Dear Ms. Croke,
We at the Association for Science in Autism Treatment (ASAT) would like to commend you for your article, Spectrum Designs will provide opportunities for those on the autism spectrum. At a time when so many adults with autism are unemployed or underemployed, it is imperative that we raise awareness of this situation and create diverse job opportunities, particularly given that each year tens of thousands of children with autism turn 18 and transition out of school. Your article raises hope and showcases opportunity.
Adults with autism who are gainfully employed contribute to their communities both with respect to impact and tax revenue, and neither can be overstated. We also applaud Spectrum Design for expanding opportunities to offer meaningful employment, a steady income, and the opportunity to work collaboratively with peers.
The Association for Science in Autism Treatment has several resources accessible on our website that may help employers, and the providers that support these efforts, create rewarding employment opportunities for people with autism, including reviews of Working in the Community: Guide for Employers of People with Autism and Preparing Adults with Autism for Employment Success and articles on topics such as effectively preparing teens with autism for future employment and promoting success in the community, and expanding leisure skills in young adults. We have also interviewed several parents who have endeavored to carve out creative and satisfying opportunities for their adult-age children including Pam Browne, Maria Thompson Corley, Barbara McLeod, and Beverley Sharpe.
We value your informative and inspiring article as it shines a light on an effort to bring meaning, purpose, and financial stability to a group that is often overlooked. Thank you for spreading the word about this wonderful initiative. We hope that businesses and the community at large will follow suit.
Sincerely,
David Celiberti, PhD, BCBA-D
Association for Science in Autism Treatment
