Students report that both the Wellness and Life Skills modules are very important to this stage. The Wellness modules encourage exercise and yoga. Students go to the YMCA, ride bikes, play games in the park, and pay attention to hydration, diet, and healthy sleep habits. The interconnection between the Wellness and Life Skills department is very strong. It connects in this question with healthy menu planning, kitchen safety, and cooking modules. Part of independent living skills is having education and skills as it relates to taking great care of your body by eating a variety of healthy and delicious foods.

Stage Two: Safety

The Reframing students shared where the support of safety is provided at CIP. The Advisors at CIP teach a very important module for the growth of independence: Banking and Budgeting. In this, students learn how to understand and take control of their money. Students have to manage their budget as to have enough to buy those healthy foods and have some spending cash to have fun with their friends (more on that in Stage Three). The student’s physical and health safety is not only continued to be supported by the Wellness Department, but also by Life Skills as they coach students on how to be aware of their surroundings, make smart choices in traveling by public transportation, and having some "street smarts". The Social Skills Department focuses on building safe and wise friendships and relationships. The PEERS module and other classes in the department addresses questions of personal ethics and making proper moral choices when it comes to self-advocacy, handling disagreements, dating, and sexual relationships. Not only should we be safe, but we should be safe people to be with.

Stage Three: Love & Belonging

CIP students, many of whom are not romantically partnered, look to their family, friends, pets, schoolmates, religious groups, and even online communities as their place of belonging. The departments that help support this stage are Social Skills, the Clinicians, and the Life Skills. The Social Skills Coordinator and Social Mentors are working with students on conversational skills, perspective taking, relationship development, etc. The Clinicians provide a safe and objective place where students can explore the more personal aspects of familial and personal relationships. The Life Skills Department coaches students on planning and leading Weekend Activities. And, by even going on weekend activities, students gain experience in social competencies. Participating in group activities builds social confidence. According to Maslow, being part of a group that accepts you is a proactive way to fend off loneliness, social anxiety, and depression.

Stage Four: Esteem

CIP Berkeley students say that they are getting mentoring and encouragement in reaching this level on Maslow's Pyramid. Our students are either on an "A" Step (academic track and support), or a "C" Step (Career track and support). The Academic Department helps the student with their academic goals. The Academic Coordinator is there every step of the way and encourages the student's academic success. When the student gets a high mark on a test, or final grade, or graduates, that achievement is acknowledged and celebrated by the students and staff. The academic student gets praise from their peers and CIP staff. The students on the Career track are often at internships or jobs, and here too, success at the job site is noted by the CIP staff, and the community of students are often aware when a student moves from unpaid intern to a paid employee position. The Wellness Department is very supportive and also celebratory when students achieve physical fitness goals. This could include strength training, learning to ride a bike, or even making some new nutritious meals. In fact, all the departments are full of praise for our students who reach their goals. Actual, measured success is a constant at CIP. Students work very hard each day in each module. Their success is well earned. Stage Five: Self-Actualization

This seems to be more of an ideal sense of being rather than an empirical and measured way to speak of personal development. Yet, the CIP Reframing students are optimistic, and believe that placing a higher value on goals that you can not quantify are worth aiming for. They want to hold themselves to a high standard and be where the measure of personal development at its peak, is on how they see themselves, situations, and how they treat others. Building and maintaining healthy relationships with fellow students, teachers, co-workers, roommates, family, friends, and the stranger are key to self-actualization. Each department at CIP supports the personal development in our students. Connecting with self and others in a healthy productive way is actually a pedagogical throughline in all departments.

Mike Vaughn is the Social Skills Coordinator at CIP Berkeley. CIP is a national transition program for young adults with autism and other learning differences, offering year-round and summer programs. Learn more about CIP comprehensive programs and be in touch to find out more.