Aspirations is a group-based social skills and support program that supports adolescents and adults (13-30 years) with autism spectrum disorder and their families. Group leaders facilitate discussions and activities focused on building social and vocational skills as well as self-confidence and a sense of belonging for teens and young adults with autism. Aspirations also offers resources and supports to parents and caregivers navigating their son or daughter’s transition from adolescence into adulthood.
Aspirations consists of:
- Introductory social skills and support curriculum– a 12-week group for teens and young adults and their caregivers offered 3 times a year; topics include:
- Making and keeping friends
- Conversation skills and reading body language.
- Independence and responsibility
- Electronic communication
- Vocational goals and skills
- Caregiver resources
- Monthly Group Reunions-Past and current participants are invited to enjoy a social gathering on the second Tuesday of each month.
- Men’s Aspirations– Men aged 16 and up are invited to join this social group on the third Sunday of each month for active adventures such as hiking, paintball, kayaking, and more.
- Women of Aspirations (WoA)– Women are invited to join us on the second Sunday of each month for group activities that are decided among the members. We have recently done crafts, attended a play, planted seedlings, and more.
- Quarterly Social and Leisure Activities We offer quarterly family-style events that include our Spring Fling, Summer Picnic, Fall Festival, and Holiday Party. We encourage everyone to attend.
- Enrichment Groups EmployAbility, Autism Self-Advocacy Program (ASAP), Relate to Me, Financial Empowerment, DBT Skills group and more. These groups serve to offer a deeper dive into more challenging areas.
Contact Aspirations if you are interested in participating or if you have any questions at: nisongeraspirations@osumc.edu