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The Autism Society’s advocacy/justice goal will confront discrimination, abuse or mistreatment of autism families, affecting vital areas such as housing, healthcare, employment, education and the legal system.
Our local program coordinates with the Autism Society’s National Justice Center on empowerment, advocacy and justice. It stands as a beacon of hope and support for individuals living with Autism, their families and advocates.
The Autism Society San Diego has plans to expand its services to our San Diego autism families by building or acquiring/renovating a new Spectrum Community Center building. Ideally, this facility could be 20 to 30,000-square-foot and designed to provide comprehensive support services, recreational activities, educational opportunities and potentially a select group of autism startups, entrepreneurs & businesses that directly benefit our mission & community.
Once completed, it will include a wide range of specialized programs and resources, offering a welcoming environment where individuals on the autism spectrum and their families can access the support they need.
Spectrum intends to provide clinic and community-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for individuals of all ages at the new center. As part of its mission to offer compassionate, evidence-based care, the new facility will feature “adult clinic spaces” to accommodate expanded services, now made possible through additional funding from various insurance plans.
The Spectrum Community Center will host a variety of classes to help individuals build and strengthen social relationships, covering topics such as dating, internet safety, and emotional regulation. Social events like dances, mini-concerts, game nights, and BBQs will be organized at the center and within the local community, providing opportunities for participants to practice and develop these essential skills.
Plans for the new center include modeled spaces, such as a doctor’s office, salon room, and dentist office, to help individuals become comfortable with accessing community services. The facility will serve as a training ground, offering courses on navigating insurance, medication management, religious inclusion, and more, making it a resource hub for anyone interested in autism-specific learning and training.
Spectrum will offer a wide array of activities aimed at helping individuals discover and pursue interests that bring joy and fulfillment. The center will provide opportunities for exploring community theater, yoga, gaming, gardening, dance, automotive care, pet care, and other hobbies and sports, creating a space for personal growth and enjoyment.
The new Spectrum Community Center will aim to enhance independence and self-sufficiency for those on the autism spectrum. The facility will offer structured classes on budgeting, cooking, hygiene, safety skills, meal preparation, transportation, and home management, along with additional individualized support to help participants implement these skills in their daily lives.
The Spectrum Community Center will promote a healthy lifestyle through courses on mental health, physical fitness, nutrition, hygiene, and medication management. The goal will be to provide lifelong support in a safe and understanding environment, reducing long-term care needs while enhancing the overall well-being of participants.
To support the development of crucial executive functioning skills, Spectrum plans to offer courses focused on time management, organization, problem-solving, self-regulation, impulse control, and flexible thinking. These programs will help individuals build the foundational skills necessary for lifelong success and happiness.
The future center will feature courses on effective communication strategies, including conflict resolution, self-advocacy, written communication, and emotional expression. Spectrum aims to support individuals in improving their ability to communicate, both verbally and through assistive technologies, fostering stronger relationships with family, friends, and the community.
As part of its commitment to empowering individuals through meaningful employment, the new Spectrum Community Center will offer pre-vocational and vocational training programs. These programs will provide a safe environment to build job skills and explore potential career paths, preparing individuals for long-term success in the workforce.
The center’s future plans also include creating a variety of employment and internship opportunities in fields such as Psychology, Healthcare Administration, Applied Behavior Analysis, Speech & Language Pathology, Child Development, Business, Marketing, Social Work, and more. Spectrum will focus on building an inclusive environment that nurtures growth and learning for all involved.
With these ambitious plans, the Spectrum Community Center will serve as a comprehensive resource for support, training, and education, impacting the San Diego community and beyond. For more information about the future Spectrum Community Center, please contact us.