July 2023 Newsletter

To our Advance LA Community,

Happy Summertime! We hope you and your family are enjoying the warm weather, fresh produce, and backyard barbecues. Henry James described this season perfectly when he said, “Summer afternoon – to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.” We agree!

In this month’s blogpost, we have a challenge for our neurodivergent young adults who are heading off to college in the fall: spend some time this summer on college prep. By doing the work now, incoming college freshman can feel prepared and confident to start college academics in the fall.

Advance LA’s mission is to help our clients advance to independent adulthood. Our Life Skills Coaches meet with their clients remotely, or in person, to provide support and guidance in areas including academics, executive functioning, time management, organization, social/dating skills, job/internship obtainment and maintenance, and independent living skills.

Please contact us at advancela@thehelpgroup.org for more information.

Wishing you all the best,
Jeri Rochman, JD, MS
Program Coordinator
Advance LA

For college freshmen, July is the month for spending time at the beach, having a BBQ with friends, lounging in a hammock on a lazy afternoon – and preparing for the fall semester at college. If that last part of that sentence gave you pause we understand! Neurodivergent young adults may not want to think about college life during the carefree summer months, but spending time in July working on college prep will have a big pay-off in September. By practicing the skills needed for college success, neurodivergent college freshmen can feel prepared and confident in their abilities.

Wednesday, August 16 | 10-11am PT | Via Zoom 

This webcast will discuss the frequent question asked by parents of teens and young adults with special needs – “What happens next?” and “How can we avoid the failure to launch syndrome?” We will discuss transition planning, vocational support and job coaching opportunities, community college supports, and resources.

Upcoming Events & More

Young Adult Summer Program

August 7 – 11

This unique summer social-recreational program is for young adults ages 18-22 with mild to moderate needs related to learning, language, attention, social, and/or sensory challenges who can function with minimal support.

Save The Date for the RV Arcade!

Wed., August 16, 6:30-8:30 pm PT

Join club l.a. for a fun-filled game night aboard an RV decked out with 46-inch LED TV’s! Hang with friends and show off your gaming skills. We will have dinner and dessert. Don’t miss out – register today! For neurodiverse young adults ages 18-29. Fee: $35

Parent-to-Parent Support Group

Summer Break during July & August. We’ll be back Sept. 7 | 6-7 pm PT

Free online sessions for parents to connect, share stories & learn from one another. Parents will select topics and group leaders will facilitate discussions and offer guidance. Meetings take place the first and third Thursday of each month.

Dating & Relationship Coaching

Available now!

Advance LA now offers dating and relationship coaching for neuro-divergent young adults who are interested in learning the social skills involved in dating, as well as the communication skills required to maintain a romantic relationship. To learn more, contact Jeri

Life Skills Coaching

Virtual coaching available for academic, vocational, social, and independent living skills support (individual or group sessions). Contact us to learn more.

Lumina Couseling

Lumina offers insurance and private pay individual, group, couples, and family therapy to people of all ages, both in-person and online, throughout the Los Angeles area. Lumina believes that everyone has the right to be heard and to be guided to live their best possible life. For more information, please call 818-779-5100.

Other Programs at The Help Group for K-12 & Transition Students

In Case You Missed Our Webcast:

Navigating Your Child’s Coming Out Journey Together

ABOUT ADVANCE LA:

At Advance LA, we offer the answer to one of the most frequently asked questions by parents of teens and young adults with special needs, “What happens next?” Our personalized program provides clients with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, executive functioning difficulties and learning differences the experiences and opportunities necessary to lead a fulfilling adult life. We offer coaching services and support groups, as well as workshops and conferences for young adults, parents, and industry professionals.

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