MENU

AUTONOMY STAGE OS

A framework for understanding the current situation.

Autonomy Stage OS is JADA’s framework for understanding the current situation of young people and families facing school refusal and social withdrawal (hikikomori).
Within it, the 5-Stage Assessment is used to identify current severity and determine the level of support needed.

01 Overview

What is Autonomy Stage OS?

Autonomy Stage OS provides a structured way to understand the current situation of young people and families facing school refusal and social withdrawal (hikikomori), and to organize support according to their needs. The 5-Stage Assessment is used within the framework to identify current severity and the level of support needed.

  • Practice-informed

    Built on decades of real-world practice and accumulated knowledge.

  • Person-centered

    Support begins with each person’s current situation, needs, and circumstances.

  • Stage-appropriate

    Support is planned according to the severity and support needs identified through assessment.

  • Future-oriented

    Support is designed with Social Autonomy as the long-term goal.

02 5-Stage Assessment

Current severity and support needs

The 5-Stage Assessment is an assessment framework within Autonomy Stage OS used to identify the current severity of school refusal and social withdrawal (hikikomori), understand the current situation of the young person and family, and determine the level of support needed.

  1. Stage 1

  2. Stage 2

  3. Stage 3

  4. Stage 4

  5. Stage 5

Lower severity / support needs Higher severity / support needs

The 5-Stage Assessment is not a medical or psychiatric diagnosis.

03 5-Stage Assessment

How assessment informs support

The 5-Stage Assessment helps organize information about the young person’s current situation and support needs. The assessment can then inform support planning and ongoing review.

5-Stage Assessmentwithin Autonomy Stage OS

  1. Observation & ConversationUnderstand the person and family’s situation
  2. AssessmentEvaluate across domains and indicators
  3. Stage IdentificationIdentify the current stage (1–5)
  4. Support PlanningDesign stage-appropriate support and goals
  5. Ongoing ReviewReview and update regularly

Assessment is not a label. It is a tool for understanding the current situation and informing appropriate support.

04 Relationship

How Autonomy Stage OS connects with our approach

Autonomy Stage OS works together with JADA Support Philosophy and 7 Steps to Autonomy to create a consistent support system.

  1. Autonomy Stage OS Framework for understanding the current situation and support needs. 5-Stage AssessmentAssessment framework for identifying current severity and support needs.
  2. JADA Support Philosophy Parent Coaching × Direct Support for the Young Person
  3. 7 Steps to Autonomy JADA’s practical support process based on the person’s current situation and support needs.
  4. JADA Success Hub / Evidence Real-world outcomes, accumulated knowledge, publications, media, and practice-informed insights.
Social Autonomy The long-term goal of JADA’s support: greater agency, participation, belonging, and contribution.

05 Who it is for

For professionals, organizations, and communities.

Autonomy Stage OS provides a shared framework for understanding current situations and support needs across professional, educational, family, and community settings.

  • Support Professionals

    Social workers, counselors, educators, caseworkers

  • Schools & Educators

    Teachers, school counselors, special needs coordinators

  • Families & Caregivers

    Parents, guardians, and family members

  • Organizations & NGOs

    Nonprofits, community groups, and support organizations

  • Policy Makers & Researchers

    Government, researchers, universities, and policy institutions

  1. HOME
  2. Autonomy Stage OS