As one of only a few programs across the country – and the only one of its kind in Kentucky – LifeWorks for Autism provides a person-centered approach to helping individuals develop career-readiness skills while building confidence in their abilities to independently support and care for themselves. Lifeworks for Autism includes the Transition Academy, a living-and-learning two-year program, which was established in 2020 and is designed to provide the instruction and practice necessary to equip its participants with the tools to obtain gainful employment and independent living. The newly established LifeWorks On-The-Go is a post-secondary program serving autistic young adults living within driving distance of the main campus to assist with vocational opportunities and a comprehensive independent living curriculum. Nearly 90 percent of LifeWorks graduates are now employed, compared to the national average of 15 percent of autistic adults with employment.

Our Mission

To provide education and experiential learning for young autistic adults and those with other learning differences to empower them to live independent, self-directed lives as valued community members.

Our Purpose & Philosophy

LifeWorks strives to facilitate a living and learning environment that empowers young autistic adults to realize their full potential and successfully lead lives of independence, self-direction, and inclusion. We believe in providing support that is guided by each participant’s unique desires, goals, and strengths. We believe that the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to successfully carrying out the mission of LifeWorks. Our staff members, board of directors, student interns, volunteers, and participants embrace diversity and are committed to treating all individuals with dignity and respect, regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, language, ethnicity, nationality, socioeconomic status, religious or spiritual beliefs. We value diverse perspectives and appreciate how they enrich the LifeWorks community.

Our Core Beliefs

Participants First - We value each participant as an individual – having unique backgrounds, talents, and life dreams. We believe that all people have inherent value and should be defined by their gifts and abilities rather than diagnosis, label or learning style.
Community Inclusion - We believe that community membership can facilitate invaluable personal opportunities, resources, and relationships. We hold that all individuals deserve access and opportunity to fully engage in all areas of the community – including work, living, and leisure.
Valued Social Roles - Individuals with autism are often marginalized because of societal attitudes and misperceptions. We believe that gaining valued social roles (i.e., employee, volunteer, neighbor) better positions individuals with autism to experience the good things in life – acceptance, respect, friendship, career opportunities, safety and so on.
Community Contribution & Employment - Individuals with autism possess tremendous potential to make meaningful contributions to society through employment. We believe that possessing the ability to secure and maintain employment is perhaps the most important step to reaching independence.