Empowering individuals on the Autism spectrum through skilled trades

When Lillie V. first came to TACT, she was looking for more than just a classroom—she wanted to learn welding and make new friends in a place where learning didn’t feel boring. What she found was a space that made learning both fun and challenging, exactly what she needed to stay engaged and grow.

Her favorite part of being a TACT student has been the school field trips. One standout moment was riding a party bus to a Construction Con, where she not only had a great time but also made a lot of new friends—both on the bus and at the event. It was the kind of connection and fun she’d been hoping for.

Welding has had the biggest impact. Lillie enjoys learning about safety, reading blueprints, and figuring out what voltage is needed for different metal thicknesses. One of her favorite discoveries has been overhead welding—something she didn’t even know was possible before joining TACT.

A moment that really stuck with Lillie happened just a few days after she started. She was crafting a flower from metal scraps, bending pieces to make it look like it was coming out of a watering hose. When she turned around, the Founder of TACT, Mr. Danny Combs was standing behind her, asking to take a photo of her creation. That unexpected recognition filled her heart with pride and validated of her creativity.

Beyond the hands-on skills, the staff at TACT have made all the difference. They’ve helped Lillie grow not only as a welder but as a person—encouraging her to speak up even when she’s feeling anxious and making each day enjoyable. “I wouldn't choose any other place to learn,” she says. And with a team like this behind her, it’s easy to see why.

Gregory D. came to TACT with one clear goal in mind: to gain culinary skills—and, as he puts it, improve his “clopping” skills (we think he meant chopping, and we love the enthusiasm!). What started as a simple interest quickly turned into a passion for cooking and the confidence to explore it more deeply.

One of Gregory’s proudest achievements is learning how to chiffonade—a fancy knife technique that he now uses when making dinner for his family. It’s more than just cooking; it’s the independence and joy that come with preparing meals that mean something to the people he cares about.

Culinary quickly became his favorite class at TACT. Not only does he love cooking, but he also values the independence the kitchen gives him. He enjoys cooking at home just as much as he does in class, and it's clear that the skills he’s learning are making a lasting impact.

Gregory recalls how simply following safe kitchen procedures made him feel incredibly proud. Being in the kitchen, following directions, and seeing successful results gave him a sense of purpose and pride he hadn't felt before. He now believes in something he hadn’t considered possible before: becoming a great chef.

He’s also quick to recognize the many people at TACT who have supported his journey.  He appreciates his instructors, describing them as “encouraging”, “awesome”, “heroes” and even “the best people on Earth”.

At TACT, Gregory isn’t just learning how to cook—he’s discovering who he wants to become.

Logan C. came to TACT seeking more than just technical skills—he was looking for a roadmap for his future. Drawn by the Career Tracks program and the opportunity to dive into welding, Logan found both purpose and passion. From day one, he was inspired by his welding instructor, whose mentorship went beyond teaching—offering genuine support, encouragement, and friendship.

The hands-on learning in the welding program has made the biggest impact on Logan. It’s where he discovered not only how to work with metal but also how to believe in his own abilities. One of his proudest accomplishments was creating a beautiful bouquet of flowers from scrap metal as a Mother’s Day gift, all in just three days. It was a moment of creativity, confidence, and pride that symbolized his growth.

At TACT, Logan has found empowerment and a “can-do” attitude that he didn’t know he had. He credits the program with helping him tap into his creative abilities and shift his mindset. With flexible scheduling and a supportive staff that understands his goals, Logan feels like he’s exactly where he needs to be—and he’s excited about what comes next.

When Austin Hudson was diagnosed with Autism and Epilepsy, he felt isolated—not knowing anyone else facing the same challenges. After a recommendation from a Children’s Hospital counselor, Austin and his mom discovered TACT. From the moment they toured with Danny, the welding and woodworking shops drew him in.

Austin quickly found his passion in welding, mastering MIG, TIG, Stick, and Flux Core. He’s now even helping teach TIG to other students. Inspired by his instructors, Austin has grown immensely—not just in skill, but in confidence. He even started a trend by welding nuts and washers into flowers, a technique he taught himself in his dad’s garage.

TACT became more than a school—it was a place where Austin belonged. He raised funds on his own to get a seizure-alert service dog, selling custom cutting and charcuterie boards. When he brought his dog to class, the TACT team welcomed her with open arms, ensuring she could safely support him in the shop.

Today, Austin is thriving. He passed his welding test and now works as a welder’s helper, with his service dog by his side. He’s currently teaching himself aluminum welding and continuing to grow. What once felt impossible—having a job, being independent, finding his place—is now his everyday reality.

TACT gave Austin the space to believe in himself. They listened, supported, and celebrated him every step of the way—and still do.