Early to Adulthood (18-65 years+)

Early to Late Adulthood (18-65 years+)

HANDS supports adults who require continued support with independent living skills, employment stability, social relationships, and self‑advocacy via vocational programs, work‑based learning, individualized coaching, and community‑based consultations.

Take a look at our tiered programming and services options: 

Tier 1: Dissemination & Awareness

  • HANDS Website and Newsletters: Sign up to access our growing library of resources and training based on your needs and interests. You’ll also receive regular email updates and great rates on our publications. Simply choose if you’d like to join as a family, professional member or organization and complete the online sign up form. Give a gift of subscription for 6 months.
  • HANDS store (visual supports, informational handouts, manuals): Find a range of manuals, resource toolkits, single-strategy toolkits, informational handouts, resource series, visuals supports and tools, how-to videos and mini-learning videos
  • Local Community Cadres: Local Community Cadres (LCCs) are regional networks of families and professionals invested in supporting individuals affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related developmental disabilities. Participation in the local cadres serves the purpose of identifying local needs and making targeted changes to positively impact ASD at the community level.
  • HANDS Art Expo: Each year, we present an art expo to celebrate artwork created by autistic individuals who utilize art as a means of expression, as well as pieces created by artists and communities celebrating autism acceptance. This free popular event is held annually in April.

Tier 2: General Trainings & Topic-Based Consultation

  • Next Steps™ workshop: Next Steps™ workshop is a monthly discussion-based workshop in which the team from HANDS in Autism® discusses general information about a diagnosis, adjusting to the diagnosis, and how to make appropriate treatment decisions. A comprehensive manual is distributed during the workshop (one per household). No direct or individual consultation on treatment decisions will be given.
  • Online modules: Access asynchronous modules offered thru IU Expand with associated learning aids (e.g., visual supports, tools).
  • Tools Library: Gain access to visual and implementation supports (e.g., manuals,flyers, information cards, tools).
  • HANDS DD & Autism ECHO Series: Developmental Disabilities and Autism ECHO connects individuals and their comprehensive care system to subject matter experts for regular real-time collaborative sessions to advance learning and practice in serving individuals and their families.
  • Open Office Hours: Join us for Ask-Learn-Share with HANDS in Autism® to ask your questions or share your successes and challenges related to your role, your setting and the topics you’re finding most pressing.