Over the last year I had been able to talk to adults on the spectrum through the Vermont Autism Plan steering committee; I sat-in on public forums for adults and read countless interviews of adults along with surveys we spent out to families, adults, and professionals. I became interested in what adults with autism thought might have helped them prepare for adulthood and what would help them now. Late winter, last year I leaned against a white wall in the basement conference room of a county mental health agency listening to adults with autism tell me and two other members of our committee how they wished their parents understood them more and how they are outcastes of our society. Tears rolled down my face as the men (this forum only had men on the spectrum) recapped their life and how now they don’t work, play, or have relationships and I thought it was time for a change, time for all people to feel included.

Parenting Autism will be leading the way, by not only educating parents on preparing your child for adulthood, but I also building an inclusive community for all. Look for more exciting news in the next couple months and our Build Inclusion roll-out plan.