Meristem Independent Living Programs for Young Adults with Autism
9200 Fair Oaks Boulevard, Fair Oaks, CA 95628
About
Meristem Independent Living Programs for Young Adults with Autism includes experiential learning, vocational training, and independent living skills. Participants take part in authentic work experience that can include culinary skills, customer service skills, creating handmade seasonal subscription boxes, building entrepreneurial skills, managing real budgets, and navigating actual workplace challenges. The program also includes walking on the American River Parkway’s 23-mile trail system.
• Ages: 18–18 years old
• Schedule: Meristem Café serves the community fresh, seasonal meals Wednesday thru Fridays from 11:30 AM to 2 PM.
Founded in 2014, Meristem prepares young adults who are on the autism spectrum or are neurodiverse to build a strong sense of self, develop an enhanced social capacity, and create a life of increased social and economic independence. The program includes student-operated social enterprises such as Meristem Café, where students serve fresh, seasonal meals to the community, and an Herbal Arts program that produces handmade seasonal subscription boxes. Meristem uses an evidence-based approach to autism transition programming called the Meristem Method, along with person-centered planning that includes Individualized Service Plans and check-ins every three to six months, and it takes a long-term perspective in which some students attend for one year and others for three. Meristem serves young adults from across the United States and has a nationwide community.
Meristem offers a specialized independent living program for neurodiverse young adults ages 18–28 with a focus on preparing young adults with autism for meaningful careers and independent living. The program’s Transformative Autism Program (TAP) educates California employers on how to hire, train, and retain individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Meristem was named the 2026 Nonprofit of the Year by the Carmichael Chamber of Commerce and was recognized as a 2026 California Nonprofit of the Year, selected by Assemblymember Josh Hoover (District 7).
One testimonial from Darrell Steinberg, Former Mayor, states, “What Meristem is doing is redefining how we understand autism and addressing one of the most significant challenges we face—creating meaningful opportunities for talented young adults with autism spectrum disorder. Meristem’s autism transition program for young adults with autism is unique. There’s no equivalent program in our region, state, or nation that so effectively supports individuals with ASD while preparing them for independence.” A Meristem graduate named Caroline shares, “Somewhere, there is a two-year old who is just being diagnosed with autism, and because of what we’re doing at Meristem now, we’re creating a better and happier future for them.”
Last updated June 25, 2026.
• Ages: 18–18 years old
• Schedule: Meristem Café serves the community fresh, seasonal meals Wednesday thru Fridays from 11:30 AM to 2 PM.
Founded in 2014, Meristem prepares young adults who are on the autism spectrum or are neurodiverse to build a strong sense of self, develop an enhanced social capacity, and create a life of increased social and economic independence. The program includes student-operated social enterprises such as Meristem Café, where students serve fresh, seasonal meals to the community, and an Herbal Arts program that produces handmade seasonal subscription boxes. Meristem uses an evidence-based approach to autism transition programming called the Meristem Method, along with person-centered planning that includes Individualized Service Plans and check-ins every three to six months, and it takes a long-term perspective in which some students attend for one year and others for three. Meristem serves young adults from across the United States and has a nationwide community.
Meristem offers a specialized independent living program for neurodiverse young adults ages 18–28 with a focus on preparing young adults with autism for meaningful careers and independent living. The program’s Transformative Autism Program (TAP) educates California employers on how to hire, train, and retain individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Meristem was named the 2026 Nonprofit of the Year by the Carmichael Chamber of Commerce and was recognized as a 2026 California Nonprofit of the Year, selected by Assemblymember Josh Hoover (District 7).
One testimonial from Darrell Steinberg, Former Mayor, states, “What Meristem is doing is redefining how we understand autism and addressing one of the most significant challenges we face—creating meaningful opportunities for talented young adults with autism spectrum disorder. Meristem’s autism transition program for young adults with autism is unique. There’s no equivalent program in our region, state, or nation that so effectively supports individuals with ASD while preparing them for independence.” A Meristem graduate named Caroline shares, “Somewhere, there is a two-year old who is just being diagnosed with autism, and because of what we’re doing at Meristem now, we’re creating a better and happier future for them.”
Last updated June 25, 2026.
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