S5: Episode 178 - Turning those labeled as "low functioning" into higher functioning individuals through a successful life & job skills training program

Mike Stuart is a 74 year old retired educator who lives in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He and his wife Harriet and their 32 year old autistic son, Aaron, moved from Florida 16 months ago to be closer to their daughter and her family.   In 2015, Mike created a life and job skills program for the more significantly-challenged autistic and other developmentally-disabled individuals called Operation Meaningful Life. It has been incredibly successful in turning Aaron into a skilled higher-functioning individual from his formerly designated "low-functioning" label.   Through the FB group for Operation Meaningful Life, Mike shares programming and behavioral insights with his 12,000 followers. Mike and Harriet are now formulating the next major phase of Aaron's life: a permanent, secure, life-fulfilling, and compassionate residential model for Aaron and others who are considered more-heavily or severely challenged.    You can connect with Mike via his FB page: @Operation Meaningful Life or his website: operationmeaningfullife.com

Om Podcasten

This podcast comes to you from a very tired and eternally hopefully autism mom of an adult son with profound needs. My intention is to bring together caregivers of special needs children and those who may want to gain a better understanding of our challenges and triumphs. Through the sharing of our stories and experience, I hope to build a larger, more inclusive community of support. Living the Sky Life offers a personal connection from someone who walks daily in caregiver shoes.