2016 Fall IGNITE News

IGNITE is a program of the Autism Society of North Carolina, with founding support from the Evernham Family-Racing for a Reason Foundation.

Fall 2016 • Volume 3, Issue 4

IGNITE Annual Survey Results Each year, IGNITE members and parents complete surveys that guide us in evaluating the overall effectiveness and outcomes of the programming and activities we provide at IGNITE. Takeaways this year continue to be similar to previous years: • Our members are working hard, building skills and working to step outside their comfort zones to try new things.

• The safe and supportive social environment at IGNITE continues to be a very important component of the program, providing members the opportunity to develop critical social skills necessary to succeed in the workplace and life in general.

• The more that members participate at IGNITE and in the community, the more progress they make toward their individual goals.

We continue to be so impressed with member dedication to their personal independence and employment goals. They are a group of compassionate and caring young adults who are working hard and having fun!

“My son is the happiest I have ever seen him! He is very active in IGNITE and does so on his own initiative!” Parent

• Most members reported 3 friends before IGNITE and 16 friends since joining IGNITE.

• Job preparedness and members’ focus on their future almost doubled, parents reported.

• 100% of reporting members said their anxiety improved.

Anxiety is a significant issue for those with ASD.

• Parents reported that their child’s anxiety levels dropped about half since joining IGNITE.

• 100% of reporting members said their social skills improved, with 63% saying it improved a lot.

• Parents reported that since their children joined IGNITE, both their social skill abilities and self-confidence improved significantly.

“IGNITE has affected my life immensely. From learning life skills to making new friends, it is a major contributor to my happiness.” Member • 100% of reporting members said their self-confidence improved, with the majority reporting it improved a lot.

• 100% of reporting members tried new things since joining IGNITE, and 77% reported going out in the community more.

• Positive feelings about the future jumped from 15% to 81% after joining IGNITE.

• Parents have seen a doubling in member interest in trying new things, and 100% participate in activities in the community compared to 45% before joining IGNITE. • 100% of parents believe that IGNITE will have a positive, lasting impact on their child’s life.

“I have learned more about teamwork and friendship, and how those two can help lead you to your planned future.” Member

• Of current members, 39 are working, which is an increase of 10 since our last survey.

IGNITE is a unique ‘peer-to-peer’ community center for young adults with high-functioning autism (HFA) or Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) offering activities, skills training, and educational workshops that foster social, financial, educational, and employment independence for its members.

More importantly, IGNITE offers a social environment where members can connect with others and experience a sense of community.

For more information: 704-897-8982 | www.ignite-davidson.org www.autismsociety-nc.org You can donate to IGNITE online or send a check made out to the Autism Society of North Carolina IGNITE • 209 Delburg St., Suite 134 Davidson, NC 28036

What’s Happening at IGNITE? Grilling Workshop IGNITE recently took our cooking group outside and learned the basics of using a charcoal grill. Ray J Evernham writes, “During a fun and informative cooking group, my fellow members and I learned how to grill burgers on a charcoal grill in preparation for the IGNITE family picnic that was coming up later in the week. Some of the things we learned were how to light the charcoals in the grill, how to form the ground beef into a burger patty, and how to know when the burger is ready to be taken off the grill. We also learned some cool and interesting tricks during the group. One of those tricks is after you have your patty formed, to make a thumbprint in the middle of the patty and that will help keep the burger flat. Another fun trick we learned was a finger touch test that can help you tell how well the burger is done.” We are so proud of our members for trying something new! After this workshop, members felt confident and volunteered to grill hamburgers and hot dogs for our family picnic.

LIFE Workshop This September, IGNITE held a four-week workshop on living a healthy lifestyle. Members learned about healthy LIFESTYLES, why they should be INVESTED in their health, healthy FOODS, and EXERCISE. Topics included good habits, investing in long-term health, shortterm fitness goals, analyzing nutrition facts, and effective exercise techniques. Members learned the importance of living a healthy lifestyle and making positive choices when it comes to one’s overall health and happiness. Our goal in presenting the LIFE workshop was to provide the tools that are needed and to encourage our members to utilize those tools to enhance their quality of life. Members were empowered and came away motivated!

Family Picnic Our annual family picnic was a big hit! Members and their families came together in mid-September to celebrate each other and IGNITE. We had delicious food, games, great weather, and even better company. Members enjoyed getting together outside of IGNITE and playing volleyball. They helped set up the outdoor activities, grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, and helped clean up.

Everyone had a great time meeting new families and catching up with familiar faces. It was a great social opportunity for all.

JUMP START Summer Camp IGNITE’s inaugural high school summer camp was held this past July. JUMP START was offered to juniors and seniors, with HFA or Asperger’s Syndrome, in high school whom wanted to get a jump start on their future! Summer camp consisted of a condensed version our Thinking like an Adult group, getting to know you games, and time for socialization and games. Topics included stepping out of your comfort zone, what your first job can teach you, personal responsibility and motivation, and making a goal and plan.

One participant’s parent said, “It has helped us get on the same page about the skills that he needs to develop and what he will need to do in order to reach the independence we all want.” Another said that his son “learned skills for selfadvocacy in various life situations. He is excited about college classes now rather than anxious.”

We had a great group of teens who really showed an interest in their future. Lots of great friendships were made!

PG 2 – IGNITE NEWS • Fall 2016

Resources from the ASNC Bookstore Looking for resources on understanding HFA and Asperger’s Syndrome? The Autism Society of North Carolina Bookstore opened in 1987 and employs adults with ASD in staffing the website, order management, inventory, and packing books for shipping. The bookstore covers many topics, including employment, life skills, dating, social skills, and relationships.

Go to www.autismbookstore.com to check out these IGNITE favorites. To find them easily, search by the listed code: Living Well on the Spectrum: A positive guide for adults focusing on using their strengths and understanding how to “live well”. Compassionate, organized, work sheets, goaloriented. (BLIV01) Asperger’s Syndrome Workplace Survival Guide: A Neurotypical’s Secrets for Success: This book covers workplace issues and how to handle them. Although written for adults with ASD, also helpful for parents or employer’s understanding the struggles someone with ASD may encounter. (BASP47)

www.autismbookstore.com

Social Rules for Kids: The Top 100 Social Rules Kids Need to Succeed: Don’t let the title fool you, this book is pertinent for kids through adults. Set up in an easy to read, 1 rule per page format, it’s a dictionary of top social issues and how to handle them. (BSOC17) Smile and Succeed for Teens: This book compiles the top customer service skills expected in the workplace. A wonderful resource to help guide and explain the do’s and don’ts of great communication skills. (BSMI01)

Donor Spotlight:

The Earnhardt Family

The Earnhardt family has been a part of IGNITE since it opened in 2013.

Karen Earnhardt recalls the first night that she took Jessica to IGNITE: “She came out to the car and said ‘Mom, I have found my people!!’” Since then, Jessica has landed her first job, gone back to college, and moved into her own apartment. “She has blossomed from her time at IGNITE,” Karen said. “Her whole life and the lives of my husband and I have changed.”

IGNITE wouldn’t be the same without the Earnhardt family, either. Over the years, they have participated in all of the open houses and movie events. Last year, they invited friends to join them for the “Star Wars” pre-screening fundraiser, helping to introduce others to IGNITE. They volunteer at the annual AmeriCarna LIVE car show each year, overseeing the silent auction area, answering any questions people might have, and helping to sell raffle tickets. In addition to giving their time and talent, they purchase tickets and auction items and donate to IGNITE as part of the annual family gift.

The Earnhardt family also owns a cleaning company, and they have even cleaned IGNITE’s carpets.

“The Earnhardts have been ready and willing to help anywhere it’s needed since day one of IGNITE’s opening,” said Kate Hall. “They not only actively support Jessica’s goals and participation at IGNITE, but are supportive of all the members and their families. We are grateful for everything they do for IGNITE.” Karen said the family pitches in because they know how valuable IGNITE is to the young adults who are members.

“Before IGNITE, Jessica was stuck in a holding pattern and could not get moving in a positive direction,” Karen said. “We cannot express how much it means to all three of us!”

IGNITE NEWS • Fall 2016 – PG 3

Join us for a pre-screening of

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” proceeds to benefit IGNITE

7pm Thursday, December 15 Our Town Cinemas in Davidson $25/ticket (includes any size popcorn and drink) http://rogueoneprescreening.eventbrite.com

PG 4 – IGNITE NEWS • Fall 2016