To support young adults with autism, particularly within Latino communities, UTHealth Houston has launched the bilingual Launching! to Adulthood program. This initiative is designed to assist in the transition into adulthood and the workforce.
The program's first phase spans 12 weeks and includes both in-person and virtual therapy sessions aimed at enhancing self-management skills such as mental health, executive functioning, and social cognition. Participants engage in individualized coaching, biweekly group sessions, and job-readiness webinars.
Following this, a second 12-week internship phase allows participants to work approximately 10 hours per week in departments that align with their career interests at UTHealth Houston.
Antonio Pagán, PhD, who serves as the program director, expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far. “I am extremely grateful for how the program has taken off and is going so far," he said. "We are working with 15 departments and over 30 supervisors to demonstrate strong institutional buy-in and access to a wide range of internship placements.” He emphasized the program's role as a bridge between employers and interns by providing real-time assistance for workplace challenges.
Guided by a bilingual community advisory board of autistic self-advocates and parents, the initiative receives funding from NEXT for Autism, Autism Speaks, and NIH grants. The program offers group therapy for parents and young adults, individual therapy sessions, family therapy, and weekend webinars. Parent sessions are conducted in Spanish while services for young adults are offered in their preferred language.
Interns receive additional support from Texas Workforce Commission vocational rehabilitation counselors. Bilingual training webinars are available for parents and employers to enhance understanding of autism in workplaces.
Research findings indicate improved career readiness among participants along with stronger self-efficacy and high satisfaction rates from families and supervisors involved.
Yoimar Aviles, an intern in the Office of Public Affairs, Branding and Creative Services shared his experience: “The LIA program has allowed me to explore skills that I had never really considered before... At first being in an office environment was a bit intimidating... but now I’m more comfortable.”
Jonathan Lopez, Aviles’ supervisor remarked on his rewarding experience participating as a supervisor: “Our interns have shadowed creative professionals from various backgrounds... We were especially grateful for their support during the 2025 commencement ceremonies.”
The current cohort will conclude in August with another scheduled for spring 2026. Pilot studies revealed employer interest but also highlighted needs for training on autism awareness which will inform ongoing improvements ensuring long-term success.
For further information about this initiative contact Antonio Pagán at UTHealth Houston.
