2020 Spring IGNITE newsletter

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

Spring 2020 • Volume 7, Issue 1

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: ignite_davidson@autismsociety-nc.org ignite_raleigh@autismsociety-nc.org www.autismsociety-nc.org/ignite You can donate to IGNITE online or send a check made out to the Autism Society of North Carolina: Attn: IGNITE 5121 Kingdom Way, Suite 100 Raleigh, NC 27607

Overcoming COVID-19 through Virtual Groups This spring, the world drastically changed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Autism Society of North Carolina made the difficult decision to temporarily close all facility-based programs and cancel all spring events. As always, our top priority is the health and safety of those we serve and our staff. We know that this has created many challenges and we appreciate the support and encouragement from our IGNITE members and their families.

With both IGNITE centers closed, our staff worked quickly to transition our exercise, learning, and social groups to a virtual format! IGNITE members and staff adjusted to virtual classes and have been supporting one another through this transition. With the virtual classes, Davidson and Raleigh members have formed new connections and members have befriended those with similar interests across the state. We are excited for future meetups where members in both programs can deepen those connections in person!

Encouraging Social Interaction

IGNITE members and staff have found many creative ways to stay social and have fun as a group. For example, IGNITE members have enjoyed exploring zoos and museums through free virtual tours. While watching simultaneously using YouTube Stream Party, members share their knowledge and exchange facts in a virtual chat room. While some members are struggling with the changes to their daily routine, we find many are coming out of their shells and are thriving (Continued on page 2)

(Overcoming COVID-19 continued) virtually. They can type their comments in virtual chat rooms without the pressure of adhering to the many social norms of in-person gatherings.

Also, by using Netflix Party to watch movies together, we have kept Friday movie nights on the schedule! We have also been using the app House Party, a face-to-face social network where you can connect with friends and play games. One parent shared, “With House Party, it is the closest he has ever come to ‘normal teen life’ - hanging out with friends until 11:00 at night on Fridays and Saturdays, playing games. It sure makes me happy too!” Also, we have found new ways to play games together, including virtual escape rooms and games like Deal or No Deal. These opportunities allow our members to be social with members from both programs during social distancing.

Reaching Health and Wellness Goals

We are so proud of our members for reaching their health and wellness goals by finding innovative ways to workout virtually!

Recently, we were fortunate to have employees from MSC Industrial Supply Co. teach a variety of TikTok dance challenges and exercise routines. Since the event was virtual, the employees were able to meet members from IGNITE Raleigh for the first time! All the members loved the variety of the dances and the enthusiasm from MSC employees. An ASNC employee, Andy Carlson, also virtually taught two line dances to members so they could get their heart rates up, while learning some new dance moves! During workouts, members are consistently keeping a positive attitude by shouting (or typing), “LAST SET,

BEST SET!” We want to give all our members a virtual high-five for making every set of exercises their best set!

Learning about Employment

Switching to a virtual format has not slowed down our Employment group. As a joint session with both Davidson and Raleigh members, this group has learned all about employment benefits. By discussing topics such as I-9’s, direct deposits, and W-4’s, members are receiving a better understanding of advanced material. A member said, “I was never taught these topics in school and am appreciative of IGNITE’s employment group. I know I need this information to be an informed, independent adult.”

Offering Support

Together, we are sharing coping strategies to learn new ways to tolerate stress brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. In our small group meetings, there is a sense of comfort and familiarity as members work together to solve problems.

During Creative Writing group, members escape from reality for an hour and are encouraged to voice their daily frustrations through written expression. It is a time for them to construct a new narrative and build a world where they feel comfortable being themselves. Through all our virtual groups, members are focusing on developing their personal strengths, reducing stress, connecting with people, and expressing positive feelings. During these trying times, we all still want to be the best we can be!

Davidson Member Spotlight:

Peter Cornwell

Growing up in New Jersey with his mother, father and two older brothers, Peter would often hibernate in his house and did not enjoy venturing out into the public. That changed when Peter and his family moved to Davidson four years ago.

Before joining IGNITE, Peter described himself as a reserved individual that did not have much in common with others, but he wanted to make friends his age. After becoming an IGNITE member and working as a Harris Teeter bagger, Peter feels more comfortable engaging with others. He has worked there for almost three years, where his job duties include general maintenance, packaging grocery items, and retrieving carts.

Art and creative coping skills are Peter’s favorite groups. He says, “The classes give me a chance to express myself and give me a place where I can hang out in my own personal fantasy world and be myself.” Coming to these groups gives him a place where he feels comfortable and does not have to worry about the outside world.

Peter also appreciates the IGNITE groups that increase his

PG 2– IGNITE NEWS • Spring 2020

independence, such as cooking skills, LIFE in Practice, and the safety workshop.

These groups taught Peter the skills needed to move into his own house with his brother. Although Peter joked that moving was “his parents’ idea,” he was excited to take this next big step towards adulthood. Peter prepares his own meals like his famous chili, does his own laundry, and is more aware of his surroundings while advocating for his needs out in public. Peter says that the best parts about living alone are having his own space to be creative and bonding with his brother. While living independently is a huge accomplishment, Peter’s dreams and goals do not stop there. He wants to learn to drive, advance his career, and sell his artwork online. We look forward to supporting him as he pursues his goals both inside and outside of IGNITE.

What’s Happening at IGNITE? Breaking the Ice

Breaking the Ice offers many benefits to our members because it uses teambuilding activities to learn useful skills that one can use in everyday life, such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. These activities show members which skills they need to improve on, but also reveal skills they never knew they had! Our members have been pleasantly surprised to find out they can be leaders on a team, and our staff has loved watching them shine each week!

Recent activities have included listening games, an escape room, and virtual ‘Show & Tell’. Active listening is a fundamental communication skill that builds stronger relationships. Our members are learning how to reflect on what has been said, ask deeper questions, and respond appropriately. In the escape room, members completed various trivia games and puzzles to find hints. They solved problems together to reach their goal – an important part of teamwork. At ‘Show & Tell’, members virtually discussed their unique interests, like astronomy or Japanese culture, with the entire group.

The skills learned through teambuilding activities are essential for our members, especially as they enter the workplace. In fact, one member discussed a teambuilding activity on a job application as an example of how he used his teamwork and communication skills to overcome an obstacle. We love seeing our members in Raleigh and Davidson use their new skills at IGNITE and in their everyday lives!

Before stay-at-home orders, members practiced in person at our IGNITE centers.

Social Skills

Ray J’s Reviews Check out IGNITE member Ray J Evernham’s movie reviews online: www.facebook.com/pg/ rayjsreview

“The Invisible Man” is one of the best thriller/suspense films I’ve seen in quite a while! Now I’ve never seen the original film from decades ago, but this remake seems quite timely in today’s society, as it revolves around the toxic and abusive relationship of Cecilia (played by Elizabeth Moss, and whose performance is absolutely fantastic in this movie) and Adrian, a.k.a “The Invisible Man.” Also, just in case you’re wondering, this film has some very effective jump scares! I jumped, and maybe yelled, a few times! There were even some instances where I was left shocked, with my jaw dropped, in which what happens is so unexpected, you’re just thinking to yourself “OMG”!

Look out for one scene in particular in a Chinese restaurant...that’s all I’m gonna say! I was shook! Even the music score at times sent a chill down my spine! I don’t know how to describe the exact type of music it was though. It was very dark...I can say that! I definitely recommend checking this film out if you’re interested in seeing it! I enjoyed it thoroughly! I give “The Invisible Man” 5 out of 5 stars

This Social Skills class has focused on the topics of Dealing with Difficult Situations and Interpersonal Communication.

Members have been learning and practicing various techniques and strategies for dealing with difficult situations such as recognizing one’s emotions, practicing coping strategies for self-calming, and understanding the cycle of meltdowns and the importance of prevention.

Members also work on problem-solving, compromising, seeking help, and learning to let things go when appropriate.

We have recently conducted this group virtually, with both Raleigh and Davidson IGNITE members attending.

As one of our most highly attended groups, members share many different experiences, which allows them to learn from one another and seek advice from peers.

This has enriched the group discussions and content. The virtual format has allowed for an abundance of input because members can share verbally or through the chat feature, which is a wonderful tool for those who feel less comfortable talking in the large group.

This group has been very beneficial, as members report weekly about how they have been using their new skills at work, school, and home. We are so proud of all members for the hard work and effort they are putting into this group to better themselves and learn new skills!

IGNITE NEWS • Spring 2020 – PG 3

Volunteer Spotlight:

Andy Carlson

We would like to recognize and thank Andy Carlson, an ASNC staff member in the State Office in Raleigh, for his commitment to sharing his many skills and time with IGNITE members. Andy graduated from East Carolina University in 2013 and has enjoyed being a graphic designer since then. He has been working as a Communications Specialist at ASNC for over two and a half years. Andy is also a nationally ranked competitive ballroom dancer and has been dancing for over 16 years. He also enjoys working on home improvement projects, restoring antiques, and is the handiest man we know!

Andy has shared his many skills and passions with IGNITE by volunteering countless hours. He first taught a five-week line dancing class and then organized volunteers from the NC State Ballroom Dance Club to lead a five-week ballroom and salsa dance class. This group was so popular that many members came dressed up for the occasion! Andy also offered a multi-week workshop on making stained glass holiday ornaments. This process required very precise tools and materials, which Andy provided and taught members how to use. Andy also facilitated a kitemaking workshop this spring and a kite flying event! Since we have gone virtual, Andy has continued to show his passion and enthusiasm for IGNITE by volunteering to lead exercise and dancing groups.

As an employee, Andy has always been passionate about ASNC’s mission, but he wanted to go a step further and volunteer at IGNITE. He enjoys sharing his love of dancing with members, many of whom have not had the opportunity to take a dance class before. As he got to know the members and staff, he wanted to increase his involvement by working on hands-on projects. Andy says, “The best part about volunteering at IGNITE is the many friendships I have made with the members and staff. I don’t feel like I’m volunteering because I get to do fun activities with my new friends.” We cannot thank Andy enough for sharing his passion, creativity, energy, and talent with IGNITE members and staff. It has truly been a gift!

Raleigh Member Spotlight:

Daniel Parks

Daniel Parks has been one of IGNITE’s most dedicated members since joining in January 2019. After graduating high school in 2014, he earned an Associate in Science degree from Alamance Community College. In 2019, he started taking classes at NC State for Material Sciences and Engineering to make prototypes and work on his many innovative ideas.

Daniel also works as an intern for TVAC, an organization that promotes awareness for individuals who have a disability and helps them obtain employment.

Even with his school and work schedule, Daniel wanted to find more activities to keep him busy. Since IGNITE is a small group, he felt comfortable joining because he could easily remember the other members’ names. He loves that he has found his peer group at IGNITE, where he can share his interests and tell jokes to his friends.

Since Daniel lives on his own in an apartment in Carrboro, he spends almost three hours riding the bus and walking to

PG 4– IGNITE NEWS • Spring 2020

get to IGNITE. Daniel makes this commute rain or shine and always has a smile on his face!

He is very knowledgeable about the public transportation system and enjoys using it to promote his independence and decrease his environmental impact.

Daniel is also working on a book about “Analia,” which he created around a set of laws, divided up into different countries.

Daniel has found that writing his book has been a positive outlet for expressing himself and using his imagination. If he had to give someone advice, his advice would be “Always measure your limits exactly.” What he means by this is to know what you are capable of and be in tune with yourself.

We know Daniel is capable of incredible things!

LIFE in Practice at IGNITE Car Maintenance As we enter the adult world, we are often hit with the shocking realization that many life skills are not always taught in a classroom. There is rarely a class that teaches us how to sort laundry, jump start a car, or sew on a button. IGNITE’s LIFE in Practice group does just that, by teaching important practical skills that are left out of traditional education. This hands-on group teaches members necessary independent skills, like car maintenance.

During the car maintenance lessons, we teach members how to check their oil, jump start a car, check tire pressure, and even change a tire. They get handson practice with these skills by working on their own cars or observing a staff member’s car. We also have had volunteers from local auto body shops teach classes.

Members have learned that maintaining their car is essential for an independent life. Proper car maintenance is crucial to extend the life of a car and decrease financial burdens and stress. Learning these skills helps our members be prepared for emergency situations and increases their independence!

Learning About Laundry Did you know that Dawn dish soap can remove tough oil stains? At IGNITE Raleigh, we safely experimented with a variety of everyday household items that can remove stains. Members had a wonderful time learning about sorting, washing, drying, stain removal and more – all with hands-on practice!

Members practiced their new skills at a trip to a laundromat. Members were encouraged to check their clothing tags to decide which washer and dryer cycle to choose. They learned that the “Normal/Regular” cycles are not always the best default settings because they often use the highest temperature and spin speed. If a clothing tag is missing, members now know that they may want to use permanent press or cold temperatures as an alternative.

Learning best laundry care practices saves money overall as it increases the life of the clothing item. It is also important for practicing good hygiene, making a positive first impression and succeeding at job interviews. Members learned that making the right laundry choices can have a substantial impact!

IGNITE NEWS • Spring 2020 – PG 5