“Where your talents and the need of the world cross, there lies your vocation” ~Aristotle
I began Autism Connection in 2004 with the intent of providing autism related resources to families living my area (which is pretty rural). As a parent of two children with developmental disabilities, I knew first hand how limited local supports were, so I was certain a parent resource library would be heavily utilized.
I was wrong.
While families did use the books and sensory equipment, it only took a few months time to realize that, while informational resources were helpful, the true needs of families ran much deeper and reached far beyond the home and classroom.
After an exhausting six-month assessment, I knew two things:
The true purpose of Autism Connection, and that Autism Connection was my true purpose. {Hence the Aristotle quote above}
So, I combined my academic experience as a University Scholar, my decade of living with and parenting my children with ASD’s, all the professional conferences and trainings I had attended, my research, writing and speaking skills, my business plan, and my common sense to build AC into what it is today.
And I couldn’t be more pleased.
Since 2004, AC has focused on three demographics: Family/Children, Community/Society, and Professionals in and out of the autism field. Here’s a few examples of what I’ve done:
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Launched AC Aware – a successful community autism- awareness campaign
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Provided children’s activities, serving more then 60 children across 3 countiesJ
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Provided over 80 family members, across 4 counties, support & socialize groups
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Hosted our first (soon to be 2nd) Family Fishing Derby; we had 30+ fishermen!
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Educated, advocated with, and provided consultation for local WNY families
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Trained and/or consult with professionals of the following disciplines:
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o Fire/Rescue and EMS
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o Law Enforcement
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o Educators
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o Juvenile Justice (encompasses a wide range of disciplines; CPS, advocates, service coordinators, clinicians, law enforcement, district attorney’s office, and more)
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o Non-profit agencies and organizations
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Welcomed over 7,000 visitors to the web-site
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And the list could go on…
Autism Connection, and myself, can be seen in local newspapers including The Batavia Daily News and The Democrat & Chronicle of Rochester. My writing has been featured in Autism Spectrum Quarterly in addition to online venues and other U.S. newspapers. As a freelance writer and autism specialist, I undertake a wide range of autism related projects. I’ve been fortunate enough to speak and lecture in many forums, and relish the opportunity to talk about autism and Aspergers Syndrome.
This story could go on forever. I haven’t even touched upon the wonderful people I have met and worked with, the various committees I sit on, or my current work and role in the Partners in Policymaking Program.
I will end by saying this: Never in my wildest dreams did I believe Autism Connection would play such a significant role in my life or in the lives of others. I never imagined working with people around the world or seeing ‘my’ article on the glossy cover of a maga-journal. This reminds me how much is possible, how much more I have to look forward to and how much more there is to be done. AC has been, and continues to be, the greatest experience of my life and I thank you for taking the time to learn about it.
Now post your story!
