Abigayle Jayroe, the Senior Vice President of Strategic Operations at NEXT for AUTISM, joined the Someone You Know podcast to discuss the role of Direct Support Professionals in the lives of people with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as addressing caregiver burnout and what can be done about it. Also discussed […]
DSP
From Fellows to DSP: Meet Mariza
Meet the Students Bridging the DSP Employment Gap: Profiles of NEXT for AUTISM FELLOWS Recipients Name: Mariza A. Major: AA Elementary Education Anticipated Graduation Year: 2025 What motivated you to apply for this employment-based scholarship opportunity? The reason why I applied for the employment-based scholarship is my current job. I work one-on-one with individuals who […]
Where Are All the DSPs?
A NEXT for AUTISM Strategic Viewpoint Three years ago, John, a young man with autism, faced tremendous challenges, limited by his almost nonexistent communication skills. He was labeled as aggressive- scratching, kicking and pushing away any attempts at connection. John’s future looked bleak. But then, in August 2020, a compassionate and dedicated direct support professional […]
“Myth-busting” The Role of the Direct Support Professional: Professionalizing the DSP
By Brad Walker, Vice-President, Strategic Adult Initiative at NEXT for AUTISM and Shelly May, Deputy Director, Johnson County Developmental Supports/Board President – InterHab Autistic and intellectually developmentally disabled (IDD) adults desperately need quality community-based professional support. Close to 200,000 autistic individuals are waiting for access to a safe home and professionally developed DSPs, where they […]
