Dear Parents and Adventurers,
This foundation has been something about which I have been thinking for many years. Although my nearly 20-year-old daughter is in the "Transition" program with her school district, we have not found her days to be very interesting and they are quite limited in scope. Furthermore, in just two years, she will "age out" of the program. We have all come to the realization that Austen will never work in any full-time, and probably not part-time, capacity. I'm sure a lot of you have come to terms with this as well.
Another factor compelling me to finally "do something" about the lack of opportunities for adults with autism is the fact that the one group my daughter attends, who met typlically on a once-a-week basis, decided that those over 25 years could no longer come to the group. Many of the "kids" were heartbroken. The one place they felt safe and comfortable was no longer an option.
Thus, on break from my current job as an English professor, I decided to stop dreaming and start doing. The response has been overwhelming. Passion + Need is what I think will make our organization a success.
I cannot wait to meet your sons and daughters, and for the world-at-large to meet THEM. It's time for autism to come out and join the world. Our numbers are growing. And, as we all know, you don't stop being autistic just because you turn 18.
I will try to post updates a few times a week with what went well (and perhaps not so well) on our outings. Pictures and videos too!
Please feel free to offer feedback in the "Comments" section of this page. I'm sure there will be quite the learning curve but we are all committed to making the lives of our adult children with autism more fulfilling.
Thank you!
Jamie and Austen
