Providing services for individuals across the lifespan experiencing developmental and/or behavioral challenges.
Individuals across the lifespan, of various ages and levels of disabilities
Individuals can participate by themselves or with a caregiver
Caregivers, providers, and teams can also attend particular opportunities without their individual/child.
Register as often or as little as you’d like!
Programs range from Tuesdays – Fridays with morning, afternoon, and evening sessions available to fit your schedule.
Some programs are multi-day and range 2-3 days/week , while others are individual sessions with different focus areas for each – join us for just one or all that you would like!
Skill-building exercises and activities focusing on academic, functional, social, communication, and/or vocational areas often lead to less problematic and more positive behaviors.
Beginning with a referral process that is quick and simple!
Funding:
If Pre-ETS eligible – programming is FREE for Pre-ETS services (Group Sessions):
Between the ages of 14-22
Enrolled in an education or training program
Diagnosis of a disability
Referral received
If not Pre-ETS eligible (or participating in non-Pre-ETS services) – payment is made through one of 3 ways:
Programming opportunities range from virtual-only, to onsite at the HANDS center, hybrid, and in the community!
Explore the many opportunities to get involved with programming at HANDS in Autism®! We’re here to help you see your potential and success as you expand your skill set and gain experience.
Follow along this step-by-step process to getting started with programming:
1. Explore what programs you might be interested in below:
* = Inclusive of Pre-ETS (Pre-Employment Transition Services)
** = Inclusive of Pre-ETS & VR (Vocational Rehabilitation) Services
An independent evaluation is inclusive of a records review, caregiver interview, or an observation to assist in identifying individual learning styles and current skills that will informindividualized curriculum and behavioral planning.
Setting-Based
Occurs within home, community, or school-based settings.
Considered for children:
with challenging behavior who are at high risk of a more restrictive placement,
change in student status/placement,
or for whom associated travel risks are high
Travel greater than 75 miles from the HANDS Center and/or reports are not included as part of the onsite hours and are included separately as desired or needed.
Web-Based
Virtual support that is not limited by setting or location
Consultation among caregivers, service providers or provider teams, can assist in the planning and/or support of initial or ongoing assessment, training, and practice
Coordinated for up to an hour each time and may occur across single or multiple, hourly occasions
No review of records is involved in this consultation and coordination occurs to ensure individuals or teams can effectively engage for the duration with all activities occurring during scheduled times.
Eligibility:
Early Childhood (Ages <7)
No diagnosis needed
No referral needed
Payment through self-pay, scholarship, OR School contract request
School-Age (Grades K-12)
Enrolled in school
Diagnosis of a disability
Referral required
Payment through self-pay, scholarship, OR School contract request
Transition-Adulthood (Ages 14+)
Enrolled in an education or training program
Diagnosis of a disability
Referral required
Payment through self-pay, scholarship, OR School contract request
Initial sessions will focus on skills and goal development to provide direction for future sessions. Sessions are structured to address the identified academic, behavioral, and/or functional goals of the child as well as caregiver goals for skills development. During sessions, HANDS trainers provide instruction as well as demonstrate strategies in practice with the child while the caregiver observes.
Caregivers, and participating providers when applicable, have opportunity to ask questions, practice skills with the child and receive feedback from the trainer in real time across both live and virtual settings. Build on strategies to improve interactions in various environments, particularly when partnered with setting-based consultations to foster improved use & consistency.
At times, multiple persons such as 2 caregivers, a caregiver and provider, or other may be engaged to best support use of strategies across persons and settings.
Eligibility:
Early Childhood (Ages <7)
No diagnosis needed
No referral needed
Payment through self-pay, scholarship, OR School contract request
School-Age (Grades K-12)
Enrolled in school
Diagnosis of a disability
Referral required
Payment through self-pay, scholarship, OR School contract request
Transition-Adulthood (Ages 14+)
Enrolled in an education or training program
Diagnosis of a disability
Referral required
Payment through self-pay, scholarship, OR School contract request
Initial sessions will focus on skills assessment and goal development to provide direction for future sessions. Sessions are structured to address the identified academic, behavioral, and/or functional goals. Skills and interventions will be individualized but may be addressed in either an individual or group setting depending on the format best able to target the prioritized goals at that time.
Example:A child is behind academically and the parents would like to work on the development of skills that will better prepare the child for kindergarten. Specific academic skills to address would be identified through assessment, goal setting, and practice during sessions with a HANDS trainer and between sessions (e.g., homework practice)
Eligibility:
Early Childhood (Ages <7)
No diagnosis needed
No referral needed
Payment through self-pay, scholarship, OR School contract request
School-Age (Grades K-12)
Enrolled in school
Diagnosis of a disability
Referral required
Payment through self-pay, scholarship, OR School contract request
Transition-Adulthood (Ages 14+)
Enrolled in an education or training program
Diagnosis of a disability
Referral required
If age 18+, must be emancipated if no obtained guardianship
Payment through self-pay, scholarship, OR School contract request
Initial sessions will focus on skills assessment and goal development to provide direction for future sessions. Sessions are structured to address the identified academic, behavioral, and/or functional goals. Skills and interventions will be individualized but may be addressed in either an individual or group setting depending on the format best able to target the prioritized goals at that time.
Example: A small group, consisting of no more than 4-6 similar aged children, work together in group activities that allow for learning and practice of such skills as turn taking, use of positive commenting, and response to one another during interactive games using materials of high interest to the children involved.
Adaptations to materials and activities are individualized based upon the particular needs of group members (e.g., fine or gross motor adaptations, communication output options, visual cues/supports) to best support the childrens’ ability to understand, express, and engage with peers within the group.
Private Group Programs:
Interested in providing programming to your students, employees, or organization in a more tailored and specific way? Contact hands@iupui.edu with stated interest and a brief overview of your organization/group & potential needs so we can provide what’s best for you!
Eligibility:
Early Childhood (Ages <7)
No diagnosis needed
No referral needed
Payment through self-pay, scholarship, OR School contract request
School-Age (Grades K-12)
Enrolled in school
Diagnosis of a disability
Referral required
Payment through self-pay, scholarship, OR School contract request (if not ages 14-22 & Pre-ETS Eligible)
Transition-Adulthood (Ages 14+)
Pre-ETS Eligible:
Enrolled in an education or training program
Diagnosis of a disability
Referral required
Between the ages 14-22
Non-Pre-ETS:
Enrolled in an education or training program
Diagnosis of a disability
Referral required
Among programming options, individuals may have the opportunity to participate in HANDS trainings or workshops as scheduled throughout the year. During these sessions, individuals engage in a range of activities in both individual and group formats while working with adult training participants (e.g., teachers, providers, and other professionals) who are learning to apply evidence-based strategies and concepts such as schedules, prompting practice, data collection, social skills teaching and other activities as part of their experience in the HANDS training.
Example: An individual participating in a training will work with adult participants during academic or pre-academic activities on various tasks appropriate to their level and skill. The individual may also interact with participants in group activities such as art, snack and outdoor games with participants focused on appropriate prompting and praise while the individuals work on improving various skills and spontaneous conversations. While not working with training participants, the individual will participate in various self, one-on-one, and group work and activities with the HANDS trainers and other individuals in a camp-like atmosphere.
Gain a referral from a community professional (i.e. medical, school, therapist, etc.).
ForVocational Rehabilitation(VR) Services, get referred by your VR counselor by having them download and fill out the ‘VR Referral Form’ to the left.
If you would like to refer a client to our non-VR services, please select the ‘Digital Referral Form’ & specify “Referring Provider” as your role, OR, download the PDF form and email to hands@iupui.edu.
Upon gaining a referral, a HANDS team member will be in touch with the next steps to determine which services or programs you are most interested in getting started with as well as payment/funding options.
If not registering for Pre-ETS or VR services, skip step 4.
4. Complete the Intake Meeting
A HANDS trainer will be in touch to set up an intake meeting (initial consultation) to identify individual needs and services qualified for.
Before your first session…
We are so excited that you and your family have decided to engage in services provided by HANDS in Autism®! It is our privilege to partner with you along this journey of growth and opportunities! To facilitate a smooth start to services, please make sure you’ve completed the following administrative and technical processes prior to your first session, if not already done.
1. Sign a Media Consent Form
HANDS in Autism® greatly respects the confidentiality of your information. Briefly, we may collect photographs, audio recordings, and/or video recordings to ensure the provision of high-quality services and facilitate targeted educational and training purposes. You may also provide optional consent for us to use this information in broader educational, promotional, and marketing resources.
After you've registered, you will receive a confirmation email with the subject line "HANDS in Autism [Name of Training & Session]" to the email provided. If this email does not come to your inbox right away, keep a look out as it will most likely arrive within 5-6 weeks to the first day of the training/program. In this email you'll find the Media Consent Form and instructions to complete it, as well as details about how we manage your information in the Media Consent Form. If you still did not receive the email within 5-6 weeks of your program start date or if you have further questions about completing the form,contact us.
2. Complete a Background Questionnaire
These questionnaires vary in length (approximately 5 to 20 minutes per questionnaire) and cover a range of topics, including your interest areas, skills, and goals for the future.
For us to get to know you better and to personalize the services that you will receive, we ask that you complete these series of questionnaires.
After you've registered, you will receive an email with pre-training questionnaires to the email provided. If this email does not come to your inbox right away, keep a look out as it will most likely arrive within 5-6 weeks to the first day of the training/program. In this email you'll find the Background Questionnaire with instructions to complete it. If you still did not receive the email within 5-6 weeks of your program start date or if you have further questions about completing the questionnaire,contact us.
3. Set up an IU Guest Account via Canvas
Canvas is a learning management system that we routinely use in our services and it is how you will access all modules, announcements, trainings, etc.
Find detailed instructions on how to set up and access courses in your IU Canvas accounthere.
For additional resources and troubleshooting, visit ourAccess & Supportpage and scroll down to “Canvas” under “List of Common Services/Platforms”
4. Download & Install Zoom
Zoom is an online conferencing platform that we use during meetings, trainings and services to host discussions, presentations, and provide modeling of techniques.
