Nisonger Aspirations

Nisonger Aspirations is a social skills and support program for adolescents and adults (ages 15–30) with autism spectrum disorder and their families. Established in 2002 by The Ohio State University’s Nisonger Center and the Department of Neurology, Aspirations is part of the Nisonger Center’s Learning and Interpersonal Development Services (which includes the Autism College Experience and Next Chapter Book Club).

Led by Program Manager Michael Valentino, LISW, and Caregiver Facilitator/Project Manager Tracey Manz, the program offers a welcoming environment where participants build friendships, strengthen social and vocational skills, and gain confidence and a sense of belonging. At the same time, parents and caregivers receive education, resources, and support to help navigate their loved one’s transition into adulthood.

Participant Programming

Introductory Social Skills Curriculum
A 12-week series offered three times a year, covering topics such as:

Making and keeping friends

Understanding Autism

Conversation skills

Reading body language

Independence and responsibility

Electronic communication

Social Communication

Employment exploration and goals

Self-advocacy and confidence building

Emotion regulation

Problem solving

Parent & Caregiver Group

Caregivers take part in their own education and support series during the 12-week curriculum, scheduled alongside the participant sessions to make attending easy and convenient for families.

We will cover topics such as:

Understanding autism

Special needs trusts and financial benefits

STABLE accounts and provider services

Charting the LifeCourse and person-centered planning tools

Accessing local and state resources

Employment supports and transition planning

Educational supports (IEPs, 504 plans, college transition)

Specialized driving training and readiness

Executive functioning and daily living skills

Mapping relationships and building support networks

Ongoing Social & Family Events

After completing the 12-week Aspirations program, participants and their families are invited to continue their involvement through a variety of ongoing events that promote connection, community, and fun.

Monthly Group Reunions

Join fellow participants for ongoing social opportunities and peer connection.

Held on the second Tuesday of each month
Open to all past and current participants
Casual, welcoming environment to build friendships and stay connected

Quarterly Family Social Events

Families are invited to enjoy seasonal gatherings that bring our community together throughout the year:

Spring Fling
Summer Picnic
Fall Festival
Holiday Party

Koffee with Kim

A monthly gathering for parents and caregivers of Aspirations participants, hosted by Kimberly Sherrod. Join us for conversation, support, and connection with other families.

When: Second Saturday of each month
Who: Parents and caregivers only

Upcoming Groups

GROUP NAME	GROUP DATES	DAY/TIME	# OF WEEKS
ASPIRATIONS	Fall 2025: September 16-December 2	Tuesdays 6:30-8:00 pm	12
DBT SKILLS	Fall 2025: September 18-December 11	Thursdays: 6:00 -7:30 pm	12
RELATE TO ME	Fall 2025: September 16-November 20	Thursdays: 6:00-7:30 pm	10
ASAP YOUTH	TBD	Thursdays: 4:30-6:00 pm	10

***Fall 2025 applications are due by Friday, August 29th.***

Aspirations Enrollment Forms can be completed online by clicking the button below.

Aspirations Application Packet

Aspirations Enrichment Group Descriptions

The Enrichment Groups help participants build additional life skills, with the best outcomes seen when participants complete the Aspirations Social Skills groups first.

***Please note that it may take up to 30 days for a response to application due to group start date***

Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills group (DBT) This 12-week skills group is designed to help adolescents and adults (ages 15-30) with autism spectrum disorder manage intense emotional and behavioral responses to stressful situations using Emotion Regulation, Distress Tolerance, Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness. Participants will receive a binder full of helpful tools, handouts, and resources to utilize at home and to share with the support people in their lives.

DBT Skills Group Application

Relate to Me is a 10-week program that addresses relational and sexual health topics, such as different types of relationships (family vs. friend vs. romantic partner), feelings, thoughts, and behavior (how they are connected, what we can control), dating in-person and online, consent and self-advocacy and sexual health.

Relate To Me Application

Autism Self Advocacy Program (ASAP) Youth is a FREE 10-week program, participants will experience true empowerment through a comprehensive curriculum focused on developing and honing essential skills like self-awareness, communication, leadership, and practicing self-disclosure all in preparation for engaging in an IEP/504 Plan meeting.

This program is intended for youth age 11-15 years old.

Program Aims

ASPIRATIONS AIMS TO HELP MEMBERS TO:

• Develop self-awareness and insight.

• Learn how to experience and foster positive social interactions and relationships.

• Gain insight into the importance of rewarding employment.

• Build lasting friendships

• Encourage independence

• Learn emotion regulation

Fees & Costs

Aspirations is a Fee for Service Program.

The new Aspirations fee schedule, as of January 1, 2024

Program Fee Intro 12-Week Curriculum New Participants: $1200.00

Repeat Intro program fee (Optional): $600

Caregiver Group Only $600 Program Fee

Relate to Me: $750 Program Fee

Aspirations Self-Advocacy Program (ASAP): $750

DBT Skills Group: $750

Insurance/Medicaid/Waiver and Financial Aid

ASPIRATIONS CURRENTLY IS UNABLE TO ACCEPT ANY FORMS OF INSURANCE, MEDICAID OR WAIVER FEES.

Contact your county Board of Developmental Disabilities to discuss coverage and/or reimbursement with your Service and Support Administrator (SSA). Often times a pre-authorization must be completed prior to the start of the group.
Health Insurance: At this time Aspirations is not covered by health insurance.
Some Health Savings Accounts and/or Flex Spending Accounts may be utilized to cover fees.
Financial aid is available on an as-needed basis. Click this link to apply: https://forms.office.com/r/2YAK0yYQdh