“John” is a person with autism. And he was driven by a goal. John wanted to learn to drive a car, get his license, and have a greater level of independence in his life. For John, this was critical to his emotional wellness.
Ashlee Bronson and a group from The Summit Center at a Buffalo Bisons game
Many had told John that driving would never be an option.
But his service providers at the Summit Center believed in him. I believed in him. And John believed in himself.
With the support and guidance from so many of us, John was able to study for his driver’s test, practice driving in a range of situations, and on one memorable and magical day, John received his driver’s license. The incredible amount of pride and independence that this journey brought to this young man’s life is one I will never forget.
After 16+ years at The Summit Center, I have plenty of stories just like John’s. Of people growing emotionally and physically. Of people with autism achieving things few thought they could.
At the same time, every story is also different, for not everyone has John’s confidence or determination or ability to place himself squarely in the driver’s seat. Sometimes, people with autism need help buckling up, turning on the ignition, or assistance with steering.
Still, once they get moving, there can be no stopping them.
Every Individual Has Their Own Roadmap
As the Assistant Director of Community Services at The Summit Center, the vast majority of individuals I work with have an autism diagnosis. Some have minimal verbal skills; others have no issues with communication. Some are introverted; others are extroverted. Some have big goals, others smaller goals.
Despite how varied they are, every one of them deserves the greatest chance for future success and of achieving new levels of independence.
Helping them get there is my job. It is joyful work, but not without its challenges. For every person with autism, the roadmap to their emotional and physical growth is unique.
That’s why, as I do my work, it is always important for me to remember that each individual on the autism spectrum learns and progresses differently, and that there is a correlation between understanding their needs and their overall wellbeing.
It is also important to remember that just because someone may not communicate verbally, that doesn’t mean they can’t understand or communicate in other ways. Or that they have no goals or a desire for growth. Some of the brightest, most talented, and determined people I have met have autism. It just may look different than society is used to.
Ashlee Bronson and a person she supports wearing matching Jurassic Park shirts
The Occasional Detour
Our success stories are many, but rarely is our work a straight path.
During the pandemic, in particular, there were unexpected turns and roadblocks. For example, our after-school respite program had to relocate from our special education school to a building without a gym. This adversely affected many individuals who relied on the basketball courts for their physical and even emotional wellbeing.
But being the skilled navigators that we are, we secured a grant that enabled us to purchase outdoor basketball equipment and supplies. We found a way to accommodate the needs of our population, and together, we were back on the road.
Road Improvements
To help the people I work with arrive where they want to get to, I have long been aware that growing my skill set to include the most effective strategies and tactics available must be a top priority.
Thankfully, providers like me have more resources than ever. The Regional Center for Workforce Transformation, for example, offers trainings and initiatives to promote learning and growth in the individuals we serve. Meanwhile, New York’s More Than Work recruitment campaign has highlighted efforts to improve the emotional and physical wellness of the people we support through our everyday work. The More Than Work campaign is also inspiring more jobseekers to pursue careers in this field.
The rules of the road can change, and we need to stay sharp and focused.
Service Providers Are Like Driving Instructors
I suppose, in many ways, I am very much like a driver’s education instructor. I teach, I guide, I sometimes encourage people to go faster, and occasionally I have to apply the brakes. Always, though, I am trying to help people attain their goals, improve their wellbeing and achieve greater independence in their lives. Just like John.
Now, I don’t know if the typical driver’s ed instructor finds the work inspiring. But I do.
During my tenure at The Summit Center, I have had the privilege of seeing so many positive life changes in the individuals I have worked with. I have seen those who were written off by others throughout their lives reach their fullest potential. I have been honored to work with so many amazing people.
Our road trip to emotional and physical wellbeing is one that never ends. I, for one, will continue to sit in the passenger seat and urge the extraordinary people I work with to put the pedal to the metal and keep on driving.
Ashlee Bronson is Assistant Director of Community Services at The Summit Center. The Summit Center is Western New York’s leading provider of evidence-based educational, behavioral health, adult, and community programs to more than 1,000 children and adults each year with developmental, social, and behavioral challenges. Learn more about the organization at www.thesummitcenter.org.
