Adult Program

Our Adult Program was founded in 1985 and has evolved over the years and now serves 50 clients participating in a wide range of engaging and enriching activities throughout the day. We believe in creating ample opportunities for continued learning to support our adults under the Morgan Autism Center model.

Our Adult Program is designed with a 3:1 client-to-staff ratio. Clients range in age from 22 to 60 years old. Each day follows a predictable schedule with various activities that rotate on a weekly basis. Though we maintain the 3:1 ratio throughout the day, we often have groups of 6 or 9 clients working on the same activity. Staff are trained to teach functional and social skills to our clients throughout the day. Our clients rotate between staff and spend time with different groups of their peers.

Activities

Activities are designed to be meaningful and accessible to the range of abilities of each client. Simplified directions, visuals, schedule review, and physical or modeling support are just some of the ways we adapt activities to be achievable and enjoyable for all. Each participant has the prerogative to choose from the activities that are available, though we encourage routine participation to develop skills and meaningful relationships.

Our program is constantly evolving based on the interests of our current group of clients and the different skills and perspectives of our talented staff members. Activities are designed to maintain and reinforce academic foundations that have been developed in the client’s previous school program.

Behavioral Philosophy

Our program follows the Morgan Autism Center Model, with a focus on respectful and positive interactions. Though all of our clients have behavioral challenges, our staff and directors work to provide the support and individualized guidance required to enable all participants to be successful and remain safe. We pride ourselves on knowing our clients well and providing support in a proactive way. Staff members do not use limit setting language such as “no,” “stop,” or “I don’t like that.” We believe that positive interactions lead to the creation of an environment that is respectful and dignified. Please see our Who We Are page for more information.

Regularly Scheduled Activities Include:

Gardening
Academic maintenance
Puzzles
Art Projects
Interactive games
Cooking
Pre-vocational skills development

Volunteer Program

We host community volunteers on a regular basis from private schools and colleges. Groups of our clients spend time with these visitors enjoying some of the activities listed above. These interactions create special connections between participants, and help to advance our mission of community integration.

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What People Are Saying About Us

"I want to thank you so much for allowing me to visit your amazing program last Friday. It honestly makes me emotional when reflecting on it because I felt like it was such a welcoming and safe space for your/our students and the broader community as a whole. The joy of learning, sense of strong community, creativity and collaboration, and teamwork that filled every corner was SO special to see and it was truly unlike anything I've witnessed before. It's something I'll truly remember for years to come because it was just that impactful- from the Wheel of Friendship to Community Safety Jeopardy and everything in between! Thank you and your team for providing such high quality educational experiences."

Gina Mussalla
School District Psychologist

“The classrooms are an incredible place of learning. Each classroom is designed to assists the students in developing the skills needed to succeed. I can only marvel at the accomplishments of the Morgan Autism Center and look forward to visiting again.”

Kathy Mussler
Loma Prieta Region of the Porsche Club of America

“During our site visit we saw how the staff genuinely cared for the students. They really do a lot for their families.”

Kirsty Duncan
Sereno Group Willow Glen

"Morgan Autism Center has been truly life-changing for my daughter. Their person-centered approach has given her a renewed sense of purpose and joy. Each morning, she looks forward to getting up, spending time with her friends, and engaging with the incredible support team in the adult program. It’s a reality I once didn’t dare to hope for, yet here we are. Thank you, MAC team, for creating such a high-quality, meaningful program for my daughter. You have made an immeasurable difference in her life and ours."

Trudy Grable
Adult Program Parent

"The Adult Program at Morgan Autism Center has been amazing for our family. Our son Jack, who is nonverbal, has been part of the program for over five years, and every day he is treated with respect and dignity. He is surrounded by compassionate and dedicated people who believe in him, nurture his potential, and celebrate his unique abilities."

Mitch and Daren Tuchman
Adult Program Parents

"We have a daughter who has been in MAC's adult program for over 10 years.  I believe that this program is one of the main reasons that she has been able to thrive over these years.  The Adult Program is great because it has activities that enrich her life, such as gardening, community service outings like Animal Assisted Happiness, cleanup at  Hidden villa, and fun stuff like movies and lunch outings. It has also enabled her to make many new friends.  Most importantly, she has a sense of belonging."

Lenny and Margie Pfister
Adult Program Parents

"I want to thank you so much for allowing me to visit your amazing program last Friday. It honestly makes me emotional when reflecting on it because I felt like it was such a welcoming and safe space for your/our students and the broader community as a whole. The joy of learning, sense of strong community, creativity and collaboration, and teamwork that filled every corner was SO special to see and it was truly unlike anything I've witnessed before. It's something I'll truly remember for years to come because it was just that impactful- from the Wheel of Friendship to Community Safety Jeopardy and everything in between! Thank you and your team for providing such high quality educational experiences."

Gina Mussalla
School District Psychologist

“The classrooms are an incredible place of learning. Each classroom is designed to assists the students in developing the skills needed to succeed. I can only marvel at the accomplishments of the Morgan Autism Center and look forward to visiting again.”

Kathy Mussler
Loma Prieta Region of the Porsche Club of America

“During our site visit we saw how the staff genuinely cared for the students. They really do a lot for their families.”

Kirsty Duncan
Sereno Group Willow Glen

"Morgan Autism Center has been truly life-changing for my daughter. Their person-centered approach has given her a renewed sense of purpose and joy. Each morning, she looks forward to getting up, spending time with her friends, and engaging with the incredible support team in the adult program. It’s a reality I once didn’t dare to hope for, yet here we are. Thank you, MAC team, for creating such a high-quality, meaningful program for my daughter. You have made an immeasurable difference in her life and ours."

Trudy Grable
Adult Program Parent

"The Adult Program at Morgan Autism Center has been amazing for our family. Our son Jack, who is nonverbal, has been part of the program for over five years, and every day he is treated with respect and dignity. He is surrounded by compassionate and dedicated people who believe in him, nurture his potential, and celebrate his unique abilities."

Mitch and Daren Tuchman
Adult Program Parents

"We have a daughter who has been in MAC's adult program for over 10 years.  I believe that this program is one of the main reasons that she has been able to thrive over these years.  The Adult Program is great because it has activities that enrich her life, such as gardening, community service outings like Animal Assisted Happiness, cleanup at  Hidden villa, and fun stuff like movies and lunch outings. It has also enabled her to make many new friends.  Most importantly, she has a sense of belonging."

Lenny and Margie Pfister
Adult Program Parents

What People Are Saying About Us

"I want to thank you so much for allowing me to visit your amazing program last Friday. It honestly makes me emotional when reflecting on it because I felt like it was such a welcoming and safe space for your/our students and the broader community as a whole. The joy of learning, sense of strong community, creativity and collaboration, and teamwork that filled every corner was SO special to see and it was truly unlike anything I've witnessed before. It's something I'll truly remember for years to come because it was just that impactful- from the Wheel of Friendship to Community Safety Jeopardy and everything in between! Thank you and your team for providing such high quality educational experiences."

Gina Mussalla
School District Psychologist

“The classrooms are an incredible place of learning. Each classroom is designed to assists the students in developing the skills needed to succeed. I can only marvel at the accomplishments of the Morgan Autism Center and look forward to visiting again.”

Kathy Mussler
Loma Prieta Region of the Porsche Club of America

“During our site visit we saw how the staff genuinely cared for the students. They really do a lot for their families.”

Kirsty Duncan
Sereno Group Willow Glen

"Morgan Autism Center has been truly life-changing for my daughter. Their person-centered approach has given her a renewed sense of purpose and joy. Each morning, she looks forward to getting up, spending time with her friends, and engaging with the incredible support team in the adult program. It’s a reality I once didn’t dare to hope for, yet here we are. Thank you, MAC team, for creating such a high-quality, meaningful program for my daughter. You have made an immeasurable difference in her life and ours."

Trudy Grable
Adult Program Parent

"The Adult Program at Morgan Autism Center has been amazing for our family. Our son Jack, who is nonverbal, has been part of the program for over five years, and every day he is treated with respect and dignity. He is surrounded by compassionate and dedicated people who believe in him, nurture his potential, and celebrate his unique abilities."

Mitch and Daren Tuchman
Adult Program Parents

"We have a daughter who has been in MAC's adult program for over 10 years.  I believe that this program is one of the main reasons that she has been able to thrive over these years.  The Adult Program is great because it has activities that enrich her life, such as gardening, community service outings like Animal Assisted Happiness, cleanup at  Hidden villa, and fun stuff like movies and lunch outings. It has also enabled her to make many new friends.  Most importantly, she has a sense of belonging."

Lenny and Margie Pfister
Adult Program Parents

"I want to thank you so much for allowing me to visit your amazing program last Friday. It honestly makes me emotional when reflecting on it because I felt like it was such a welcoming and safe space for your/our students and the broader community as a whole. The joy of learning, sense of strong community, creativity and collaboration, and teamwork that filled every corner was SO special to see and it was truly unlike anything I've witnessed before. It's something I'll truly remember for years to come because it was just that impactful- from the Wheel of Friendship to Community Safety Jeopardy and everything in between! Thank you and your team for providing such high quality educational experiences."

Gina Mussalla
School District Psychologist

“The classrooms are an incredible place of learning. Each classroom is designed to assists the students in developing the skills needed to succeed. I can only marvel at the accomplishments of the Morgan Autism Center and look forward to visiting again.”

Kathy Mussler
Loma Prieta Region of the Porsche Club of America

“During our site visit we saw how the staff genuinely cared for the students. They really do a lot for their families.”

Kirsty Duncan
Sereno Group Willow Glen

"Morgan Autism Center has been truly life-changing for my daughter. Their person-centered approach has given her a renewed sense of purpose and joy. Each morning, she looks forward to getting up, spending time with her friends, and engaging with the incredible support team in the adult program. It’s a reality I once didn’t dare to hope for, yet here we are. Thank you, MAC team, for creating such a high-quality, meaningful program for my daughter. You have made an immeasurable difference in her life and ours."

Trudy Grable
Adult Program Parent

"The Adult Program at Morgan Autism Center has been amazing for our family. Our son Jack, who is nonverbal, has been part of the program for over five years, and every day he is treated with respect and dignity. He is surrounded by compassionate and dedicated people who believe in him, nurture his potential, and celebrate his unique abilities."

Mitch and Daren Tuchman
Adult Program Parents

"We have a daughter who has been in MAC's adult program for over 10 years.  I believe that this program is one of the main reasons that she has been able to thrive over these years.  The Adult Program is great because it has activities that enrich her life, such as gardening, community service outings like Animal Assisted Happiness, cleanup at  Hidden villa, and fun stuff like movies and lunch outings. It has also enabled her to make many new friends.  Most importantly, she has a sense of belonging."

Lenny and Margie Pfister
Adult Program Parents