SDP Success Stories
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Self-Determination Program Success Stories

Executive Function Coaching for Independent Living

The following case studies highlight how executive function coaching is foundational to the success of Self-Determination Program (SDP) participants. Through coaching for autistic adults and other adults with disabilities, UpSkill Specialists uses person-centered planning to help each individual build the executive functioning and independent living skills needed to achieve their goals.

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Karen Hammond Independent Facilitator,  Hammond Facilitation

How Karen created a foundation for lasting independence

The challenge

Karen built a network of professionals to support her Self-Determination Program (SDP) clients. It didn't take long for her to see a gap in their care. Her clients needed support building executive function skills to get to their appointments on time, prepare for the day, manage money, and plan ahead for their daily activities.

To truly benefit from the support around them, her clients first needed foundational executive function coaching.

What our coaches created

  • ✓Highly individualized coaching by carefully matching coaches with each individual — a level of customization that is rare in this field.
  • ✓Practical strategies for forward thinking and planning future life events to accomplish goals.
  • ✓Coaching that builds planning, organization, time management, communication, and independent decision-making skills.

The outcome

Karen continues referring Self-Determination Program (SDP) clients to UpSkill Specialists because she has seen how executive function coaching is the foundation to helping adults live a less anxious, healthy, empowered, independent, and fulfilling life.

"Foundational to helping adults live a less anxious, healthy, empowered, independent, and fulfilling life."

Ellen Sloan Parent

From living at home to an independent apartment — how we helped Ellen's daughter become an independent adult

The challenge

As a mom, Ellen wanted the best for her daughter. She knew she needed to build skills and learn tools to become a fully independent adult. SDP provided her resources and built an excellent support team, but she noticed her daughter needed help ensuring the communication was flowing, meetings were being attended, and tasks were completed across all areas of support.

What our coaches created

  • ✓A collaborative environment with support members and coaches in other fields to help clients reach their full potential — it takes a village.
  • ✓Developing daily routines so everyday tasks became more predictable, reducing stress and increasing confidence to manage life independently.
  • ✓Reducing screen time while increasing community involvement, physical activity, meal planning, and meaningful social connections.

The outcome

In less than two years, Ellen's daughter transitioned from living at home to successfully living in her own apartment. Through executive function coaching and consistent support, she developed the confidence, daily living skills, and routines needed to manage life more independently.

In less than two years: from living at home to living independently in her own apartment.

Why coaching works

Executive function coaching for Self-Determination Program participants

Executive function coaching helps adults strengthen the everyday skills needed for greater independence. Our coaches work alongside Self-Determination Program (SDP) participants to improve planning, organization, time management, communication, emotional regulation, budgeting, meal planning, and other practical life skills. Whether the goal is living independently, succeeding in college, maintaining employment, or participating more fully in the community, coaching provides personalized strategies that help individuals turn goals into lasting habits.

Ready to help a client or family member build this kind of momentum?

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