Next Step Cafe Truly is the "Next Step" — Not the Only Step, or the Final Step

The support system that exists in high school can vanish overnight, and families are left staring at a scary, practical question: what comes next for an autistic young adult who wants a real life and a real job? We talk with Suellen Barnes and Susan Ballerstedt from the Next Step Cafe and Training Program about how they built a 16-week bridge for adults with high-functioning autism that treats employment readiness as more than interview tips and a polished resume.  We walk through their full model: soft skills and social skills grounded in values like perseverance and responsibility, sensory integration occupational therapy that helps connect mind and body, cognitive training that teaches students to think about their thinking, and hands-on vocational training such as cooking and woodworking. Then we get into the part most programs skip: connecting graduates to employers who will appreciate them, not tolerate them, and offering support so the job can actually last. The cafe itself was created to help make the mission sustainable and expand internship opportunities. From local art on the walls, Cars & Coffee, and gift-wrapping at the Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass, the cafe shows how a community can rally around inclusive employment in a way that feels normal, welcoming, and fun. Subscribe for more stories like this, share the episode with someone who needs hope and practical options, and leave a review so more families can find Next Step. Send us Fan Mail 🎙️ Kentucky Hidden Wonders is presented by ShelbyKY Tourism. 🥃 Plan a visit to Your Bourbon Destination® at www.visitshelbyky.com. Located in the heart of central Kentucky and less than an hour from Louisville and Lexington, ShelbyKY is the perfect Kentucky getaway. Complete with two great distilleries, action-packed outdoor adventures, and the best vacation rentals near Louisville, put ShelbyKY at the top of your list when planning a Kentucky Bourbon Trail® trip, romantic couples retreat, or a whole-family vacation. 🎙️ Kentucky Hidden Wonders is hosted by Janette Marson and Mason Warren and edited by Ethan Fisher.  📲 Follow Kentucky Hidden Wonders: facebook.com/kentuckyhiddenwonders instagram.com/kentuckyhiddenwonders/ youtube.com/@KentuckyHiddenWonders © ShelbyKY Tourism, All Rights Reserved.