Newsletter: March 2009 (coming soon)

Press release: April 2009

Local Nonprofit Launches Programs for Young Adults with Autism

The Autism Council of Rochester, Inc. is a local nonprofit agency with several new programs for youth and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

Individualized Treatment Plans: Each person who enters our program is assessed so that their individual needs can be identified. Although each client has a unique treatment plan, the following programs are available to them:

Transition to Work: We teach young adults how to write a resume, prepare for a job interview, and apply for jobs. We work with local businesses to place clients in jobs that provide a smooth transition into the working world. For those who need to develop additional skills and experience, we place individuals in volunteer jobs.

College Preparation: Many students with Autism don’t have the support they need to find colleges that have excellent accommodation services, and this program helps individuals find and apply for colleges and universities.

College Mentorship: This program helps college students who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder to remain in college and finish their degree. Encouragement, support, and tutoring are available for these students.

Art and Advocacy Program: Participants will enjoy the opportunity to learn and practice art techniques with highly skilled art teachers. This exposes them to a variety of fine arts and provides opportunities to display their masterpieces at local galleries. Advocacy is integrated into this program because art helps these young adults to communicate without words, thus giving them an outlet to reach out to a society that is dependent on verbal communication.

Social and Recreation Program: Individuals with Autism often struggle with social situations and often need a supportive environment with normal youth activities to practice the skills they are learning.

Community Integration Program: Many teens with Autism have no support while trying to transition to the adult world. This program teaches teens to find independent housing and care for themselves. Participants will also learn to use community resources to meet their needs.

The Autism Council of Rochester, Inc. is the only nonprofit agency in the state of New York that offers individualized transition services designed for individuals with ASD. Due to the lack of services for these young adults, most of them are unable to find independent housing or support themselves financially. Medical insurance and government programs do not address this community need. More than 1 out of 150 children are diagnosed with ASD, and these individuals desperately need your help to reach their potential and contribute their unique talents to society.

Youth with ASD who do not transition into college or work will likely remain dependent on government and community support for the rest of their lives. This is a critical age to influence the future of these capable individuals. If we are not proactive about this public health issue, Autism rates will continue to grow exponentially and will strain the resources of our community and health care systems.

Monetary donations are needed for these new programs, and can be sent to The Autism Council of Rochester; 11 Centre Park, Suite 305; Rochester, NY  14614. Please call 585-530-7284 or email info@theautismcouncil.org if you would like more information about this agency or their programs.

Thank you,

Anna Barker

Director of Communications

The Autism Council of Rochester, Inc.

www.theautismcouncil.org