Emory Autism Center’s myLIFE Program supports adults who identify with an autism spectrum profile. Our therapeutic social engagement groups and additional small-group and 1:1 activities create opportunities for personal growth as group members engage in meaningful communication, social interaction, and many wellness activities alongside volunteer peer mentors.
myLIFE is a leader in building supportive, neurodiverse communities across the Emory University campus and surrounding neighborhoods.
myLIFE social engagement groups are specifically designed to create a safe haven where members have the opportunity to
- confidently practice socially-expectant behaviors across an array of social environments
- engage in fun, age-appropriate activities
- share observations and suggestions with each other
- interact with similar-aged, neurotypical and neurodiverse peers
Events and activities in and around the Emory campus are planned along with formal classroom training, which includes multimedia formats, subject-matter experts, role-playing and practice activities. Everything taught is through the lens of building social competency and confidence.
Some areas of focus include:
Interpersonal Skills
Interpersonal skills aid in reducing stress, help resolve conflict, improve communication, increase understanding and promote joy. These skills include: accountability, assertiveness, collaboration, communication, conflict management, conflict resolution, constructive criticism, decision-making, developing rapport, diplomacy, flexibility, helping behaviors, instructing, leadership, listening skills, manners, negotiation, non-verbal communication, patience, problem solving, respect, questioning skills, responsibility, self-management, social awareness, teamwork, tolerance, understanding and verbal communication.
Healthy Living Skills
Living a healthier life not only extends your life, but also improves the quality. Feeling physically better and having control over your own life can greatly increase your mental health as well. These skills include: nutrition and meal preparation, physical fitness, personal grooming and hygiene and prevention/regular check-ups.
Self-Awareness and Identity
Self-awareness is having a clear understanding of who you are, and how others perceive you. Having clarity empowers you to consciously take proactive steps to make your desires become a reality instead of unfulfilled dreams. These skills include: strengths abilities, autism identity, attitudes, beliefs, challenging areas, emotions and motivations.
myLIFE aims to support adults with ASD in identifying their strengths, developing relationships and learning successful strategies to engage in adulting activities. Creating an optimal environment is often the start, so our myLIFE clinicians take great care in understanding each person’s interests and areas for growth. From there, members are placed are placed within myLIFE groups based on learning and cognitive profile, age, shared passions, level of therapeutic support needed, personality and personal goals.
Clinical Programs
The myLIFE Clinical program is built around social engagement groups. Here, members have the opportunity to discuss and practice adulting behaviors including social, emotional and independent living skills.
Our clinical groups are led by masters-level clinicians who provide direct guidance and support.
Support Groups
Support groups for exploring specific identities with like-minded people are an important offering for myLIFE. Current groups include separate men’s and women’s groups, an LGBTQIA+ support group and a Professionals support group.
Recreational Programs
myLIFE members enjoy the opportunity to connect with others who share their personal interests within fun social groups, explore ways to develop fitness and healthy-living skills alongside a peer mentor and find guidance with writing projects and career-related goals.