Executive Director Letter
Dear Readers,
We know many of you are living on the spectrum ranging from barely coping, need structure and/or money, to coping-for-the-most-part, to doing okay - we are introverts and have some income, pandemic so far is not as bad as it could be. Please call or write us with your needs and we will work to connect you to resources - or just be your resource for emotional support and problem solving help.
Lately our ongoing support includes helping: a woman plan and get supplies for a complex abdominal surgery (hospital accommodations and home equipment,) parents of newly diagnosed kids find their next steps, many autistic adults just learning of their own diagnoses, people in two different cases experiencing harassment from a neighbor, and several families with young adults dealing with serious justice issues related to social errors being misunderstood as criminal intent. We say "all ages, all stages" sometimes in relation to telling people about our work. Wherever you are in this, we have lots of experience to help. And please know when you see us working on adult issues, we do so for the individuals involved, while working to improve systems so that our childrens' futures are the best they can be.
Organizationally, we have spent these past many months analyzing where we've been, where we are, and where we are headed in terms of strengthening our impact and magnifying our voice to get your needs met in terms of better services and support across PA. Some big changes will happen in 2021 to assure that we are here for you, decades into the future, so that we can continue our mission of being your lifeline. Our advocacy arm needs to get a whole lot stronger - because what is a lifeline if it's not connected to a fully outfitted "boat" (apologies for the nautical metaphor). For my more literal friends, what I mean is, we need to listen carefully to you and support you emotionally, while at the same time developing sustainable supports for you in the bigger world to make your life better.
We take our work super seriously and monitor news, trends, needs, supportive therapies, and your creative problem solving ideas every single day. Thank you for being there for us - every email or phone call lifts us up, especially when we can help make your life better. Our world has so many incredible challenges right now. Together we can move forward, even if we are scared or uncertain, and hope for better minutes, hours, or even days ahead. We are here for you because you are here for us.
Thank you so much for all you do for us ,which helps the autism community all around us!
Sincerely,