Building Life After High School for Autistic Adults with April Ratchford - Episode 114

Inclusion and Disability Advocacy from a Parent's Perspective: The Inclusive Dad

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron speaks with April Ratchford, an autistic occupational therapist and advocate for neurodivergent young adults. April shares her personal journey as a late-diagnosed autistic individual, her experiences parenting an autistic son, and the systemic gaps that exist in post-secondary support for autistic students. Together, they discuss life skills education, the need for inclusive transitions beyond high school, and practical tips for advocacy. April's honest storytelling and actionable advice provide hope and clarity for families navigating the often-overlooked path between graduation and adulthood.

Key Takeaways:

Life Skills Matter – Reintroducing practical skills like cooking, budgeting, and cleaning into education is essential for real-world success.

Transition Gaps Exist – There’s a severe lack of transition support for autistic young adults after high school.

Advocacy is Essential – Parents must actively advocate for their children’s rights, especially when accommodations are denied.

College Isn’t for Everyone – Autistic young adults need individualized paths that may or may not include college.

Community Support Counts – Online spaces like Discord can provide meaningful social connections and empowerment.

April’s definition of inclusion:

Inclusion is just learning to be compassionate and tolerant. We're all not the same.

April’s Bio:

Welcome to my corner of the internet! I’m April Ratchford, a passionate advocate for autistic young adults and their families, an occupational therapist, and a mom navigating the unique world of raising an autistic son. With both personal and professional experience, I bring heartfelt insights, practical strategies, and a healthy dose of humor to help families bridge the gap from high school to adulthood.

Through my podcast, writing, and speaking, I aim to shine a spotlight on the lack of resources for autistic individuals after they turn 18. My mission is to empower autistic young adults and their parents to tackle life’s challenges with resilience, confidence, and a sense of community. I’m here to inspire, educate, and help pave the way to a more inclusive future—one conversation at a time.

Whether you’re a parent seeking guidance, a young adult looking for a path forward, or a fellow professional wanting a fresh perspective, you’re in the right place. Let’s connect, share stories, and create a brighter, more supported journey for everyone.

Connect with April:

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/adultingwithautism

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571440840115

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adulting_autism

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-ratchford-780283273/

SPAM© Count:

Host:

Yes

Current Guest:

Yes

Cumulative Guest Stats:

Yes - 46

No - 66

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Want to be a guest on Inclusion and Advocacy from a Parent's Perspective: The Inclusive Dad? Send Aaron DeVries a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/theinclusivedad