Welcome to Next Step

What is Next Step?

Opening doors to a limitless future… Next Step is a social group for teens with autism facilitated and supported by adults with autism.  Once a week the group gets together to play video games, chat, benefit from social coaching and engage in social skills instruction. All members must be able to navigate their environment and maintain self control with minimal intervention. If funding allows a second group will be formed that supports the needs of teens and young adults who may need a little more assistance to participate in a large group setting. Hidden curriculum/social expectations are discussed and generalized during our time together. Most weekends have events planned to allow members another opportunity to hang out together.

Events

Center's Day
Apr
11

Center's Day

PK - 3 9-10:30

Avalon cummings-Knutt

Diane Connelly

Kaylie Corby

Yessie Brancaccio

Sarah Welker

4th - 8th 12-1:30

Katie Pitcher Suzie Schroeder Edgenuity

Staci Hafling Alexis Matonti

View Event →

Next Step Prom

Next Step’s 1st Prom 2022

Next Step Registration

 

Membership Levels

  • Level 1 $20 a month

    Pizza, Leisure activities, Socialization

    Payment

  • Level 2 $40 a month

    Direct social skills instruction & group counseling (no more than 6 in a group) , pizza, leisure activities, socialization,

    Payment

  • Level 3 $60 a month

    Weekly individual counseling sessions 30 minutes; direct social skills instruction & group counseling, pizza, leisure activities, socialization

    Payment


Next Step Mentors 

Young adults with autism provide support to teens with autism using a variety of approaches including social skills instruction, instruction about areas of interest, engaging in conversations and more. Hope Center follows the lead for our teens and adults and adjusts programming as needed throughout the year to continue to meet their needs. Below are power points created by our young adults to support interactions with their mentees.