Char’s Story

Char told us she goes by “Char” because people can’t pronounce her full name, Charlize. This bright 14-year-old first joined Autism Action Partnership in the spring cohort of our program, A-Team. Char and her family moved to Omaha earlier in the year from New Jersey and she was eager to connect with other kids her age.

A-Team is an after-school group for adolescents on the spectrum to connect with others, practice skills, and have fun. When Char started attending A-Team, her mother was looking for a social outlet for her daughter to connect with other kids her age. What she found was a welcoming space where kids can be themselves.

One of the AAP staff said it best when she shared, “When the world is saying ‘Whoa, every single thing you’re doing is wrong’, we’re here to say, ‘Actually, it’s right and you’re right and there’s nothing wrong with you,’ which can tell you a bit about the accepting environment A-Team provides for these teens.

Although Char was apprehensive at first in attending, by the second week her mom gave her the opportunity to skip since they had a busy weekend and Char had also been a little under the weather. Char perked right up and said she was committed to attend. Her excitement was a surprise to her mom, but a welcomed one.

In A-Team, Char and the other participants play games, create art, and interact with peers, all while staff are guiding participants in a way that meets them where they are. Char’s favorite thing to do during A-Team is anything involving artistic expression. She enjoys painting and drawing.

After her first 12 weeks session of A-Team, Char’s mom shares that she’s noticed a big difference in her daughter’s confidence. Char is initiating conversations with new friends at school and has gladly joined other students in activities without much hesitation. Char’s mom is especially proud of her daughter’s progress and attributes her strengthened social skills to her time spent in A-Team.