Teen Aspirations
What is Teen Aspirations?
“Aspirations” is a social and vocational skills support group for high functioning young adults (13-17 years) on the autism spectrum. The Ohio State University Department of Neurology and the Nisonger Center established the program in 2002.
The program fee for Aspirations is $300.
Who is in Teen Aspirations?
There are usually between 6 and 8 individuals in each group. Everyone has a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder, such as autism or Asperger’s syndrome.
There are also two group facilitators who help guide the discussion and keep the group focused and on topic. Current teen groups are being run by Monali Chowdhury and Britt Butler.
When and where is Teen Aspirations?
“Teen Aspirations” runs for eight weeks once a week from 6.30-7.30pm.
“Teen Aspirations” takes place at The Ohio State University in Mc Campbell Hall, located in the medical center area.
“Teen Aspirations” is a discussion group. The group facilitators provide topics of conversation each week. A topic of conversation could be “Making Friends”, or “Getting Along with Others in the Workplace”.
Everyone in the group has many things in common with each other and has had similar experiences in the past. The group facilitators are there to help guide the discussion. In some ways it is like a counseling support group as group members have the opportunity to discuss things in their lives they find challenging and then get ideas from each other about how to overcome those challenges. It is very different from being in a classroom.
What are the aims of Aspirations?
- Developing self awareness and insight
- Learning how to experience positive social interactions and relationships
- Fostering insight in to the importance of rewarding employment
- Exploring solutions to challenging situations in our personal and professional lives
- Fostering friendships
Group Mission Statement
The Teen Aspirations Parent Support Group meets weekly for parents to share their experiences and resources of raising a young adult with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). As your young adults learn to empower themselves through their group experience, the parents will find ways to help them transition into an adult world and use their potential to be as successful possible...
Interaction: Some are quiet, some very opinionated, some withdrawn, disheveled. We have been successful in getting some of the participants to socialize with each other to be more active in group time.
For further Information contact: Jeffrey Siegel 614-292-4185