Community Autism Peer Specialist (CAPS) Program

What is CAPS?

The Community Autism Peer Specialist (CAPS) program pairs an autistic individual with a Community Autism Peer Specialist to achieve personal wellness and community participation goals. Activities are chosen by the autistic person to build skills in the areas of employment, postsecondary education, leadership, independent living, self-care and health management, interpersonal relationships, use of public transportation, community participation, and other areas of growth. CAPS are trained peer support professionals. They also have personal experience as self-advocates on the Spectrum. Note there is a difference between the CAPS Training, CAPS Job and CAPS Service. Here’s a short explanation: 

CAPS Training: The 75-hour training that provides you with a foundation to become a CAPS Peer Specialist. More information is below.

CAPS Job: Employment opportunities that use your CAPS Training experience. Our CAPS Training Program graduates have gotten jobs as Peer Specialists, in wellness engagement units, providing travel training, and other related areas.

CAPS Service: This is the service that pairs an autistic individual with a CAPS Peer Specialist. More information is below.

Learn more about the CAPS Service!

Below provides you with more information about the CAPS Service, including the CAPS Service Flyer and CAPS Service FAQ document. If you are interested in referring someone to receive CAPS as a service, please see the CAPS Service Referral Form below. If you do not live in Philadelphia or have HealthChoices, please let us know! This is helpful for us in planning for CAPS expansion.

Service Eligibility Criteria

• Must have an autism diagnosis
• Be 14 years or older
• Eligible for HealthChoices (Medicaid)
• Reside in Philadelphia County

CAPS Training Program

The CAPS training program spans several weeks and is divided between in-person sessions and observations, and self-directed/self-paced online learning activities. If you are interested in the next training, please indicate it below. Please see the below Frequently Asked Questions document for additional information about the CAPS Training Program.