BRIDGES is an acronym that stands for Building Relationships, Independence, Determination, Group & Essential Skills – the perfect name for ABtA’s Activities of Daily Living (ADL) program! Designed for ages 8 and up, BRIDGES teaches meaningful life skills through evidence-based ABA programming with the goal of increasing learner autonomy and confidence in a fun and individualized environment.
Best-in-class support and help for autistic teenagers, preteens, and young adults is a click away.
ABA for Teenagers, Preteens & Young Adults
Age Range: 8-21+
Target Audience: Autistic preteens, teenagers, young adults
Primary Population: Autistic learners; homeschool families
Availability: Monday – Friday
Minimum Commitment: 30 hours/week; 6 hours/day
Extended Programming: Up to 40 hours/week; 8 hours/day
Therapeutic Approach: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy
Format: 1:1 therapy; small group learning
Cost: Varies by insurance (we accept BCBS, MedCost, Medicaid)
Center Locations: University Center, Charlotte, NC; Winston-Salem, NC
The cost of ABA therapy with insurance can vary widely, but many plans cover a significant portion (if not all) of the expense. The cost depends on the specifics of each individual’s insurance plan and coverage.
Candidates for the BRIDGES program include those who:
Who We Serve
The BRIDGES program at A Bridge to Achievement offers ABA therapy activities for autistic teenagers, preteens, and young adults.
Most learners attend BRIDGES as a therapeutic supplement to their homeschool curriculum; others are adults living at home and benefit from daily living skill support and socialization. Families with older children have found BRIDGES to be especially helpful for building social skills in teenagers with autism.
Many participate in the program for consecutive years, augmenting the opportunity for cumulative skill development, peer-to-peer learning, and community building.
Learners are primarily English speaking.
The BRIDGES program is most beneficial for learners when collaboratively delivered. Therapists introduce and practice skills in our centers, and family members reinforce concepts and continue practical application at home and in community settings.
ABA therapy is delivered in structured sessions across the program day, often in one-on-one or small group settings. To foster meaningful social skills and friendships, learners are placed in best-fit groups based on age, developmental appropriateness, and interests.
Treatment plans target individualized learning goals regarding communication, independence, self-advocacy, self-care, self-regulation, social interaction, and tolerance. Activities may include cooking, household tasks, and projects and crafts, like gardening and painting.
Routine. Social. Relevant.
BRIDGES is a powerful supplement to the homeschool curriculum by offering individualized learning, consistency and routine, social opportunities, and real-life skills application.
Programming features a variety of hands-on activities that are often technology-rich, grounded in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) principles, and include leisure and recreational skills development. Check out our quarterly BRIDGES magazine for more information.
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