Developing a logic model for a Day Support Services for Autistic Adults Program, it is essential to outline the core problem. In particular, it is the fact that adults with autism need more advanced care and proper support in their everyday lives. Among the targeted problems, one may emphasize difficulties with communication, comprehension, and living. For instance, some of them do not notice the emotions of others as it is difficult for them to express their feelings. Such people may not accept the views of society, and while they can be in contact with others, they tend to pay no attention to the environment. The program to be developed can be described as follows: thorough care and education of autistic adults by sharing with skills they are to utilize to make their health outcomes better. It is evident that target audience representatives may live and learn in case they are given relevant tools to manage their interaction with others. In this regard, the paramount goal of the identified program is to enhance the well-being of adults with autism in such spheres as employment, making friends, and being a part of a community.
As for the program theory, it seems appropriate to apply the principles of evidence-based practice (EBP) in order to implement reliable interventions proved in the course of scholarly researches (Brun, 2014). For example, the evidence illustrates that some assistance with finding a job or the provision of life-changing services may be rather beneficial. The latter implies some help with outliving parents and providing special needs for families having an adult with autism. The First Home Care located in Portsmouth, Virginia, may significantly contribute to improving the everyday life of the mentioned people by making them closer to their communities in the context of the Day Support Services for Autistic Adults Program.
If the First Home Care implemented the specified program, then it would provide people with autism with the required services, who then would benefit from enhanced living conditions. The strategies necessary for the above program application refer to specific outputs and inputs (Brun, 2014). In particular, such inputs as well-educated staff and funding are needed. As outputs, one may consider the staff participation and initiatives aimed at reaching the target population and communicating with them. As emphasized by W.K. Kellogg Foundation, program evaluation contributes to its appropriate implementation (“W.K. Kellogg Foundation evaluation handbook,” 2004). Therefore, it is necessary to determine some expected results.
For a short-term period, it is important to identify the members of the program and explain to them the upcoming improvements and skills that will be taught. The medium period should focus on the process of assistance and education, including the basic skills adults with autism need in their everyday lives. Ultimately, long-term outcomes would present the complete preparation of the target audience, resulting in their ability to utilize the received information in practice. Among the external factors that may affect the given program, it is possible to enumerate some specific requirements of people, their background and culture, as well as the family environment. The above factors may create challenges by impeding the program’s effectiveness and requiring adjustments. Nevertheless, the Day Support Services for Autistic Adults Program would be advantageous both for autistic adults and staff by improving the lives and providing experience, respectively.
References
Brun, C. F. (2014). A practical guide to evaluation (2nd ed.). Oxford, England: Oxford University Press.
W.K. Kellogg Foundation evaluation handbook. (2004). Web.