CENTER FOR ADAPTIVE LEARNING

 

A Key to Individual Potential for Adults with Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

Q: What is the starting age of a client?

A:  19-20 years old

 

Q: What is the average age of a client?

A:  25-35 years old

 

Q: How do I know who is eligible to attend CAL?

A: Participants in the CAL program must meet all of the following requirements: Be over 18 years of age, have an identifiable neurodevelopmental disability or Autism Spectrum Disorder, be assessed as having the potential for employment, demonstrate a desire to live as independently as possible, and be willing and able to live in an alcohol and drug free program

 

Q:  What if my son or daughter needs to stay at CAL forever?

A:  CAL is a work in progress. To date we have many clients who do not plan to leave CAL. Clients have left due to mental health issues, deteriorating physical health, and feeling successful enough to try living independently.

 

Q: What if I disagree with a policy or want to make suggestions about services?

A:  We encourage you to make an appointment with the appropriate staff to present your suggestion or request. Again, CAL is a work in progress and our staff is very flexible. However, we ask you to respect our experience if we tell you your idea has been considered or attempted in the past and did not work.

 

Q: Can you guarantee that my child will become employed?

A: We don’t guarantee, but we stand on the principle that meaningful work is one of the major markers of successful adult life, so it is a primary goal of ours for each and every client. We do consider volunteer work, part time work and other alternatives worthy of our clients’ time and effort.

 

Q: What if I come to think the staff doesn’t really understand my son or daughter?

A:  It is a common occurrence, especially during the first year of adjustment to life at CAL, for parents and staff to have different perspectives on the client. One reason for this difference is that our clients, like everyone else, behave differently in different situations. So staff sometimes see one thing and parents see another.  Another reason for a difference of opinion is that clients sometimes, purposefully or not, create misunderstandings between parents and staff by relating facts and stories poorly.  Sometimes a parent’s distress or anger at staff  “feels like love” to the client. (This is a concept developed by Dr. Perry and she covers it in her talk with new parents.)

 

Q: How much does our program cost?

A: The Annual Program Fee for CAL is $38,520.00*. The Program Fee does not include the client’s living expenses (rent, groceries and utilities). *Fees are subject to change without notice.

 

Q: How to get more information?

A: Email info@c4al.org, or Call the Admissions Associate at (925) 827-3863, 9am-5pm PST.