))
Empowering the Next Step: Autism Programs Paving the Way
Manage episode 446976283 series 3546530
Contenuto fornito da April Ratchford MS OT/L. Tutti i contenuti dei podcast, inclusi episodi, grafica e descrizioni dei podcast, vengono caricati e forniti direttamente da April Ratchford MS OT/L o dal partner della piattaforma podcast. Se ritieni che qualcuno stia utilizzando la tua opera protetta da copyright senza la tua autorizzazione, puoi seguire la procedura descritta qui https://it.player.fm/legal.
Hey guys, happy Saturday! Wow, it's been a whirlwind couple of weeks, hasn't it? Yesterday, I whisked Ahzerei, my son Z, off to the fantastic College Internship Program tour in Bloomington, Indiana. It's a three-hour drive from home, but totally worth it. The program is amazing and will surely help him reach his dreams. We also had a blast at the spooky soiree event with our friends in Lexington. So, yes, I'm a bit late with this, but life has been a bit of a rollercoaster!
Speaking of life-changing programs, I recently chatted with two incredible moms, Suellen Barnes and Susan Ballerstedt, who started the Next Step training program in Simpsonville, Kentucky. Frustrated by the lack of support for autistic young adults after high school, they took matters into their own hands. Their program is all about empowering young adults with autism to gain independence and job skills. It's so heartwarming to hear about their mission and the difference they're making.
Their approach is so unique, combining cognitive training, occupational therapy, and social skills development. The best part? Their program is small and personalized, ensuring that each participant gets the attention they deserve. It's inspiring to see how they're creating opportunities not just in Kentucky, but potentially around the world!
If you're in Kentucky or anywhere else and feel like there are no resources for autistic young adults, know that you're not alone. Programs like Next Step are working hard to change that narrative, and we can all be a part of that change. Let's support each other and spread the word. Together, we can make a difference!
Thanks for tuning in, and remember, there's nothing you can't do. Keep adulting, and I'll catch you on Monday with a mini-episode. Love you all!
https://www.nextstepky.org/about
nextsteptrainingprogramky@gmail.com
Susan Ballerstedt, Program Coordinator, ballerstedt@twc.com
Want to be a guest on Adulting with Autism? Send April Ratchford a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostde.../1708097947800879cbdd654ca
62 episodi
Condividi
