Therapeutic Recreation Internship Program

Therapeutic Recreation Internship Program 

The mission of this internship is to provide a dynamic, experiential learning experience that supports the development of professional competencies in Therapeutic Recreation. At Ascendigo Autism Services, the intern will engage in inclusive, strength-based recreational programming designed to empower individuals on the autism spectrum through adventure, social engagement, and personal growth. By working alongside experienced professionals in a supportive, interdisciplinary environment, the intern will gain practical skills in program planning, adaptive recreation, behavior support, and person-centered care. This internship strives to foster a deep understanding of the Ascendigo Way, promote the importance of meaningful recreational experiences, and prepare the intern to become a compassionate, creative, and confident Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.

Overview

This unpaid internship is designed for students pursuing a degree in Therapeutic Recreation who intend to meet academic fieldwork requirements as outlined by The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).

Ascendigo's internship program introduces interns to a growing population that benefits significantly from therapeutic recreation. Interns will gain hands-on experience supporting individuals with autism across a range of community-based and experiential programs.

As the prevalence of autism continues to grow (1 in 31 children, according to the latest CDC estimates), so has the need for services.

Research supports the physical, psychological, and social benefits of physical fitness, recreation, and adaptive sports for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Studies highlight that structured exercise serves as a complementary therapy for the autism population and supports improvements in ASD symptoms (Toscano et al., 2022).

Eligibility

• Perspective interns must be enrolled in a Therapeutic Recreation degree program from an accredited university.


• Must be eligible to complete the internship for academic credit as required by the NCTRC (minimum 560-hour, 14-week internship under a CTRS), if completing the full internship requirement.


• Must be 18 years of age or older.


• Background check required.


• Must obtain or possess a current, valid CPR/First Aid certificate prior to start date.

Supervision and Mentorship

• Supervised by a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).


• Weekly supervision meetings and progress evaluations.


• Opportunities to shadow professionals in behavior therapy, outdoor recreation, and life coaching.

Intern Responsibilities

• Plan and implement therapeutic recreation interventions and activities.


• Maintain documentation (activity reports, progress notes, incident reports).


• Communicate with participants and interdisciplinary staff.


• Attend staff meetings, training, and reflection sessions.


• Participate in data collection and program evaluation where applicable.


• Complete all academic assignments and requirements.