Annual Report 2025: DJ's Story

DJ and Miss Vicky at DJ's favorite store, The Exchange.

In 2018, when APSI became DJ's guardian, his life was at a crossroads. His parents could no longer serve that role, and DJ found himself in a home where he was over-medicated and struggling. During family visits, staff would rush them away after just ten minutes, eager to hide the reality of DJ's situation. It took him half an hour to eat a single taco, his movements dulled by medications that masked rather than

supported who he truly was.

According to DJ's PSR Kayla, the turning point came when DJ moved to his current placement with Miss Vicky. "When he first got here, DJ was a challenge," Miss Vicky shared. "But he's made some big improvements."

DJ's quarterly meetings tell the story of his transformation. "I always feel like it's just so positive, and it's always better," said his Service and Support Administrator (SSA), Deb. "Every single time, he just gets better." The behaviors that he once used to show objection and frustration have softened. DJ’s current goals include reducing his staffing ratio to enhance his independence, and his team is using data to make informed decisions.

DJ checking out the records at The Exhange

Living in his own home without roommates has been essential to DJ's success. As a 33-year-old with autism who processes the world at his own pace, DJ needs space that accommodates his unique rhythm. His team learned to adjust their flow rather than making him calibrate to theirs. When DJ avoided morning showers by changing clothes before coming downstairs, they helped him switch to taking showers at night. Problem solved.

"DJ is a real relaxed individual," Miss Vicky explained. "He likes his space. He'll tell you to go away, but he likes his space." Yet when DJ enters his element, everything changes.

Music is DJ's language. As a child listening to music on the car radio, DJ inherited an encyclopedic knowledge of songs from the 60s through the 90s. Country, metal, pop – it doesn't matter. At The Exchange music store, employees have built a rapport with him over time, as he often browses the CDs and records independently or with staff. He doesn't listen to records there; he studies the pictures and track lists with intense focus. At Drum Roll, an exercise program set to music, DJ would rather everyone stop playing so he can listen. "He's all music inclined," his team notes. "He'll want everyone to be quiet while he just sits there and listens to the music."

DJ drumming at Drum Roll.

DJ's progress extends beyond activities. DJ now gets regular haircuts and beard trims, a remarkable achievement considering DJ wouldn't let anyone touch him when he first arrived at his new home. "That was a huge success," Miss Vicky emphasized. Now, DJ sports fresh haircuts and a neatly trimmed beard, taking pride in his appearance.

Daily living skills have improved dramatically, from personal hygiene to nutrition. Most significantly,

he's speaking up for himself more, something his team continues to encourage. "We've been encouraging him to use his voice," they explain, recognizing this as key to DJ's growing self-advocacy.

"Without APSI, he might not be where he is today," his team reflected. "Now, he's in the best place he could be."

DJ knows who he is: a music lover and a young man finding his voice. Through APSI's guardianship and his provider's unwavering support, DJ has moved from over-medication and isolation to independence and purpose. With the right environment, patience, and people who truly listen, transformation is always possible.

"DJ has come a long way," Kayla said. And he's still going: one song, one small victory, one day at a time.