Addison Grogan

Major: Human Development and Family Studies
Company/Organization: AXIS therapy centers
Company/Organization website: https://axistherapycenters.com/axis-ankeny/#
Destination: ANKENY, Iowa
Timeframe: Fall 2023
Advisor/Coordinator Email: jenvan@iastate.edu

Responsibilities

During my internship I provided direct ABA therapy to children with autism, as well as taking data that pertains to their specific treatment plans. I also engaged in social skills group, and taught SEL curriculum. I would also occasionally do things for internship hours like making choice boards, visual schedules, PECS etc.

Accomplishments

The greatest accomplishment during my internship experience was not only being able to see change/progress within the kids I work with, which is just so amazing! However, to also see it in myself, when I started I didn't know how good I would be at the job because it wasn't something I saw myself doing. Now, I've grown as a person and realized I can do anything with confidence and good training!

Learning experience

The greatest lessons I've learned through this whole experience are to be open: being open to jobs or internships you wouldn't think fit you or you would be good at because I found something I loved! Another lesson I learned is a good supportive environment in a job truly make the difference, when you have co-workers/bosses who support you and give you those breaks when needed, or have an open door policy it takes so much stress off of you and helps to decompress on long days. That is something I didn't look for, but now I couldn't have a job without one!

What advice would you give?

My biggest piece of advice for future students is to be open when looking for jobs and internships. I wouldn't of thought I would've wanted to provide ABA therapy to kids however now I love it so much! So, just looking over all options and not being disappointed if you have your heart set on something, because something even better could be there!

Career Connections