This week we’re discussing "The Power of Listening and Mentorship Programs" through the Making Mentors program. This initiative pairs autistic college students with high school students to foster connection, growth, and empowerment. Joining us are Kristen Gillespie-Lynch, Taylor (T) Abbatemarco, Louis Rotondo, and Rita Strickland to share how mentorship and peer support are transforming the autistic community. Download episode to learn more!ResourcesCollege Autism Network: https://collegeautismnetwork.org/College Autism Summit: https://collegeautismnetwork.org/event/college-autism-summit-2025/Project REACH: https://www.cuny.edu/about/administration/offices/student-affairs/programs-services/disability/projectreach/Communication First: https://communicationfirst.org/STEM For All: https://multiplex.videohall.com/presentations/1193/2468.htmlSpecialist Autism Mentoring in UK: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/mentoring-universityAutism and Universal Design Training for University Staff: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349832158_Autism_UD_Training_for_FacultyTeachers_and_other_University_StaffPresentation about Making Mentors at CUNY Neurodiversity Conference: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/393178315_Improving_Making_Mentors_How_Can_We_Use_Data_to_Improve_an_Autistic-Led_Maker-_Focused_Mentorship_ProgramParticipatory Research Guidelines from AASPIRE: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30939892/Co-design resources: https://doingresearchtogether.com.au/https://www.beyondstickynotes.com/toolsforcoproductionEmployment Resources: https://sites.google.com/view/nsfworkshop23/employment-resourcesOpen-access curriculum and training for neurodiversity-affirmative STEM workshops: https://sites.google.com/view/gamedesignemploymentresources/workshop-resources-2023/training-2023Employment Resources Autism: https://autism.org/employment-resources-for-individuals-with-autism/https://iacc.hhs.gov/resources/employment/websites/https://autismspectrumnews.org/empowering-autistic-job-seekers-through-mentorship/...............................................................Autism weekly is now found on all of the major listening apps including apple podcasts, stitcher, Spotify, amazon music, and more. Subscribe to be notified when we post a new podcast. Autism weekly is produced by ABS Kids. ABS Kids is proud to provide diagnostic assessments and ABA therapy to children with developmental delays like Autism Spectrum Disorder. You can learn more about ABS Kids and the Autism Weekly podcast by visiting abskids.com.