Empowering Autistic Youth: Inside the Autism Mentorship Program

In This Episode:Join us for this insightful episode of Mom Enough as we discuss the Autism Mentorship Program (AMP). Co-hosts, Dr. Erin Erickson and Dr. Marti Erickson, are joined by Emily Goldberg, founder of AMP, and Uma Oswald, a dedicated mentor within the program. Together, they shed light on the importance of this program in fostering understanding and support for youth with autism.Emily discusses how her own experience as a parent of autistic twin boys sparked the idea for AMP, why a program like this is needed, and the compelling research on the effectiveness of this program. Uma, a disability advocate and former professional artist, shares insights about why they became a mentor and gives insights into the power of this mentorship program for mentees and mentors. They also highlight their own experience of being autistic and living with schizophrenia for the past decade. You won’t want to miss this moving and inspirational episode! WHY IS MENTORSHIP FOR AUTISTIC YOUTH SO IMPORTANT?What were you most surprised by in this episode? Reflecting on Emily Goldberg's experience as a parent of autistic twins and her journey towards founding the Autism Mentorship Program (AMP), what insights can you draw regarding the importance of personal experiences in driving advocacy and support initiatives? Uma Oswald's dual experience as both an autistic individual and someone living with schizophrenia offers a unique perspective on the challenges and strengths of neurodiversity. How can embracing such diverse experiences enhance our understanding and support for individuals with neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions? Considering the role of mentorship in the AMP, what are some potential benefits of mentorship programs specifically tailored for individuals with autism? How might such programs contribute to fostering confidence and self-advocacy? In light of the research findings discussed regarding the effectiveness of the Autism Mentorship Program, what might you do to contribute to expanding this and similar initiatives across different communities and cultural contexts?