SpringForward 2021 Autism Campaign

At Spectrum Connections...

Autism is a diversity to be embraced. We work toward breaking down barriers and difficulties through vocational training and services. We're committed to supporting young adults on the autism spectrum in advancement of their higher education and employment goals. 

Spectrum Connections’ direct services include individual and group classes along with one on one coaching. This is provided by private pay contracts or through services in conjunction with vocational rehabilitation offices in both Minnesota and Wisconsin. We provide these services to anyone who will benefit regardless of the ability to pay. Toward this end we have established this campaign.

FACT: 500,000 adults on the spectrum will age into adulthood in the next 10 years. Yet, 85% of college graduates on the spectrum are unemployed, compared to the national unemployment rate of 4.5%.

Our Get Ready Program enabled Nic, a young man on the autism spectrum, to navigate the interview process at a leading software company and secure a position as an entry-level Software Developer. We want to educate, train, and guide others on the spectrum to be self-sufficient and advance in their careers...just like Nic. With your help, we can do it!

Our Interview Skill Mastery Series

Unlike most interview preparation programs, Spectrum Connections’ Interview Skill Mastery Series includes multiple mock interviews and instruction in the social skills, which are key to success in job interviews. Human resource professionals conduct interviews and provide feedback which is used in follow-up skill building sessions.  Skill instruction topics may include:

• Presenting yourself with confidence
• Handling open-ended questions
• Knowing your audience - how to conduct company research

$1,500 will provide twelve scholarships to attend out Interview Skill Mastery Series program.

Our "Get Ready" to Work Program

The “Get Ready” program is designed to build the social and regulatory skills of autistic young adults before they engage in a job search. Individualized learning sessions are based on the unique skill building needs of each individual, using best practice strategies and research about optimized learning approaches of autistic individuals.  Instruction covers the following skill areas:

• Self-awareness
• social communication
• emotional regulation

$1,500 will provide six scholarships to attend out Get Ready training program.

Our Goal

For 2021, we're looking to fund Spectrum Connections' SpringForward 2021 Autism Campaign to provide support for Vocational Training  for young adults with invisible autism.

With $3000, you can help provide up to 18 individuals with the needed life skills and coaching to succeed in job interviews which will lead to rewarding careers (e.g., engineers, programmers, doctors, etc.)

Your Help

May is a time to be thankful and share your blessings with others. It is also a time to reflect on those we’ve lost through COVID, and the hardships many of us have endured and continue to go through. During this time of gratitude, please consider a donation to our campaign. Your gift can make a difference in the lives of those who are often overlooked, do not always advocate for themselves, and are no longer supported by government programs. Thank you!

Spectrum Connections is a licensed provider of Vocational Rehabilitation Services in both the State of Minnesota and State of Wisconsin.