Mission
                                                                                            To guide as many people as possible to recognize and highlight the capability in youth with autism and other developmental disabilities regardless of severity so all will be empowered to negotiate and create support systems where these individuals can thrive, realize true involvement, and personal growth.

 Our Guiding Principles

1.    Youth see in themselves what we see in them. Our perspectives and supports offered guide planning and preparation for daily living.

2.    The greatest challenge for youth is CHANGE. Managing change through adolescence and into early adulthood is difficult. We must offer tools with the necessary supports that help youth identify their own gifts, strengths and abilities so they can be led to personal growth and contributing back to the world.

3.    The family is the foundational base to assist youth in obtaining supports and to make effective transitions through life. Not enough support has been offered to help families receive assistance, obtain resources, and guide youth into community living. It takes all of us to work collaboratively.

4.    Youth can be encouraged to accept challenges to learn and participate in new and enlivening ways. There is a tendency to protect and guard youth from doing things that place them in integrative settings where there is risk. For these reasons, supports are important. Additionally developing emotional stability is critical in teaching youth how to manage life transitions. We need to recognize that guiding youth to use their strengths and gifts “with supports” can open doors to pursue new paths in order to create h/her personal place in the world.

5.    There is a continuum of growth from childhood through adolescence that extends well into adult life. Youth with ASD can be guided to learn, thrive, and enjoy life.

6.    Each adolescent or young adult has a basic right to be somebody. Teaching youth the skills that help them become more socially accepted are important, but doing so without setting goals and activities that promote self value is a disservice. We must teach and promote self acceptance and self determination.