Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Patricia Powell, Executive Director with National Autism Peer Support, who shares helpful context and her personal story and perspective to provide a better understanding of Autism and then highlights the nonprofit organization's mission and efforts to provide a safe place for individuals with autism and their support networks to find resources, acceptance, and understanding while working to educate the community to increase awareness.

During the interview, Patricia discusses how neurologically diverse individuals process information differently and how that impacts their ability to read social cues, block out or focus on certain things and stimuli, and enjoy different environments and experiences. She shares some personal examples, talks about the changing terminology and terms, and how "When you've met one person with autism, you've met one person with autism." Patricia describes National Autism Peer Support's current programming with monthly meetings, their peer support, and how they are working to provide employment resources to help older teens and adults with autism navigate getting a job by learning how to write a resume and take advantage of other resources and services to support their independence and growth. She wraps up with ways the community can support their efforts.

Visit www.nashvilleautismpeersupport.org to learn more and get involved.
https://www.facebook.com/NashAPS4you

The ChangeMakers Podcast is produced by cityCURRENT and powered by Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services.

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