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Welcome to “Adulting with Autism,” where surviving the adult world gets a little quirky – and a lot more fun! Hosted by the ever-relatable April Ratchford, this podcast is your backstage pass to the wild ride that is autism and adulthood. Whether you’re an autistic young adult figuring out life’s curveballs or a parent trying to help (without too many eye rolls), we’ve got you covered! Expect laughter, real talk, awkward moments, and plenty of ”Wait, is this adulting?” moments. So grab your snack, get comfy, and join us for a blend of wit, wisdom, and a whole lot of heart as we conquer the ups, downs, and sideways of adult life – autism-style! Want to be a guest on Adulting with Autism? Send April Ratchford a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1708097947800879cbdd654ca
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4 days ago
4 days ago
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
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