Behavior Consultation focuses on understanding challenges that may be interfering with daily life and developing practical strategies that support meaningful progress and improved quality of life. Consultation involves working collaboratively with the individual, family members, and other support providers to better understand behavior and create supportive environments that promote success.

The process focuses on identifying why behaviors occur, strengthening communication and coping skills, and helping the support team respond in consistent and effective ways.

Behavior Consultation may include:

• Identifying factors that contribute to challenging behavior
• Developing individualized support strategies and behavior plans
• Teaching functional communication and coping skills
• Supporting emotional regulation and stress management
• Building independence and daily living skills
• Coaching parents, caregivers, and support staff
• Coordinating with the individual’s broader support team

The goal is to create sustainable supports that help individuals participate more successfully in their homes, communities, and daily routines.

These services may be funded through the Self-Determination Program (SDP) under Behavior Consultation (Code 364), though service codes may vary depending on the individual’s spending plan.

Turning everyday challenges into opportunities to build independence.

Independent Living Skills services support individuals in developing the practical abilities needed to manage daily life with greater independence. These supports focus on real-world skills that help individuals navigate routines, responsibilities, and everyday tasks more confidently.

Services are individualized and often involve hands-on practice in natural environments such as the home or community. The goal is to build skills gradually, increase independence over time, and support individuals in developing routines that make daily life more manageable and successful.

Independent Living Skills services may include:

• Building daily routines and time management skills
• Cooking and meal preparation
• Household organization and cleaning skills
• Personal care and self-management routines
• Using transportation and navigating the community
• Money management and budgeting basics
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Practicing skills in real-world environments

The goal is to help individuals build the skills and confidence needed to manage daily responsibilities and participate more independently in their homes and communities.

These services may be funded through the Self-Determination Program (SDP) under Independent Living Skills (Code 320) or similar service codes, depending on the individual’s spending plan.

PEERS® is a structured, evidence-based social skills program designed to help adolescents and young adults develop and maintain meaningful friendships. Originally developed at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, the program focuses on practical strategies for navigating social situations, building connections with peers, and increasing confidence in social environments.

Participants learn and practice skills such as starting and maintaining conversations, identifying shared interests, handling disagreements, and developing friendships. The program emphasizes real-world application so participants can use these skills in their everyday lives at school, work, and in the community.

PEERS® groups provide a supportive environment where participants can learn, practice, and build confidence while connecting with others who are working toward similar goals.

For more detailed information about program structure, eligibility, and upcoming groups, please visit our PEERS® Program page.

Building confidence and practical skills for meaningful roles in work and the community.

Career and Employment Skills services support individuals in exploring meaningful work opportunities and developing the skills needed to participate in work or volunteer settings. For many individuals, this process begins with pre-job training and volunteer experiences that help build confidence, independence, and foundational workplace skills.

Support is individualized and based on each person’s goals, interests, and readiness level. For some individuals, the focus may be preparing for future employment, while for others it may center on participating in volunteer roles or meaningful responsibilities within the community.

Career and Employment support may include:

• Exploring interests and identifying potential volunteer or career paths
• Pre-job training to develop foundational workplace skills
• Participating in volunteer opportunities within the community
• Developing workplace communication and professionalism
• Practicing routines, responsibilities, and expectations in work-like environments
• Building time management, organization, and task completion skills
• Navigating workplace social expectations and teamwork

The goal is to help individuals build confidence and practical skills through real-world experiences, creating opportunities to contribute, develop independence, and participate in meaningful roles within their community.

These services may be funded through the Self-Determination Program (SDP), and the specific service codes used may vary depending on the individual’s goals and support plan.

Social Skills Training provides individualized support to help individuals strengthen communication, build friendships, and navigate social situations. While some individuals are learning new skills, others may already have the skills but need support applying them in real-world situations such as meeting new people, participating in activities, or joining group conversations.

Support is tailored to each person’s goals, strengths, and social environment. Sessions often involve practicing skills in natural settings so individuals can apply what they learn during everyday interactions at home, in the community, and in work or school environments. For some individuals, this may include support attending social activities, practicing conversations in real settings, or building the confidence to participate in new experiences.

Social Skills Training may include:

• Starting and maintaining conversations
• Understanding social cues and body language
• Taking turns in conversation and active listening
• Developing and maintaining friendships
• Navigating group conversations and social activities
• Practicing appropriate humor and topic selection
• Managing disagreements and problem-solving in social situations
• Building confidence in social interactions

Social Skills Training may also help individuals prepare for structured group programs such as PEERS® or provide additional support after completing the program.

These services may be funded through the Self-Determination Program (SDP), and the specific service codes used may vary depending on the individual’s goals and support plan.

Expanding opportunities for connection, participation, and meaningful experiences in the community.

Community Integration services support individuals in becoming more comfortable, confident, and engaged in the world around them. These supports focus on helping individuals access activities, environments, and social opportunities that contribute to a meaningful and fulfilling life.

Services are individualized and often involve practicing skills directly in community settings such as coffee shops, recreational activities, volunteer environments, or other public spaces. The goal is to gradually increase comfort, confidence, and independence while supporting individuals in building connections and participating more fully in everyday community life.

Community Integration services may include:

• Practicing social interaction skills in natural environments
• Participating in community activities and recreational interests
• Building confidence navigating public spaces
• Developing routines for getting out of the house and engaging in activities
• Exploring hobbies, volunteering, or social opportunities
• Practicing communication and problem-solving in real-life situations
• Increasing independence in community participation
• Supporting individuals in identifying activities that bring enjoyment and purpose

The goal is to help individuals build confidence, develop social connections, and participate more fully in their communities in ways that align with their interests and goals.

These services may be funded through the Self-Determination Program (SDP) under Community Integration (Code 331) or similar service codes, depending on the individual’s spending plan.