Advancement Center

Academy of St. Louis & Advancement Center – Transition Program Overview

Program Overview
For over 20 years, the Academy of St. Louis & Advancement Center’s Transition Program has provided a comprehensive life “road map” for neurodivergent youth ages 14–19 whose social, emotional, behavioral, or trauma-related challenges interfere with daily life and academic success. Our program integrates a multi-tiered, trauma-informed, relationship-based therapeutic model that blends several evidence-based frameworks to meet the complex needs of this population.

Evidence-Based Frameworks
Central to our program is Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC), a nationally recognized planning framework that empowers students to design and achieve personal goals across key life domains. CtLC is combined with multiple Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs), including:

– SCERTS (Social Communication, Emotional Regulation, and Transactional Support)
– Social Mapping and Social Competence Intervention (SCI)
– Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
– Beyond Consequences, an evidence-based trauma and behavior model grounded in Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) research and strengths-based assessment
– iSocial, a university-validated social intervention developed for youth with autism

Individualized Assessment & Planning
Each participant completes a thorough evaluation conducted by our Licensed School Psychological Examiner using the Individualized Strengths-Based Assessment, SEL Social-Emotional Rating Scales, and SSBD – School Social Behavior Scales. Based on this data, our multidisciplinary team collaborates with the student, their Transition Coach, and family to create a personalized Transition Plan (“road map”) that identifies targeted goals and supports across social, behavioral, and emotional domains.The result is a customized “tool kit” of strategies and coping skills designed to foster emotional regulation, resilience, social competence, and independent living skills as students transition into adulthood which is delivered with the professional help of our certified counselors, transition coach, & mentors.

Therapeutic & Instructional Services
Students participate in both therapeutic and non-therapeutic counseling, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Family Therapy, and Social Stories. Sessions focus on self-regulation, social communication, coping and resilience skills, mindfulness, and stress management.  Occupational therapy helps students practice sensory regulation and calming techniques, while case management ensures coordination among each youth’s school, therapists, doctors, and family. Together, these services lead to measurable outcomes—fewer emotional and behavioral symptoms, improved peer relationships, and greater independence.

–Dr. Gretchen Meyer, Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Neurologist and founder of the Mercy Center for Autism, contributes over 35 years of clinical expertise as an Advisory Board member, strengthening the medical and neurological foundation of our program.