2016 winter ignite news

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IGNITE is a program of the Ausm Society of North Carolina, with founding support from the Evernham Family-Racing for a Reason Foundaon. Winter 2016 • Volume 3, Issue 1 IGNITE is a unique ‘peer-to-peer’ community center for young adults with high-funconing ausm (HFA) or Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) offering acvies, skills training, and educaonal workshops that foster social, financial, educaonal, 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 informaon: Stacy Hultgren, IGNITE Director 704-897-8982 [email protected] www.ignite-davidson.org www.ausmsociety-nc.org You can donate to IGNITE online or send a check made out to the Ausm Society of North Carolina: IGNITE • 209 Delburg St., Suite 134 Davidson, NC 28036 Preparing for Life as an Adult By Stacy Hultgren, IGNITE Director As children reach the end of their high school years and prepare for a life on the “outside,” they must make many decisions. Both students and parents greet this transion with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Some of the graduang adults will have a plan; others will not be sure where their place is in the larger world. It is perfectly natural not to know your ulmate goal when leaving high school! Students with Ausm Spectrum Disorder (ASD) might have a hard me finding their paths for a variety of reasons. Maybe it is unclear whether the student can handle the rigors of college, or maybe the young adult has trouble seeing himself or herself as an independent adult. At IGNITE, we work diligently side by side with our members on the challenges they face and the skills they need to help smooth their transions to adulthood. Our goals are to help young adults with ASD become producve and most important of all, happy, adults. But it takes a village. Here are some of the skills and areas we work on at IGNITE, and ways parents and schools can help. “Funconal” or “soſt” skills: Truthfully, these skills take a considerable amount of me and so families should work on them when children are as young as possible. Children should learn to answer home phones, use cell phones, check email daily, and respond to people in a reasonable amount of me. Courtesy goes a long way in impressing potenal employers! Other funconal skills include geng up to an alarm clock (without reminders), taking care of clothing, and cleaning up aſter themselves. Learning to drive if possible, and if not, learning to use public transportaon, is essenal; employees must be reliable and punctual. Other important skills include budgeng me, (e.g. esmang how long a task will take and working accordingly), finishing tasks (e.g. wiping the counter unl it is clean, not just going through the moons), and using manners (e.g. waing for others to exit doors before entering). The more responsible individuals with ausm are at home, the more responsible they are likely to be at work. Age/situaon appropriateness: Clothing choices can be different for people with ASD because of differences in their sensory tolerance and their preferred acvies. Shorts and flip-flops are not appropriate in some places; if that is all individuals wear, it is me to get them used to wearing clothes that are more suitable for college, a job, or oungs in the community. Closed shoes and pants will bother some sensory-sensive people, but geng used to them before job hunng begins will eliminate one hurdle. Likewise, they should no longer display a fondness for Sesame Street on T-shirts; it is not age-appropriate and will likely elicit quesons about their maturity level (and can tempt bullying or social isolaon). Social skills: Many people with ASD struggle with basic social interacons: what to say, how to respond, how much informaon to share, or how to ask for connued on page 2

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Page 1: 2016 Winter Ignite News

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

Winter 2016 • Volume 3, 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:Stacy Hultgren, IGNITE Director

[email protected]

www.ignite-davidson.orgwww.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 134Davidson, NC 28036

Preparing for Life as an AdultBy Stacy Hultgren, IGNITE Director

As children reach the end of their high school years and prepare for a life on the “outside,” they must make many decisions. Both students and parents greet this transition with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Some of the graduating adults will have a plan; others will not be sure where their place is in the larger world. It is perfectly natural not to know your ultimate goal when leaving high school!

Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) might have a hard time finding their paths for a variety of reasons. Maybe it is unclear whether the student can handle the rigors of college, or maybe the young adult has trouble seeing himself or herself as an independent adult.

At IGNITE, we work diligently side by side with our members on the challenges they face and the skills they need to help smooth their transitions to adulthood. Our goals are to help young adults with ASD become productive and most important of all, happy, adults. But it takes a village. Here are some of the skills and areas we work on at IGNITE, and ways parents and schools can help.

“Functional” or “soft” skills: Truthfully, these skills take a considerable amount of time and so families should work on them when children are as young as possible. Children should learn to answer home phones, use cell phones, check email daily, and respond to people in a reasonable amount of time. Courtesy goes a long way in impressing potential employers! Other functional skills include getting up to an alarm clock (without reminders), taking care of clothing, and cleaning up after themselves. Learning to drive if possible, and if not, learning to use public transportation, is essential; employees must be reliable and punctual. Other important skills include budgeting time, (e.g. estimating how long a task will take and working accordingly), finishing tasks (e.g. wiping the counter until it is clean, not just going through the motions), and using manners (e.g. waiting for others to exit doors before entering). The more responsible individuals with autism are at home, the more responsible they are likely to be at work.

Age/situation appropriateness: Clothing choices can be different for people with ASD because of differences in their sensory tolerance and their preferred activities. Shorts and flip-flops are not appropriate in some places; if that is all individuals wear, it is time to get them used to wearing clothes that are more suitable for college, a job, or outings in the community. Closed shoes and pants will bother some sensory-sensitive people, but getting used to them before job hunting begins will eliminate one hurdle. Likewise, they should no longer display a fondness for Sesame Street on T-shirts; it is not age-appropriate and will likely elicit questions about their maturity level (and can tempt bullying or social isolation).

Social skills: Many people with ASD struggle with basic social interactions: what to say, how to respond, how much information to share, or how to ask for

continued on page 2

Page 2: 2016 Winter Ignite News

PG 2– IGNITE NEWS • Winter 2016

Member Spotlight Jessica Earnhardt

Jessica Earnhardt has been a member of IGNITE from the very beginning, when we opened our doors in January 2013. Back then, she was spending all of her time at home, having had a disastrous attempt at college, leaving her depressed and without much hope that things would improve for her. She had attempted to get involved with groups of adults run by other disability agencies, but they were not a good fit for her. But when she found IGNITE, she says she “found her people.”

Having a place where you fit in is so important to everyone’s social life. Be it the rec room at the apartment house, the break room at work, or a neighbor’s living room watching the football game, everyone needs to have a place where they can be themselves. People with high-functioning autism and Asperger’s Syndrome don’t often have that feeling of camaraderie and shared experiences. That was what was lacking in Jessica’s life, along with the confidence that such acceptance brings.

After “finding her people,” Jessica has blossomed. She has returned to college, attending Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, and has chosen a career path: to work in human services helping people with developmental disabilities. Jessica has also targeted independence as a personal goal; she had always lived at home with her parents, a situation that probably would have continued had she not developed the confidence to try living on her own. She spent a year living with a friend of her mother who was in the human services field and practiced her home skills: cooking, cleaning, and arranging her own schedule. Jessica’s name was added to a waiting list of 50 for 13 new, low-cost apartments through Charlotte service provider InReach, and it finally came through in the fall of 2015. Jessica is now in her own apartment and has made friends with others who live in the building. Jessica does not drive, but that does not stop her. She takes the CATS bus where she wants to go – sometimes, that is to her boyfriend’s house! Jessica works part-time for an estate sales company, and her life is now very full. She looks great, feels great, and has a future. Her mother Karen couldn’t be happier or more relieved. She has worried for many years, as have all parents of young adults with a disability, about how Jessica will manage once her parents are no longer around to help. It is not Jessica alone who is filled with hope now, it is also her family and friends. IGNITE couldn’t be prouder of all the gains she has made, and we wish her all the best moving forward. Great job, Jessica!

clarification. The more interactions individuals have, the more practice they get and the more confidence they gain. The more individuals isolate themselves in front of TV or game screens, the less practice they get. Go places together, have company over, and have individuals participate as much as they are able. Willing and able are different things. Always respect the ability level, but we all have to do things we do not prefer to do; it’s just a life lesson. There is little learning involved in repeating favored activities, and learning is needed for growth!

Experiences in the community: Isolated individuals are unlikely to learn certain expected skills such as ordering and tipping in a restaurant if they are left at home. Families can help by explaining the expectations in restaurants and having young adults with autism practice figuring out tips. Bring them grocery shopping with you. Have them open bank accounts and use ATM cards. Help them to manage crowds – not just escape from them – and use their coping strategies in public places.

A first job: First jobs are great settings for learning and practicing independence, work, and social skills – even if the job has nothing to do with a desired career. Applying for jobs, writing resumes, and following up by phone are skills that follow expected social norms; but if one doesn’t know the norms, one is likely to make a lot of mistakes. It is always easier to do something that is familiar; once you have walked through it with an experienced person, it is not so intimidating. Online applications are hard for everyone, but after the first one, it is easier to guess what answers they are looking for with a little guidance. The first day on the job is hard for everyone; the only way to get past it is to get past it! Even a short-lived attempt at a job isn’t without merit; if it’s not right for the individual, they can keep trying to find what is right, and that in itself is a learning process

Plan for the future: “Planning for the future” is a very vague concept – it is easy to interpret “the future” to mean “later.” Consequently, anxiety and procrastination can lead many to delay making plans. However, having a plan without executing it doesn’t help anyone move forward, either. Making the plan keeps the individual on track and with a goal in sight. The steps of the plan must be clear and realistic for the person – if someone is adamant about not going to college, the plan should not have a goal that requires a college degree. Plans can be changed if new goals are developed, but everyone should be working toward a future, even if it is a temporary one. For instance, individuals who don’t know what they want to do for a career might make a short-term goal to land a first job and take some classes on the side to test for interest. Or they might try part-time community college for a semester or two to see whether any post-secondary learning is a possibility. The first step is the critical part, not the end goal.

“Preparing for Life as an Adult”, continued from page 1

Page 3: 2016 Winter Ignite News

IGNITE NEWS • Winter 2016 – PG 3

What’s Happening at IGNITE?

Star Wars ScreeningOn Dec. 17, IGNITE took over Our Town Cinemas in Davidson for a fun night and celebration with a pre-screening of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Many members came dressed as their favorite Star Wars characters. We appreciate our friends at the theater offering us this opportunity!

The evening also featured presentations from Ray Evernham, with the proceeds from AmeriCarna LIVE, and from parents, with the IGNITE Family Annual Gift.

Improv Lessons with Davidson Community PlayersIt has been a busy fall season for us here at IGNITE, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. IGNITE teamed up with Davidson Community Players for a eight-week Improvisation Course that took place at the Armour Street Theater in Davidson. The members met once a week to perform, but there was much more to it than that. While learning improv skills, our members were also gaining confidence, building social skills, and increasing self-expression, all while having fun with their peers. Our members are taking the skills they learned in class and applying them to their everyday lives. In fact, it was so successful, we will be presenting a second session in the spring.

Sports Performance ClassIGNITE members have also been working hard on their fitness! Greg O’Connor from Champions Sports Performance and Training Center reached out to IGNITE and now hosts our weekly exercise group. Group members meet once a week to complete a vigorous training program. Greg and his staff encourage IGNITE members in a positive environment to reach their fitness goals. IGNITE members have gained confidence, empowerment, speed, and endurance. They are very excited to continue this program and get healthier in 2016!

Page 4: 2016 Winter Ignite News

PG 4– IGNITE NEWS • Winter 2016

Donor Spotlight Ingersoll Rand and MSC Industrial Supply Co.

Ingersoll Rand and MSC Industrial Supply Co. are two of the driving forces behind the successful AmeriCarna LIVE car shows that have benefited IGNITE each fall since 2013.

Each year, Ingersoll Rand has graciously opened their secured campus to host the event. Both companies have donated $15,000 annually, as well as recruiting volunteers to help on event day, donating items for the silent auction and promoting the event through internal newsletters.

“MSC Industrial Supply has a deep and ongoing commitment to making a positive contribution to the communities where we live and work,” said Douglas Jones, Executive VP and Chief Supply Chain Officer. “Our associates carry on the tradition of giving and corporate social responsibility that was established by our founder, Sidney Jacobson.

“Supporting the Autism Society is an important part of that commitment because of the significant impact the IGNITE program makes in the lives of young adults on the autism spectrum.”

Tonya Whitney, Ingersoll Rand marketing communications specialist, said, “AmeriCarna is a very visible demonstration of Ingersoll Rand’s community spirit in action. Hosting the event on campus and encouraging employee volunteers and support is an important part of the activity’s success. We are all very proud of our role in that.”

Ingersoll Rand advances the quality of life by creating comfortable, sustainable, and efficient environments. Ingersoll Rand’s staff and family of brands – including Club Car, Ingersoll Rand, Thermo King and Trane – work together to enhance the quality and comfort of air in homes and buildings, transport and protect food and perishables, and increase industrial productivity and efficiency.

MSC Industrial Supply is a leading North American distributor of metalworking and maintenance, repair and operations products and services. The company helps customers drive deeper productivity, profitability, and growth with more than 1 million products, inventory management and other supply chain solutions, and deep expertise from 75 years of working across industries. MSC looks forward to a continuing partnership with the IGNITE program and Autism Society of North Carolina to offer help and hope for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families.

AmeriCarna LIVE Nearly 5,000 car lovers turned out for the AmeriCarna LIVE Car Show in Davidson on Saturday, Nov. 28, raising more than $115,000 to benefit IGNITE.

The third annual AmeriCarna LIVE featured celebrity cars from Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kelley Earnhardt, Joey Logano, Ryan Newman, and Rusty Wallace, among others. About 450 classic, custom, and collector cars also were featured. The event was presented by Ingersoll Rand and MSC Industrial Supply Co. and hosted by Ray Evernham, former NASCAR championship crew chief, star of the “AmeriCarna” television show on Velocity, and founder of IGNITE.

“We are so grateful to everyone who turned out for our third AmeriCarna LIVE show,” Evernham said. “Once again, car lovers had a chance to see amazing cars and enjoy a beautiful day here in Davidson. We thank them all for coming out and supporting IGNITE, and especially our dedicated partners, who make this possible every year.”

Stand Up for AutismFriday & Saturday, May 13-14WPA Paddleboard Race Port City Club in Cornelius

Save the Date!