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🎙️ Adulting with Autism – 1.1 MILLION DOWNLOADS & GROWING! 🚀 https://buymeacoffee.com/adultingwithautism Navigating adulthood as an autistic individual comes with unique challenges and triumphs. Hosted by April Ratchford, an autistic occupational therapist, this podcast is your go-to resource for independent living, career growth, relationships, and self-advocacy. 💡 Featuring Exclusive Interviews with Leading Experts & Advocates: 🎙 Dr. Robert Melillo – Neurodevelopmental expert & author (Disconnected Kids). 🎙 Amanda Ralston – Founder of NonBinary Solutions & neurodiversity advocate. 🎙 Thomas D’Eri – Co-founder of Rising Tide Car Wash, a social enterprise empowering autistic individuals. 🎙 Shell Mendelson – Career coach helping neurodivergent professionals find fulfilling careers. 🎙 Sam Mitchell – Host of Autism Rocks and Rolls, sharing powerful personal insights. 🎙 Doug Blecher – Autism advocate and creator of impactful neurodiversity content. 🎙 Steve Gallegos – Speaker and mentor focused on empowering individuals with disabilities. 🎙 McCracken Poston Jr. – Attorney in the landmark Truman Show Delusion case. 🔜 Upcoming Interviews: 🎙 Dr. Matt Zakreski – Clinical psychologist specializing in neurodiversity. 🎙 Dr. Foojan Zeine – Psychotherapist & expert in emotional wellness. Join 1.1M+ listeners worldwide! Tune in every Wednesday & Saturday for expert insights, real-life stories, and strategies for thriving as an autistic adult. 🎧 Listen now on Podbean, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube! 📩 Follow for updates & behind-the-scenes content! 🔥 #AdultingWithAutism #Neurodiversity #AutismPodcast #1MillionDownloads #AutisticVoices 📌 New Episodes Every Wednesday & Saturday 🔗 Follow, Subscribe & Listen:https://feed.podbean.com/adultingwithautismpodcast/feed.xml 📢 Let’s Talk! Connect with us on Instagram & YouTube:https://linktr.ee/adultingwithautism Want to be a guest on Adulting with Autism? Send April Ratchford a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1708097947800879cbdd654ca
Episodes

Saturday Oct 26, 2024
Empowering the Next Step: Autism Programs Paving the Way
Saturday Oct 26, 2024
Saturday Oct 26, 2024
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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