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Years of Experience
We have 50+ years of experience at the forefront of teaching and supporting adults with social and/or learning challenges and our programs have been designed by international experts in the field.
Autism Supports and Transition (ASAT)
Chapel Haven’s ASAT program was founded in 2006 to help neurodivergent adults with social communication disabilities achieve self-determined and independent lives. Because Chapel Haven is highly individualized, we intentionally tailor each student’s residential, day and alacarte options according to their strengths and abilities so that they can progress at their own speed.
The ASAT program is designed for young adults 18 – 30 years of age with a diagnosis including:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (Level 1, formerly known as Asperger Syndrome)
- Social Communication Disorders
- Executive Functioning and Nonverbal Learning Challenges
- ADHD
Four Foundations of Autism Supports and Transition (ASAT)
The ASAT program is nationally distinctive for its deep focus on social communication. Our Social Communicative Competency (SCC) curriculum—developed by a team of specialists—forms the foundation of this work. It is designed to help neurodivergent adults build the communication, problem‑solving, and self‑advocacy skills essential for managing academic and vocational demands and transitioning into meaningful, productive adult life.
This critical area of instruction provides opportunities for growth in:
- Nonverbal communication skills, including interpreting and using facial expressions, gestures, and physical proximity across a variety of settings
- Receptive language skills, strengthening the ability to understand and respond to information presented visually and auditorily
- Expressive language skills, such as speech clarity, pacing, phrasing, and the appropriate use of formal and informal language, figurative language, irony, metaphors, and other non‑literal forms of communication
- Perspective‑taking and theory‑of‑mind development, a cornerstone of the SCC curriculum, supporting individuals in understanding others’ thoughts, feelings, and intentions
Through this comprehensive approach, the ASAT program equips adults with the social communication tools they need to thrive in school, work, and community life.
A core goal of the ASAT program is to help adults prepare for meaningful careers and, when appropriate, college-level study. Our approach is highly individualized. For some adults, the college environment provides an opportunity to explore courses and potentially matriculate; for others, gaining exposure to vocational pathways is the priority. Many individuals also arrive at Chapel Haven with previous college experience, and we build on that foundation.
Our close proximity to several colleges and universities offers a wide range of options for post‑secondary learning, vocational exploration, and professional development.
Post‑Secondary Options
With guidance from ASAT staff, adults may register for and attend local colleges, receiving tailored support in executive functioning, planning, organization, and time management. ASAT also offers an optional social communication course through the Communication Disorders Program at Southern Connecticut State University, where participants strengthen social skills while engaging with typical college peers.
Popular College Choices Include:
- Southern Connecticut State University – within walking distance or a short bus ride from campus
- Gateway Community College
- University of New Haven
Through these partnerships and supports, adults in the ASAT program gain the tools, confidence, and experiences needed to pursue their academic and vocational goals with independence and purpose.
Self determination is the foundation for personal growth and independence. It includes understanding one’s strengths and challenges, setting realistic goals, making informed choices, communicating needs, and learning to be assertive at appropriate times. It also involves interacting with others in a socially confident and respectful manner.
At Chapel Haven Schleifer Center, these skills are developed through guided instruction that helps adults identify their emotions, needs, interests, and values. Individuals also learn to recognize their personal strengths and areas for growth, building the insight needed to navigate daily life with greater independence and self‑determination.
Some adults benefit from living in apartment-style housing on the Chapel Haven Schleifer Center campus, where they enjoy private bedrooms and shared common spaces. In this setting, individuals receive individualized staff support to continue building the day‑to‑day skills essential for independent living.
Supports may include:
- Menu planning
- Grocery shopping
- Budgeting and banking
- Meal preparation
- Apartment care and maintenance
This program is ideal for adults who can manage their daily and overnight needs without 24/7 supervision, while still having access to staff on call when needed. It offers a safe, supportive bridge toward greater independence and community living.
73% of ASAT adults are engaged in meaningful vocational pursuits
By the time you graduate from the ASAT program, we expect that you will:
01. Achieve Independence
Be successful in living independently
02. Onward & Upward!
Be college bound or have successfully completed college
03. Cha-Ching!
Be productively career-bound
04. Shine Bright
Have increased self-awareness and self-esteem
05. Your Best Version
Have gained social confidence, competence and a community of friends
06. Have It All
Pursue a healthy lifestyle that includes fitness, a sensible diet and an awareness of medical needs
To enrich the lives and the experiences of ASAT students, Chapel Haven offers a wide selection of extra-curricular activities and additional services.
- Recreation
- A la carte classes each quarter on relevant topics
- College supports
- Executive functioning coaching
- ASAT Day Transition program (State Department of Education Approved)
What makes ASAT unique?
01. Real World Engagement
ASAT program modules are taught in classrooms but practiced in real world group settings. This unique combination means that lessons learned are fully integrated into your life.
02. Extra Supports
You can also choose additional one-on-one coaching and supports that assist with key moments of transition to admit independence and help you to navigate some of the tougher moments of home, work or college life.
03. Uniquely Qualified
ASAT is one of the only programs in the country to focus on transitioning adults into independence, regardless of the age at which they come to us.
04. History Matters
We have 50+ years of experience at the forefront of teaching and supporting adults with social and/or learning challenges and our programs have been designed by international experts in the field.
Who Should Apply?
ASAT is designed for adults who are:
- 18+ Years of age, with Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1 without intellectual or language impairment, Social Communication Disorders, Executive Functioning Impairment, Nonverbal Learning Disability, and ADHD
- High school graduates or still enrolled in transition programming on an IEP
- Emotionally and behaviorally stable
- Motivated to eventually transition into independent, productive lives, make friends, acquire social competency and adaptive skills and work toward individual goals
Admissions Process
Interested families can begin by contacting our admissions team at admission@chapelhaven.org or 203-397-1714 ext. 185
Steps Include:
- Review of recent psychological/neuropsychological testing, IEPS/school or program reports, and vocational assessments
- Virtual Interview
- Online Application
- Sample day
- Week visit assessment
ASAT Calendar
ASAT Catalog
Upon graduation from ASAT, Chapel Haven subsequently provides a number of ongoing support options, as determined by the strengths and needs of each student