Sedona News – Sedona Lago is excited to launch “Pathways to Independence,” a new program for young adults with neurodiversity looking for support in pursuing their dreams. Residents in the Verde Valley can participate in the program, which offers customized curriculums in four targeted domains: Independent Living, Social Awareness and Achievement, Vocational Skills and Management, and Personal Health and Wellness.
“The Pathways to Independence Program offers unprecedented opportunities for self-directed neurodivergent young adults to polish their skills, pursue their dreams, and become more independent,” said Gary Wagner, President of Sedona Lago Gardens.
Pathways to Independence utilizes both an evidence-based curriculum, as well as individually customized programming developed by professionals as part of the psychological and educational assessment process.
Research shows that neurodiversity, such as autism, is extensively linked to deficits in executive functioning skills. Sedona Lago selects 11 executive functioning domains (task initiation, attention, working memory, time management, organization, planning, flexibility, perseverance, processing, emotional regulation, and impulse control) to target deficits and increase individual productivity. These skills are embedded in the fully customized curriculum.
Life Coach Erin Boisrond works with the team to customize each person’s program and experience to meet their unique needs. Boisrond says: “Young adults with neurodiversity face unique challenges that are often coupled with anxiety related to the demand to perform both at the high school level and the postsecondary level. Increased academic, social and personal challenges frequently develop in the mid to late teen years, making it difficult for adults with neurodiversity like autism to find independent success and feel confident in their skill set.”
“We address all needs, particularly with our learning domain geared towards personal health and wellness. It is important for young adults in our program to feel success and confidence in all aspects of their life,” Boisrond added.
An open house will be held at the Sedona Lago offices on December 16 and 17 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. for people interested in learning more about the program and meeting the Sedona Lago team. Please RSVP by email: info@sedonalago.org or call 928-325-8400. The Sedona Lago offices are at 2756 W State Rte Hwy 89 A, Suite #1.
The comprehensive curriculum is also part of Sedona Lago Gardens, a new residential community designed for neurodiverse individuals and people with autism. The community opens in January 2023 and is currently taking applications.
Sedona Lago Gardens, and its Pathways to Independence program, identifies vocational areas of interest. Within the Vocational Skills and Management domain, they partner with area businesses, galleries, restaurants, hotels, and programs to secure volunteer placements, internships, and eventually jobs for residents and members.
“We hope to demonstrate that vocational independence can be an attainable goal for all,” added Boisrond.
Sedona Lago Gardens and the Pathways to Independence Program offer a pioneering approach for self-directed young adults with neurodiversity, including ADHD, autism, fetal alcohol syndrome, cognitive challenges, or other neurodivergent capabilities. Their highly focused, one-on-one coaching is based on the stated life goals of each resident and integrated with the rest of the community and work life. They are a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit community and an affiliate of Rainbow Acres. For more information, visit: Sedonalago.org.