How We Teach

SEEDs for Autism is a vocational training program that works directly with each individual who comes to our program. Our departments/classes are small, with a 1:1, 1:2 to 1:4 teacher-student ratio, thus allowing for concentrated and direct attention. Skills are taught in welding, sewing, gardening, culinary, weaving, woodturning, ceramics, jewelry, writing, computers and more. They don't come simply to learn arts and crafts, as all products are specific in detail and construction. We teach these categories because they are visual and require:

  • following directions and taking instructions

  • processing

  • meeting expectations

  • teamwork

  • hand eye coordination and fine motor skills

  • coping skills

  • self esteem

This hands on approach allow us to train and interact with our participants, building them up to be active participants who have a better understanding of what is required to communicate, express themselves, deal with anxiety and be involved with others.

They learn from professionals who are experts in their fields and know how to create products that are useful and functional. Skills taught include inception, development, quality control, packaging, shipping, all the way through to customer service. The same is true with SEEDs. As we build and create home and garden items that are available for sale to our communities, we teach all aspects of a business to help recognize and understand the model and needs.

These products they make require production mentality, discipline, and focus in order to keep up with sales. On top of that, SEEDs is also creating a business model that is intended to eventually create jobs directly for a percentage of those who are in the program.

We rely heavily on community connections and networking with other nonprofits, whose mission is also to educate, this allows us to bring diversity to our participants, and collaborate.  It is our goal to introduce and appeal to a wide array of interests and concepts that connect with others in our state.

Finally, we exist to bring friendships to our participants with their peers. They have opportunities to enjoy such experiences through role playing, group activities, social curriculum, and the variety of clubs we offer.

SEEDs for Autism is a place without limitations, that offers encouragement, possibilities, mentors, friendships, and genuine life triumphs. 

"I now walk with purpose."
-a quote from one of our participants