IGNITE is a program of the Autism Society of North Carolina, with founding support from the Evernham Family-Racing for a Reason Foundation. Fall 2015 • Volume 2, Issue 4
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: Stacy Hultgren, IGNITE Director 704-897-8982 shultgren@autismsociety-nc.org 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
IGNITE Member Pursues Career in HVAC “I always liked fixing things and figuring things out,” says IGNITE member Andrew Writesel. Andy moved a year ago to the Charlotte area from Ohio, where he struggled to identify a career beyond working part-time at a Kroger grocery store. He had decided when he arrived in Charlotte that heating, ventilation, and airconditioning (HVAC) might just be a good avenue for him to pursue toward a career. In his first few months as an IGNITE member, Andy concentrated on learning the social skills surrounding adult life and obtaining employment. When he felt he was ready, he and his mother contacted Charlotte Works (www.charlotteworks.com) to see whether Andy qualified for training programs and a scholarship. Charlotte Works referred him to the Urban League (www.urbanleaguecc.org) for training in HVAC. Andy took so naturally to HVAC systems that he says, “The training wasn’t hard; I didn’t even notice I was putting my mind to it.” After three months of intensive training, he tested for and received his universal certification in HVAC, which enables him to work on both commercial and residential systems. Andy is now looking for an entry-level position with an HVAC company in the Charlotte area, wrote a resume and a cover letter, and is practicing interviewing skills in IGNITE’s Thinking Like an Adult class to add to his new technical skills in preparation for starting his career. Andy has come a long way since his move to Charlotte just a year ago. Please join IGNITE staff in congratulating Andy for his achievement and wish him luck in his new career! We at IGNITE are so very proud of his accomplishments.
IGNITE Reports Success! IGNITE works very hard to teach members how to think like adults and to gain the social skills they will need to succeed at work and in the community. We are so proud that the results of recent surveys and assessments show that the members are learning, and more importantly, are able to apply what they have learned outside of IGNITE. There are two parts to learning. First, we gather and memorize information. Second, we use the information we have memorized and put it into practice. People with Autism Spectrum Disorder tend to do the memorizing part quite well, but the second step, called “generalization” is more complicated. Generalization requires us to apply information learned in one set of circumstances to another context. For example, students might learn in geometry how to determine the area of a square, but can they use that lesson to calculate the cost of carpeting? Do they recognize that the formula of width x height can be used to measure the room? If one can calculate the area of a shape only on a paper worksheet, the learning is of no value. People with autism can struggle with generalization because they are such concrete thinkers and applying learning can be very conceptual. Therefore, IGNITE strives to help members always apply critical thinking as well as social and other skills. IGNITE staff have also developed a specific assessment so that progress can be measured and recorded yearly in the following targeted areas:
Conclusions based upon assessment results include: •
The more often members come, the more progress they make.
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Health/Safety
•
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Leisure/Recreation
Progress rate is affected by innate ability, desire to change or move on, and continued participation.
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Self-Determination/Self-Advocacy
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Social/Relationships
Generalization accompanies members’ progress in learned skills, which is very gratifying to see.
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Life Planning/Career/Future
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Home/Independent Living
Developing friendships is a very successful component of IGNITE.
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Problem-Solving
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Community/Finance/Transportation
We at IGNITE are very proud of all the hard work our members put into learning the skills and of their dedication to meeting their own independence and employment goals!
The Amazing History and Future of Autism
NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity, a recently released book by Steve Silberman, recounts in interesting vignettes and historical research the journey of people with autism and their families toward awareness, treatment, education, and acceptance. Few people, even those in the autism community, will already know some of the historical context contained here; such as Hans Asperger’s brave attempts to save the lives of his patients from Nazi exportation to the death camps in World War II. It is a great read, is very well-written, and has a positive message about respect for neurodiverse people and the need for lifelong services rather than a narrow focus on a cure. You can also hear Steve Silberman’s interview on NPR Fresh Air by going online to http://www.npr.org/ books/authors/436743360/steve-silberman.
PG 2– IGNITE NEWS • Fall 2015
IGNITE’s Surveys/Assessments IGNITE surveys both members and their parents annually about their impressions of IGNITE’s impact on their lives. This year’s surveys provided the following results (based on those that responded):
100% made new friends The average number of friends jumped from six before participation in IGNITE to 17 after.
94%
improved self-confidence
100% now help cook at home reported the parents of children that attend the cooking and health group.
100% tried new things and said they were more comfortable trying new things since joining IGNITE.
100% improved responsibility at home, reported the parents of children who attend both the cooking group and the Thinking Like an Adult class.
All but one responding member reported learning helpful social skills. (That member is new.)
100%
better prepared for work after attending the 2014 employment group.
THINKING LIKE AN ADULT CLASS
Believe that it will 100% help them in life
100%
improved ability to solve everyday problems
Prior to their children attending IGNITE, 41% of parents reported that their children did not consider it important to work. But 100% of responding parents report that their children consider it important after attending IGNITE.
Annual Open House & preview showing! Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens Thursday, Dec. 17 Our Town Cinemas
227 Griffith Street, Davidson, NC 28036
Tickets: $20
includes one popcorn & one drink
Buy your tickets today! Jennifer Frey at 704-894-9678 x1615 or jfrey@autismsociety-nc.org
IGNITE NEWS • Fall 2015 – PG 3
PG 4– IGNITE NEWS • Fall 2015