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 […]
DSP
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 […]
