Aaron Markovits, Program Director for the Taft College Transition to Independent Living Program, shares the details of how this program works. The TIL program incorporates teaching independent living skills with college campus living while simultaneously supporting the student in their academic pursuits. 

Jack Darakjian, CEO of the Modern Support Services organization and Commissioner on Los Angeles County’s Commission on Disabilities, talks about various housing choices available to those with special needs as well as the support services that go along with living the most independent lifestyle possible. 

Nicole Mevs-Martin, MFT, discusses ways in which we can emotionally support those in our lives with special needs during difficult or challenging circumstances as well as various therapeutic techniques that can be used to assist during these times. 

Tina Castro and Heidi Perez of the FACT organization describe how to navigate the maze of secondary education which can be confusing and challenging for anyone. They provide insight on services available to the special needs community on 2 and 4 year college campuses and how to access those services. Although they are based in Los Angeles, CA, their advice is applicable across the country. 

David Terk of Serenitas Special Needs Planning discusses the importance of creating a comprehensive plan for your loved one with special needs, including details on the financial, social and day to day aspects. He specifically talks about something called a Letter of Intent, a document that should be a part of everyone’s life planning arsenal.

Gail Carrier, co-founder of the Ourtism organization, talks about some of the difficulties in getting the right diagnosis for those on the spectrum as well as the challenges faced in the higher education and employment areas. Ourtism addresses these challenges with various services and programs that are available on a nationwide basis. 

Claudia Wenger of Claudia Cares Consulting discusses the details in creating and the importance of having a solid transition plan in place for your child with special needs well before they leave high school and enter the realm of adulthood.

Dr. Harry Stark, private practitioner and professor of psychology at California State University in Northridge, CA, discusses some of the aspects of handling behavioral issues that occur in various circumstances and settings, both for those with special needs as well as others who may not understand the challenges faced by people with special needs and their caretakers. 

Chance Raspberry, lead animator on The Simpsons and creator of Little Billy (the world’s first and only animated series about life with a neurodiversity), talks about growing up “different”, going to school, finding employment and following your passion and your dreams.