Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Founded in 1965 by psychologist (& father) Dr. Bernard Rimland Oldest and largest membership organization dedicated to people on the autism spectrum. The involvement of those living with autism continues to be critical in all aspects of our organization. Comprised of 200,000+ members and supporters connected through 115 chapters across the United State and Puerto Rico. The Autism Society is dedicated to increasing awareness about autism and the day-to-day issues faced by individuals with autism, their families and the professionals with whom they interact. We advocate for programs and services that people need TODAY.
Philosophy of Empowerment
The Autism Societys growing membership base encompasses a broad, diverse group of parents, family members and professionals. Recognizing and respecting the diverse range of opinions, needs and desires of this group, the Autism Society embraces an overall philosophy that chooses to empower individuals living with autism to make choices best suited to their needs. Providing information and education to help in decisionmaking are more highly regarded at the Autism Society than is advocating for one particular theory or philosophy.
For more than 24 years, at least one member of the Autism Societys national board of directors has been an individual with ASD (a best practice encouraged throughout our chapters). Our advisory panels include some of the most influential names in the autism community. Collectively, the knowledge and expertise of these individuals is used to guide and support our goals and activities. People with ASD and family members are also well represented on our committees and staff.
Defining Indicators
Members of the Autism Societys Panel of Professional Advisors, Drs. Martha Herbert, Brenda Smith-Myles and Ted Carr (1947-2009) were the main inspiration for the "Quality of Life" indicators as part of the Autism Societys Treatment Guided Research Initiative. Theses indicators have become the standards by which the Societys programs are developed and evaluated.
Setting Goals
The most important participant in the planning process is the person for whom planning is focused. Planning must involve discussion around what that individual wants in their life, what are their interests, hopes and dreams. To ensure a persons long-term goals are met, you really have to start by being sure you are setting the right goals.
Critical Skills
As simple as it may seem, real self determination requires certain skills, including the ability to: Communicate preferences Make choices Set achievable goals Learn how to access resources Identify and solve problems Manage time Self-advocate
Life Changes
All individuals move through significant life changes. Their quality of life depends not only upon the foundation that is provided in childhood, but also on ongoing supports that are specific to the educational, medical, social, recreational, family and employment needs of the individual. What is important or even desired will also change throughout an individuals life.
Over the years CQL has broadened their constituency and stressed the importance of regulatory compliance and social indicators (data on how well programs and services are performing) in health, education and social services. In the early 1990s CQL began an effort to interview more than 9,000 individuals and obtain Personal Outcome Measures that determine if an individuals or familys dreams are acknowledged or realized, and if services and supports are truly addressing a persons quality of life.
Inspired By a Vision
of a world of dignity, opportunity and community for all people, CQL redefined quality as responsiveness to people rather than compliance to standards. In 1991 CQL published 21 Personal Outcomes Measures , items and issues that matter most to people that define quality from the individuals perspective and organized into the following: my self, my world, and my dreams. www.thecouncil.org
A Ripple Effect
CQL has determined that some personal outcome measures are the best predictors of achieving other outcome measures. Those are: People exercise rights People are treated fairly People choose where they work People interact with other members of the community People perform different social roles
CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities ) is an independent, nonprofit organization focused on advancing the quality of services for the best possible outcomes. CARF provides accreditation services worldwide at the request of health and human service providers. CARF accreditation signals a service provider's commitment to continually improving services, encouraging feedback, and serving the community. www.carf.org
In Focus on Autism & Other Developmental Disabilities Robert Schalock reviewed 3 decades of papers on quality of life:
Core Domains of Quality of Life Self-Determination Social Inclusion Material Well-Being Personal Development Emotional Well-Being Underlying Indicators Autonomy, Choices, Decisions, Personal Control, Self-Direction, Personal Goals/Values Acceptance, Status, Supports, Work Environment, Community Activities, Roles, Volunteer Activities, Residential Environment Ownership, Financial Security, Food, Employment, Possessions, Socio-economic Status, Shelter Education, Skills, Fulfillment, Personal Competence, Purposeful Activity, Advancement Spirituality, Happiness, Safety, Freedom from Stress, Self-concept, Contentment
Interpersonal Relations
Rights Physical Well-Being
Promote a lifespan approach to autism with special emphasis on: Define the best practices, approaches and obstacles to early identification so that proper diagnosis can occur by age 3. Transition young adults leaving school systems prepared for employment, advanced education, and independent living. Identify gaps in services and work with delivery systems so individuals with ASD can expect the same access and adequate response from social service agencies. Refine our approach and define specific outcomes for each quality of life indicator. In other words, how do we know when independent living or subjective well-being has been achieved to the maximum extent possible?
Developed by Lars Perner, Chair Autism Societys Advisory Panel of People on the Spectrum
If a child on the spectrum has a positive and appropriate educational experience, he or she is more likely to receive the greatest possible opportunity to achieve success in performance of daily required living skills.
A positive and appropriate school inclusion experience will help the child achieve the greatest possible academic success. This, in turn, will, help enable him or her to transition from public or private high school with the skills, education and sufficient life experience to have the best prospects for success in adulthood.
Academic success paired with life skills knowledge and experience, best prepares the transitioning high school student to pursue appropriate opportunities. This may involve postsecondary education (e.g., traditional college or vocational programs). When appropriate and desired, additional education can provide skills and experience needed to enter the job market with the best prospects for securing a position that is appropriate for his/her skills, knowledge and experience.
Opportunities that continue to build skills and experience provide greater opportunities for advancement and facilitate increased income opportunities. For others, appropriate academic success in secondary school will facilitate opportunities for more direct entry into training and employment.
Once employment successwhether in terms of employment or post secondary education has been achieved, the individual will have greater financial resources to decide to live in an independent living environment suitable to his or her ability and wishes. For some, it will be full independence, for others it would involve supportive services that are provided to maximize individual independence.
When a person decides where he or she will live, he or she can seek out recreational and leisure activities in the community which will facilitate increased health and well being. Opportunities to form friendships and various social connections are available. (It should be noted that these can certainly occur regardless of the status of employment or where someone lives).
With financial stability, a person is well positioned to achieve maximized autonomy and subjective well being, or rather a general sense of happiness and satisfaction with life.
Continue the discussion through our FORUMS! You will receive an email shortly with a link to our discussion board. The PowerPoint and recording will also be provided in this email. Email Phuong (pnguyen@autismnow.org ) if you experience any issues.
Website: www.autismnow.org Information & Referral Call Center: 1-855-828-8476 Next Webinar: Tuesday, September 4, 2012, 2:00-3:00 PM, EDT The Importance of Including Siblings in Family Future Planning