OUTSIDE OF THE BOX WELCOMES YOU

Work in progress 

It’s no surprise that the Mid Coast area is in desperate need of more resources for children, teens, young adults and families who are affected by Autism. Our journey down Autism Lane started about 5 years ago, and we have learned a lot in that time, but above all I have learned that I need to make a difference in the Autism Community. I need to change the way Autism is seen for my community, my friends, for my son. 

When we started out very first Autism Awareness in our little town in 2015 our goal was to help support local non profits that were larger and more capable hosting events and supporting families like ours. These programs do a phenomenal job at advocating for Autistic families. However, the Mid Coast? We are still severely lacking and left behind. Local families have to travel statewide to participate in events, find adequate services and support, not only for our loved one on the spectrum, but for ourselves. 

Just like any dreamer, I have visions of all the good we could to, all of the help we could provide, the stigmas we could knock out, the support systems we could build and triumphs we could celebrate. It’s time. It’s time to dig my heels into the ground, and take our non profit to the next level, to something so many people in this area need it to be. To look at the big picture. For my family, for the families that are searching, praying and hoping that they will stop feeling alone and overlooked. The preschooler who can’t find an aid, the middle schooler who just wants a friend, the high school who wants a job and independence, the mom who needs a quiet moment, the Dad that needs to talk, all of them and everyone in between. The Autism community is huge, and the effects ripple far beyond the one with the diagnosis. 

A facility. A building, a safe heaven, a catch all. That’s what I want for us in the Mid Coast. I want, I NEED a place that has a vision to create a specialized school, 1:1 access with QUALIFIED individuals, not a 6-12 month wait list only to find out they aren’t a match. A balance of learning and fun, a place they can actually succeed, not a piece of paper to be shuffled through. A Sensory space, w BIG sensory space, for all kids, special needs a neuro-typical alike. A place that integrates motor skills, stimulation of the whole body, a place to refine skills, ease worry and have fun. A teen center, helping to explore the world, find new interest, learn life skills, like going to the store, getting a job, making a meal, finding a friend. Support and informational groups for parents, grandparents and siblings. Specialist offices, OT, PT, Speech, Art Therapy, Music Therapy, Food Therapy, helping to arrange aqua therapy, horseback riding therapy. Thousands of people have been helped but finding an alternative therapy to what they can get at a basic clinic. As the saying goes, when you have met one person wit Autism, you have met one person with Autism. We need to help them get on the path of their best life.

When I held my blue eyed, 8lb 4oz baby boy, I knew my life would be forever changed. I knew I would be in charge of teaching him many things, but I didn’t know I would be in charge of changing the world for him. Here I am, I just need a little help.