New center in Canada tries to think outside the box in assisting adults with autism

From The Hamilton Spectator in Canada:

Colin Baxter (pictured) knows his autism makes finding work in film production an added challenge. But an adult autism centre opening today aims to help the 27-year-old and others like him achieve their goals.

The Autism Centre on Main Street East is an "out-of-the-box" way of assisting adults with autism according to Lisa Schumph, program manager for The Salvation Army Lawson Ministries which built and operates the centre.

The centre, which could serve up to 140 people, will fill a niche since autistic adults don't have structured activities the way children do and can become more isolated from their community.

Lawson Ministries, funded primarily by the province, is a Salvation Army agency supporting adults with developmental disabilities and autism.

The $2.5-million building will provide services tailored to the individual's goal, be it getting a job or learning to make decisions. It's modelled after the YM and YWCAs in that participants must be members first. Membership is free, but there are some associated fees for some programs. Schumph said funding is often available.

Baxter is high functioning, but says he "can always do better." He's a theatre arts graduate from McMaster University and more recently a broadcast television and film production grad from Niagara College. He and his Lawson Ministries case manager Mark Van Noord are co-producers of a small film company they formed called Airborne Films, tailored specifically to help Baxter work in his field.

"It's a bit difficult. I've been applying for a year or two," says Baxter about looking for work. "It can be a challenge getting a job in how to present myself, how to interact. It's still a learning experience."

Autistic adults must be referred to the centre by Contact Hamilton (a central access point for developmental services) and must have medically diagnosed autism. Membership allows staff to track participants' programs and progress, Schumph said.

Once a referral is received, staff meet with the adults, go over their goals and "if it looks like we can provide help, we set up an individual program."

If the goal is to work in a flower shop, staff devise a plan with all the steps to get there, including social skills development such as learning to make eye contact and small talk, which can be difficult for some autistic adults.

Steps may include on-the-job training. To help, the centre runs a cafe for the public in which its autistic members work.

The centre will also house Lawson Ministries' Ontario Disability Support Program employment support office, open since 2004. Last year, despite the tough economy, it assisted 12 of roughly 24 autistic adults find paid employment.

"That's a success for us," Schumph said.

The centre can accommodate 30 to 35 people a day. It includes a therapeutic sensory room to help members calm down.

"Our goal is to have people with autism to be more involved in their community ... many get very anxious in social situations," Schumph said.

Staff will meet referred autistic adults over the summer so the centre can be fully operational by September.