Presenters: Haley Shibble and a panel of TKU Creative interns, Tech Kids Unlimited

Feeling good fosters productivity, making a positive work environment the ultimate goal. However, autistic individuals often face challenges managing their mental health and well-being at work and may not always feel supported or included in the workplace. This presentation will explore the integration of mental health and wellness in internship programs, focusing on creating inclusive and accessible opportunities for autistic individuals. Led by a neurodiverse panel of interns aged 17-24, the discussion will draw from their experiences in the Creative Tech Internship (CTI) program at Tech Kids Unlimited (TKU), a non-profit organization. CTI spans a year and centers on using social-emotional learning to cultivate soft skills, a curriculum overseen by a dedicated social worker. Recognizing the pivotal role of mental health, well-being, community, and social inclusion in work-based learning, TKU's social worker team facilitates connections to resources and support services for interns so that they can succeed. Social-emotional learning is seamlessly integrated into the program through group activities, individual check-ins, and collaborative projects, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. This dual focus on mental health, well-being, and technical skills underscores TKU's holistic approach to development. The panel will discuss the integration of mental health and wellness in internship programs, focusing on creating inclusive opportunities for autistic individuals. We’ll share how the internship staff promotes open communication, empathy, and understanding, teaching stress management, healthy habits, resilience building, and work-life balance, benefiting interns during the program and in future workplaces.