Autism Behind the Wheel: Teaching Teens and Young Adults with ASD to Drive

Autism Behind the Wheel: Teaching Teens and Young Adults with ASD to Drive

Driving is an important milestone in the lives of teenagers and young adults. No longer do they have to ask Mom or Dad for a ride to their friends’ houses. Now they can drive themselves to school, work, and beyond, giving them more freedom over their own schedules. Learning to drive is an opportunity for teens and young adults to earn their independence.

Learning to drive is a long and complicated process, though, and for teens and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning to drive (and deciding whether to learn) has unique complications.

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2016 Run for Autism

Thanks to ASATVC for a wonderful run this year.  Everyone had so much fun and the logo design was a great idea!

AFI's very own Leo got 3rd place out of several hundred runners. So fun to see lots of clients and families as well as our beloved Barb  It was an awesome experience with awesome people!  

Meet Julia, Sesame Street's brand new character with autism

This story stars Elmo, Abby, and their friend Julia, who has autism. Together, the three pals have a delightful playdate. Click the picture or click here for a link to the read-aloud storybook.

Autism Inclusion Through Music (AIM)

Canyon West Guitars is proud to be the home of an effort called the "AIM Project", designed to teach music to young people on the autistic spectrum. They believe that ASD-affected youth have so much to offer our world, and want to give back by providing lessons and opportunities to play in settings with peers. Working hand-in-hand with local developmental agencies, they intend to provide a place where young people can thrive through musical instruction, performance, and interaction.

Donations to help fund this project are welcome, and all such gifts are tax-deductible! Your questions or comments are also invited - just contact them for details, and be sure to like The AIM Project on Facebook!

Introducing the new community program at Canyon West Guitars working with autistic youth.

Sounding the Alarm

The John Block documentary for Autism Speaks, “Sounding the Alarm” will be available on Netflix on July 15. The film examines the lives of 12 families who live with autism, and chronicles the challenges and opportunities they face from diagnosis to adulthood. 

We've read both positive and negative reviews of the documentary. What's your take on the film? Do they make good points on calling for insurance reforms, increased support services, and awareness education? Did it lean to much on negative imagery? We'd love to hear your opinion. Post in the comment section below.