non-profit spotlight By Shannan Penaflor & Rachel Deaton
Our History The Autism Society of Indiana (ASI) roots are founded in parents with the desire to help their children affected by autism. Our Mission ASI exists to ensure that every individual and every family affected by autism in the state of Indiana receives the high-quality services they deserve. Our Vision To make our services more readily available throughout the state of Indiana. Our Values ASI is dedicated to ensuring that every program, service, or support provided to our community is Person-Centered, and focused on Personal Outcome Measures (POM). Specifically, all of our work is based on the following core values: • Each person with autism is unique and should be treated as such. • Every person with autism should have the same opportunities as any other person. • People with autism should have choices and control over their lives. Our 2021 Programs In a world where social distancing has become the norm and wearing a mask in public is commonplace, many individuals with autism and their families have experienced unique and compounding challenges. The Autism Society of Indiana wants you to know, you are not alone, we are here to help, and we hope this year brings more opportunities for connection in all of our lives. Here is a snapshot of a few of our programs that you may be interested in: Building Bridges The CDC says that “Black and Hispanic children continue to be less likely to be
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identified with ASD than white children.” Many Black and Hispanic children with autism in Indiana lack the proper diagnosis and or services they need. ASI believes we can do better; we must do better! Building Bridges is a program that focuses on building bridges of trust to serve targeted urban settings throughout Indiana. ASI wants to help 100 underserved families find the diagnosis, resources, and support they need to thrive. Career Services ASI has provided career services for people with autism through vocational rehabilitation since 2016. ASI understands that each individual with autism is unique, varies in age, educational background, and personality type. Participants can expect one-on-one individualized attention as well as the uncovering of passions, talents, and qualifications to discover what career would be best to pursue. Participants find a variety of jobs, from first jobs in the service industry to full-time work in a permanent position. Once a job is obtained, we also help participants navigate the workplace to increase the likelihood of successful job placement. Launch into Life Too often students with autism spend the first several years out of high school without direction or focus. Families often don’t have time or energy to think beyond the high school years. What does life after high school look like for an individual with autism? Launch into Life is a series of eight classes, designed to practically equip individuals ages 16–23 with autism, as they navigate the transition into adult life. This program provides a comprehensive plan utilizing the Life Course model to address goals in the areas of Daily Life, Employment, Community Living, Safety and Security, Healthy Living, Socialization, Spirituality, Citizenship, and Advocacy. Training for Families & Community Moving beyond autism awareness and promoting autism acceptance is a priority at ASI. We provide training for individuals with autism, their families, first responders, law enforcement, and professional and community organizations to foster greater
