Cook & Connect: BTS Partners with Local Italian Chef to Build Confidence in Everyday Life Skills

What happens when community, creativity, and everyday life skills come together?

For autistic and neurodivergent adults in Sarasota, Cook & Connect is answering that question one recipe at a time.

Hosted by certified resilience coach Belle Stikeleather in collaboration with Don Luigi, Cook & Connect takes place in a life‑skills kitchen at Don Luigi’s Italian restaurant on Palm Avenue, Downtown Sarasota. By embracing neurodiversity‑affirming principles, Behavioral Teaching Solutions' events recognize and respect varied communication styles, sensory needs, and personal comfort.

Photography by Aga Ignas for exclusive use by Behavioral Teaching Solutions

Thoughtfully designed as an inclusive, sensory‑aware cooking experience, Cook & Connect grants participants the opportunity to learn hands‑on food preparation while building supportive, social connections. All experience levels are welcome, from first‑time cooks to seasoned kitchen explorers.

Each event's menu item is chosen for its hands‑on approach, inviting participants into multi-sensory engagement with food, from mixing and shaping to tasting and sharing.

In our first-ever session, participants rolled up their sleeves to make fresh gnocchi.

In our second session, participants created their very own tiramisu, each layer of the classic Italian dessert crafted entirely from scratch.

With step-by-step guidance from Chef Luigi himself, each person follows along at their own pace while developing confidence with ingredients and technique.

After the cooking portion of each event, attendees sat to enjoy the dishes they’d made in relaxed conversation.

Photography by Aga Ignas for exclusive use by Behavioral Teaching Solutions

Photography by Aga Ignas for exclusive use by Behavioral Teaching Solutions

Both events featured one of our regular autistic adult attendees and fellow BTS Ambassador, Alex Sykes, who played classical music on his piano. During the second event, his father and Art Avenue gallery owner, Paul Sykes, even accompanied him on the violin.

For all upcoming events, participants can register individually or bring a friend, with team pricing options available for paired attendance.

With limited seating to maintain a calm environment, early registration is encouraged for those interested in joining the table.

Whether you’re seeking to improve your cooking skills, expand your social circle, or simply enjoy a good meal in good company, Cook & Connect offers a unique and meaningful blend of learning, nourishment, and community connection.

Photography by Aga Ignas for exclusive use by Behavioral Teaching Solutions

By combining independent life skills practice with communal eating, Behavioral Teaching Solutions is furthering its mission to support confidence-building in daily living and opportunities for genuine connection through its varied diversity-affirming events and strategic partnerships.

Additional Resource: Resilience Coaching Collective Podcast

For more information or to learn more about the constructional approach, email us at belle@maribelcastillo.co, and follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn. If you have creative ideas, collaborate with us through BTS Creative Collective.

Join us for our next Cook & Connect event on Sunday, April 12, 2026.