Society has made great strides in fostering understanding and acceptance of neurodivergent and autistic children and adults. In honor of April being Autism Awareness Month, Arizona-based The Attitude Advantage Program (TAAP) and Autism Academy are working together to impact the lives of neurodivergent teens and help them build confidence and develop life skills. So, how are they doing it?
Helping Parents Be There for Their Kids
Autism awareness and advocacy start in the home. The Attitude Advantage Program encourages parents of autistic teens to embrace the journey and notes, "It's about creating an environment where differences are not just tolerated but celebrated, where potential is not limited but liberated."
Parents can allow their kids to flourish by recognizing and understanding developmental milestones and utilizing tools for early support by partnering with a professional life coach. Some of the most integral strategies include encouraging social skills and integration, celebrating strengths, encouraging interests and talents, and creating positive family relationships that strengthen bonds and understanding.
Of course, self-care is necessary. Recharging is just as important as any other tool to give autistic kids and teens the dedication, patience, and resilience they need. Focusing on these strategies will ultimately help build self-confidence and increase independence.
How the Autism Academy Can Help
Specialized educational and coaching programs are two of the best resources that parents of autistic teens can take advantage of. That's where The Autism Academy comes in. By focusing on flexibility, teamwork, grit, loyalty, and positivity within its staff, The Autism Academy transforms lives. These are the same pillars that parents can benefit from as well.
The Autism Academy believes that every child is exceptional. It doesn't just center on students—through its education and development programs, The Autism Academy aims to improve the lives of students, families, and the Arizona community regarding academics, socialization, and encouraging positive behavior.
Meet the Leaders
In her 35 years of education experience as a teacher, coach, administrator, and educational director, The Autism Academy's Laura Newcomb noticed the gap in individualized programming and quality education for students across the autism spectrum, which has since become a family mission.
Meanwhile, The Attitude Advantage Program founder, Jesse LeBeau, has empowered over a million kids through speaking events that focus on mental health and self-esteem programs for schools, families, and teenagers.
When it comes to Newcomb's best tips for parents, she said, "Best tips are, they need self-care. Take care of themselves. Because I always say to parents, when they come in...because they're with their kids 24/7...and they don't get a break. So I always say we give them the resources to sign up for the DDD services where they get respite hours and they can have a break or just [do] things for themselves."
Meanwhile, Heidi Klum said about LeBeau, "Great life lessons given out of an authentic journey. Jesse shares the keys every young person needs to chase their dreams."
Changing the Narrative with Autism Awareness Month
With the partnership between The Attitude Advantage Program and The Autism Academy, the organizations work together to offer well-rounded education for parents, autistic students, and the community to help destigmatize autism and create a supportive environment for neurodivergent individuals.
Initiatives like Autism Awareness Month are vital to engaging people in conversation. This collaboration helps spread this important message and is also fantastic for parents to utilize in supporting their autistic kids and teens.
