ABOUT US
Autism is an epidemic within the United States. 1 in 7 individuals knows someone affected by autism through family, friends, church, or work. Now, 1 in 68 children are being diagnosed with ASD. These children grow up to become adults. If diagnosed as a child, and eligible for community support & benefits, these programs are usually lost when the child turns 17 or 21. Transitional programs within many public school systems are inadequate at preparing adolescents for adulthood goal-setting and independence.
Currently, about 66% of the adult population with autism is unemployed, or severely under-employed. By 2020, it is estimated that approximately 2-5% of the adult population in the U.S. will fall somewhere on the Autism spectrum. What is going to happen to America when the working-age population of adults on the spectrum continue to be unemployed or severely under-employed?
The majority of financial aid, support and programs for individuals with ASD are created to assist families of (cute and needy) children. Much of society is unaware that Autism is a lifelong disorder. When many adults with Autism don't receive their diagnosis until adulthood (especially if matriculated out of public schools prior to late-1990s), they did not have the privilege of benefiting from childhood programs, which could give them skills to adapt to adulthood, and hopefully better integrate into the social and employment environment.
At age 60, the founder, Michele Newman, an adult with autism, determined not enough efforts were being made to address TRUE lifespan issues of individuals who live with ASD, especially the adults. This includes the areas of community support & inclusion, housing, training and employment, healthcare, social skills, personal independence, and spirituality.
Michele did not receive her own diagnosis until age 52. It was the greatest "Ah Ha" moment in her life, when much of her lifelong experiences FINALLY made sense. She struggled her whole life, as a survivor, by developing adaptive coping mechanisms to fit into a world that made little sense. She credits firm parental discipline and encouragement, and her survivor mentality from growing up in the 50s and 60s for her strong sense of independence. Most adults with ASD, diagnosed or yet to be diagnosed, are usually not so fortunate.
Michele has always found her sense of person by giving of her time and talents to others less fortunate or in need, or by preventing others from experiencing similar trauma & negative life encounters, which she experienced growing up and in adulthood. She receives great satisfaction by sharing her wealth of knowledge from her life experiences in hopes of providing enlightenment and/or encouragement to those who lack such knowledge or awareness.
Since 2009, Michele became a fully-committed self-advocate for herself and all adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). To become comfortable within her own skin and newfound community, she joined the local GRASP (Global & Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership) group. In 2011, she became an active member of the legislative-sanctioned Colorado 10-year Strategic Plan fulfillment organization for the state's autism community and programs. This organization is called CO-CANDO (Colorado Collaborative for Autism and Neuro-Developmental Options). She presented poster sessions at the 2011 and 2013 AUCD (Assn of University Centers on Disasbilities) national conferences in Washington, DC, having been sponsored by JFK Partners (CU Medical School, Anschutz campus). Michele also became an active volunteer with the Autism Society of Colorado in 2012, and was voted a member of their Board of Directors in 2013. She resigned this position to dedicate her full efforts in launching and developing Autism in Community. Michele was also asked to be a member of the JFK Advisory Council in 2014.
Rather than re-invent the wheel, Michele is anticipating this organization partnering and collaborating with other groups and organizations dedicated to supporting adults with ASD, to build a network of programs reaching across the country, providing the long-needed community supports and solutions, which have been neglected or incapable of reaching those in need, previously. We welcome other similar organizations to contact us and introduce yourselves so these relationships can be formed. There is power in numbers, and better strategizing can be accomplished by like-minded individuals and connections.
Autism in Community is planning to hold its 1st annual Adult ASD Strategy & Inclusion Conference in 2016. It will be a workshop forum where adults, professionals, and agencies/organizations interested in adults with ASD lifespan issues can come together and brainstorm about the issues and needs of this integral community of unique individuals who exist within society. The outcome will be an agenda of action items to build solutions.
