It is out strong contention that most programs designed to employ adults with autism take a "cart before the horse" approach. People with ASD typically do not have low IQ problems. Their difficulties lie in social interaction. Therefore, all the training in the world to accomplish work-related tasks will fail if the ASD individual's social skills do not improve.
Transition and training programs often underestimate people on the spectrum. Virtually all our members have been placed in repetitive, low-skilled jobs. They universally fail, not because they are incapable of the tasks, but because they quickly become bored. When bored and frustrated, autistic behaviors increase and young adults are deemed "unfit" even for the most basic jobs.
AAA believes that daily social interaction, designed as fun to improve communication skills, will drastically improve quality of life as well as elevating chances for meaningful employment. We have a proven track record of success.
In order to accomplish these improvements, our organization offers a variety of life-skill classes as well as social mixers and workplace tours, again, five days a week. Class offerings include cooking, art, improv, science, sign language, martial arts and science. Social events are designed to enhance interaction and communication skills. These events include dance parties, bowling, board game meet ups, swimming, attending museums, and more. AAA also brings in community members to share their skills and passions with our group. Some of the guest teachers we have invited have taught classes in graphic comic book art, jewelry making, and puppetry.
The goal is to keep adults with ASD active every day. But we understand that families lead busy lives. Therefore, AAA also makes flexibility a top priority. Families can opt-in to whatever events fit into their lives. Some attend daily, others a few days a week, while some elect to just "drop in" every so often. However, families who regularly attend at least three times a week see the biggest increase in social improvement.
Another key component of our program is affordability. In so many cases, activities for people with special needs are prohibitively expensive for middle and lower-middle class families. Our events are two hours in length and typically cost just twenty dollars; the entry fee covers any admission fees, supplies, and snacks.
Frequent. Flexible. Affordable. Austen's Autistic Adventures strives to make participation easy.
Funding for instructors
Supplies for Art Enrichment Program
Subsidized Member Scholarships
General operating fees
Austen's Autistic Adventures (501(c)(3)) provides real world activities for those 16 and older to maintain and improve social skills. AAA is the only daily-meeting social skills group in the country! By going out frequently into our community, the public gets to truly know people on the spectrum and vice versa. As our members interact with others, real friendships are formed, family life improves, and more fulfilling jobs and volunteer opportunities are possible.
Our greatest needs are funding for accessible transportation, admission fees, meals, activity costs, and individualized support that allow autistic adults with differing needs to participate fully in community experiences. We also need member scholarships to keep activities affordable for families and general operating support to sustain and expand our inclusive social, recreational, and arts programming.
Adventures for Autistic Adults is committed to creating a community in which every person is treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. We recognize that autistic adults are diverse in their identities, backgrounds, communication styles, abilities, interests, and support needs. We welcome participants and families of every race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and disability.
Equity means recognizing that equal treatment does not always provide equal access. Some members may need additional time, financial assistance, transportation, sensory accommodations, communication support, or individualized assistance to participate fully. We work to identify and reduce these barriers whenever possible.
We honor autistic adults as individuals with their own voices, preferences, boundaries, strengths, and goals. We reject stereotypes that underestimate autistic people or define them solely by their challenges. Our members deserve meaningful choices, genuine friendships, community participation, new experiences, and the opportunity to live full adult lives.
We are committed to listening to autistic adults and their families, practicing transparent communication, examining bias within our decisions and programs, and continually improving the accessibility and inclusiveness of our organization. We strive to create not merely a place where autistic adults are accommodated, but a community where they are known, valued, and belong.
Organization name
Adventures for Autistic Adults - OLD
Tax id (EIN)
81-4851684
Causes
Social Services
Operating Budget
$100,000 - $249,999
Counties Served
Collin, Dallas, Denton, Rockwall, Tarrant
BIPOC Leadership
Neither/None
Address
9101 Millwood Dr