be referred by the student’s IEP team as an appropriate postsecondary offer for students who have received a certificate of completion (not a diploma).

• Have no current dangerous or self-harming behaviors.

• Have a desire to move toward greater personal independence.

• Able to respond (either verbally or nonverbally) to spoken directions.

Please contact Amira Mostafa, TUHSD Director of Special Education for more information on the IEP referral process, or Janet Lawson, Executive Director of Autistry Studios, for programmatic information.

Amira Mostafa: 415-945-1011

Janet Lawson: 415-454-1037