Illinois church program aids adults with autism

From the Chicago Tribune:

Until six months ago, helping prepare dinner or taking out the garbage were monumental challenges for Joey Rosenbloom, who would become overwhelmed and
frustrated by simple tasks.

But things changed for the bright, friendly 21-year-old after he enrolled in a program at Elim Christian Services in Palos Heights for adults with autism that nurtures social, leisure and vocational skills.

Elim launched the adult program in August, four years after creating a school for autistic children. The Christian ministry has taught students with special needs for more than 50 years.

Rosenbloom, who lives with his family in South Barrington, and the two other adults in the program have flourished under the direction of an instructor who has experience working with autistic children and a background in organizational communication.

"I see him becoming more independent, reaching out and doing things on his own," said Sharon Rosenbloom, Joey's mother.

Autism is a developmental disability that affects about 1 in 150 births, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms vary but can include a lack of speech, repetitive use of words or mannerisms, and little or no eye contact. People with autism are often concrete thinkers and visually oriented.

The adult program meets weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in a classroom
with bright wall schedules that outline activities with pictures and objects. The students gather around several large tables to talk and complete assignments.

On a typical recent morning, Mark Boys, the teacher, instructed each student on saying good morning through pictures and patient coaxing. The students then gathered around tables to stock bags with school supplies for underprivileged students in Chicago.

The students already were looking forward to their afternoon trip to Starbucks, with Boys coaching them on how to order drinks. On other afternoons, the class goes to a grocery store or a recreation center, or spends time emptying trash, cleaning a car or stocking vending machines.

"The hope is really to create independence with this type of work," said Boys, who added that the goal is for them to "reach their God-given potential.

"Such programs are scarce in Illinois, though the state has a number of day programs for adults with developmental disabilities that include adults with autism. Easter Seals in Chicago has a program for adults with autism, as does Little Friends Inc. of Naperville.

Though Elim wants to expand the program, funding has proved a challenge. The state Division of Developmental Disabilities allots roughly $11,500 per year for such programs, according to Bob Marsh, Elim's vice president of ministry resources. The school is trying to raise money from grants, individuals and churches.

"Funds for adults with disabilities in Illinois is a systemic issue," said Marsh.