Aspirations Ohio

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

Led by Program Manager Michael Valentino MSW/LSW and Caregiver Facilitator/Project Manager Tracey Manz, 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 the participant’s transition from adolescence into adulthood.

PROGRAM COMPONENTS

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 typically 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 typically 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 Autism Self-Advocacy Program (ASAP), Relate to Me, DBT Skills group and more. These groups serve to offer a deeper dive into more challenging areas.

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

Aspirations Application Packet

Aspirations Enrichment Groups

***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