Join our living and learning community for vibrant autistic adults.
Now accepting applicants for the fall 2026 class.
Please submit a request and a member of our team will contact you to answer your questions, schedule a tour, or assist you in applying.
Empowering autistic young adults to live, learn, and thrive with autonomy through our two-year, living-learning program called the Transition Academy.
Structured Support Meets Independence
LifeWorks offers a two-year, postsecondary Transition Academy living-learning experience with a person-centered curriculum that builds skills for employment, daily living, relationships, and financial independence.
Live in our Julie & Gary Ransdell apartment community situated on LifeWorks campus in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Fully furnished apartments, shared with peers, serve as a runway to independent living.
Discover the Keys to Living, Learning, and Thriving
At LifeWorks Transition Academy, independence doesn’t begin in a classroom — it begins at home.
Our living and learning community is designed to mirror real adult life, giving participants the opportunity to practice everyday responsibilities in a safe, supportive environment. From cooking and cleaning to managing schedules and navigating relationships, students build the skills that matter most for life beyond the program.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Our apartments and shared community spaces aren’t just places to live — they’re active learning environments.
Staff and coaches provide guidance, but participants are encouraged to take ownership of their routines and responsibilities. Each day offers natural opportunities to apply lessons in budgeting, personal care, communication, and problem-solving in real time, preparing participants for a smooth transition into independent adulthood.
A Community That Encourages Connection
Living alongside peers with similar goals fosters friendships, teamwork, and confidence.
Whether it’s preparing dinner together, attending social events, or collaborating on daily tasks, participants learn how to build meaningful relationships while respecting the independence of others. These connections create a network of support that lasts long after graduation.
Safe, Supportive, and Empowering
Every detail of the living community — from apartment layouts to common spaces — is intentionally designed to balance safety with independence. On-site staff, structured support systems, and thoughtful programming provide a safety net while empowering participants to take bold steps toward autonomy.
The Transition Academy Program Outcomes
Independent Living
Safe housing, reliable transportation, daily life skills, and personal safety—building confidence to thrive on your own.
Career Readiness
Developing employability skills, workplace confidence, and the habits needed to land and keep meaningful jobs.
Health & Well-Being
Focusing on nutrition, physical and mental health, and creating balanced routines for a strong foundation.
Connection
Building friendships, enjoying social and leisure activities, managing money, and adapting with confidence in the real world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lifeworks for Autism?
LifeWorks is a non-profit 501(c)3, two-year postsecondary certificate program designed to prepare autistic young adults for a successful transition to work and independent living. Our participants develop crucial skills in work readiness, self-reliance, and social interaction.
The primary focus of LifeWorks is to facilitate a supportive, person-centered learning environment that empowers individuals to work towards achieving successful outcomes in the following areas:
- Employability
- Housing &Transportation
- Health, Wellness, & Nutrition
- Daily Living Skills
- Relationships
- Financial Management
- Adaptability
- Personal Safety
- Social & Leisure Activities
What is the profile of a typical LifeWorks participant?
- A young adult between the ages of 21 and 30, diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
- Has the desire, maturity level, and potential for independent living and entering the work world.
- Has low-average to high intelligence and a variety of educational levels and backgrounds.
- Is personally motivated toward success and possesses the ability to maintain personal safety.
- May be experiencing what is commonly referred to as “failure to launch” – a struggle to transition to young adulthood because of underdeveloped independent living skills, social immaturity, low confidence and/or self-esteem, anxiety, and underdeveloped executive functioning skills.
What is the Transition Academy?
The LifeWorks Transition Academy is unique in that it is not a long-term residential program or an adult day program. Rather, it is a runway or launching pad where individuals transitioning to adulthood take flight.
The two-year postsecondary certificate program prepares individuals to live independently and be successful in the workplace. We believe employment adds value and purpose to every individual’s life and serves as the cornerstone of independent living.
The Transition Academy provides structured programming for up to 40 hours per week, focused on developing daily living skills, vocational aptitude, financial management, and positive personal and professional relationships. Our daily schedule is customized to support individuals
as they enter and thrive in the workplace.
We offer two distinct learning pathways through our LifeWorks Transition Academy:
- The Living & Learning Community: Participants reside on-site in the Julie and Gary Ransdell Living & Learning Community apartment complex, gaining valuable real-life living experiences.
- On-The-Go: Participants take part in LifeWorks daily programming activities while living off-site.
How much support and supervision are provided?
LifeWorks participants do not require continuous supervision and have the ability to function safely without direct supervision while in their apartment, in the community, or at their place of employment. Staff support is provided intermittently throughout the day and as needed (for emergencies) in the evenings. LifeWorks is not a residential treatment center and does not provide inpatient-level mental or physical health care.
How can I apply?
If you are interested in applying for the LifeWorks Transition Academy, the first step is to contact the LifeWorks Admissions Office at (270) 745-4380, at lifeworks@wku.edu, or simply use the form above to obtain more information and to schedule a tour. Prospective students and their families are strongly encouraged to visit the LifeWorks campus adjacent to Western Kentucky University’s campus in Bowling Green, KY. Having the opportunity to tour our campus and personally meet with our program staff is the best way to discover if LifeWorks is the perfect fit.