Non-Profit Spotlight - Autistic Abilities Organization

By Brittany Lowe

About

It is no secret that the number of autistic individuals is increasing every day. When parents/guardians are told their child is autistic, parents/guardians usually experience a period of figuring out the next step. This statement makes it sound as if once you figure out the next step, it’s done. It is not over. The parents/guardians will continue to fight and advocate for their child/adult for possibly the rest of their lives. Figuring out what’s best on this path can be difficult but is not impossible. With the use of numerous resources available to parents/guardians, finding something that helps with the child’s needs is possible. Autistic individuals are brilliant and have strengths that can go unnoticed. These strengths can be discovered through interests. Let’s show the world the strengths of autistic individuals.

Autistic Abilities Organization, Inc. is a non-profit organization based in Indianapolis, IN. We are dedicated to being an organization where 60% of the board of directors are autistic adults and 40% are parents/guardians of autistic children/adults. The mission is to focus on the autistic individuals and their family’s emotional needs while assisting in discovering their abilities and showcasing them to the community. Overall striving for awareness and acceptance of their gifts and strengths.

Programs

The Family Mentorship and Support Program provides support for autistic individuals and their families. Support will be provided by one autistic individual and one parent/guardian. This will allow for ongoing guidance and support through the autism journey. The autistic individual will mentor other autistic children/individuals within the community. The parent/guardian will work with other parents/guardians. Even though they both might focus on different things, they still will work together as a team to support the family overall.

Workshop Series led by autistic individuals and parents/guardians will support families through workshop sessions on different topics pertaining to what it means to be autistic, goal/intervention planning, presentation about different available services, and more. These workshops will pair with a provided workbook.

Business/Talent

Marketplace will highlight the businesses and talents of autistic individuals and parents/guardians. Information and links to their businesses will be included on the directory.

Research is something that is conducted daily. Having access to reliable resources such as peer-reviewed articles and literature reviews is one of the many things needed when making decisions. Having direct access to and understanding some of the information can be tricky but is possible. With this program, we hope to provide direct access to peer-reviewed articles and other research material to parents/guardians and autistic adults.

About the Founder

My name is Brittany Lowe and I am a daughter, mother, sister, and wife. I am the proud mother of an autistic son. As a parent to an autistic child, I have experienced the initial emotions and confusion that presents itself when receiving the diagnosis. I, like many parents, am on a lifelong quest for knowledge and strive to be the best advocate for my child. Since his diagnosis, I have been stepping outside of my comfort zone. The drive I had to serve and help others that was always with me, transformed into something that pushed me even further. Nervous, yes, but I simply could not get these thoughts out of my head. I had to act. I had to push myself. What pushed me was my son and the support from my husband. Through this, the idea of the non-profit was born. Before starting Autism Parents’ Support Group of Indiana, the idea of starting a non-profit never crossed my mind. The fear of the unknown, as the non-profit world was not familiar to me, was strong. I want to leave a message with parents/guardians, autistic individuals, really anyone – don’t back down because it’s outside of your comfort zone. Push through the fear, your purpose is waiting for you! Much love to all!

Interested?

If you are interested in more information about the programs above, email us! We also need volunteers! You do not have to be autistic or a parent/ guardian of an autistic individual to volunteer. Autistic individuals, their families, and anyone interested in being a part of this organization are welcome!

For more information about the Autistic Abilities Organization or how to get involved, send an email to autisticabilities@gmail.com. We are also on Facebook!

Do you run a non-profit? Would you like to be a part of the non-profit spotlight or nominate someone else to be in an upcoming issue of Special Needs Living? Email us at SpecialNeedsLivingIndy@n2pub.com