The work of AustimUp is more important than ever. According to the CDC, one in thirty-six children now have autism spectrum disorder (ASD), so it’s very likely you know someone who has benefitted from AU’s programs. Founded by a small group of parents in 2004, AU has grown into the largest autism organization in our area and is celebrating twenty years of “growing by leaps and bounds,” says program and marketing assistant Maria DiMartin. To date, the organization has served around 3,700 families. AU’s goal is to provide high-quality support programs and services for individuals of all ages, from toddlers to adults. “There is a Toddler Time,” DiMartin says, and AU’s oldest current program participant is in their fifties.
Something for everyone
No two people on the spectrum are the same, and AU’s programming is amazingly varied, encompassing sensory regulation programs, fitness programs, and sports such as bowling, basketball and personal training, as well as cooking, STEM programming, social skills groups, music lessons, art classes, mindfulness, and more. Most programs take place at the Golisano Autism Center, a 6,000-square-foot multi-sensory learning environment.
AU also provides programming for parents and grandparents, including meetups covering various educational topics and parent training. AU can also connect parents with community resources around things like behavior support. If you’re wondering what program might be right for your child, or whether your child will be able to fully participate, contact AU to talk to one of its parent navigators. Sometimes, the goal is to just get through the door and build from there, DiMartin says.
Looking toward the future
The transition to adulthood can be daunting for individuals and parents. A pivotal time in any person’s life often occurs when they age out of school. Many families are uncertain how to help their young adult “when the bus stops coming,” and this drop in support is sometimes referred to as “the cliff.” For individuals who will need significant support with daily living, there are not enough resources available. AU is currently conducting a housing analysis and hosting focus groups to assess the local need around future housing. Its goal is to foster a lifelong, supportive community.
Full Life Academy
Another unique program is the Full Life Academy (FLA). Piloted in the summer of 2021, and fully launched in the fall, thanks to a generous grant from the Tom Golisano Foundation, FLA is an innovative, individualized program for young adults eighteen and older. The idea behind this program is to offer a wide variety of classes, not unlike a college experience. FLA uses an online platform that helps students create and set goals. The student is then advised, based on these goals, about what classes to take in order to achieve them, so individuals are in charge of their future. Classes might work on executive functioning skills, “teachable moments,” and real-life scenarios, as well as career exploration, technology, fitness, independent living, navigating relationships, and more. AU is actively working on forming more community partnerships to provide both work and recreation opportunities to program participants.
I Can Bike
AU also offers the I Can Bike Camp every summer, which teaches participants to ride without training wheels and boasts an almost 100% success rate. This year’s event will take place July 15 through July 19 at the Golisano Training Center at Nazareth College. Volunteers for this program are needed. Anyone interested in helping improve someone’s quality of life by helping to teach this valuable skill can contact md*******@au******.org . Volunteers will receive credits for service hours at the completion of their volunteer work, by request.
Kite Flight
The annual Kite Flight event will take place in mid-August. It is a family event at Seabreeze amusement park that celebrates an annual fundraising effort by parents.
How to get started
Call AU and you can come in for a tour. Sometimes a prospective participant can sit in on a class to see if it’s a right fit. A family navigator can discuss your child’s needs with you and help you choose programs. Find out more at autismup.org or call (585) 248-9011.
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