Most people associate autism with children: an autism diagnosis is usually given in early childhood, and children with the condition then navigate their way through the school system.
But like all children, kids with autism grow up—but their challenges don’t disappear.
“When they become adults, they still have that need for ongoing support,” said Beth Olivieri, the chief development officer at GHA Autism Supports.
“After they’ve [the children have] aged out of the public-school system, we forget a lot about adults,” Olivieri continued.
GHA, which is headquartered in Albemarle, was established in 1978 and now has a branch in Wilmington.
“It was organized at a time where a group of parents and a lady that was a special needs teacher were beginning to see the needs of children with autism,” Olivieri said. “The thought was, ‘There’s nothing in existence to help families.’”
The first thing GHA did was open a five-bed group home for children with autism, followed by one for adolescents, and then adults, as well as day academies for all age groups. Today, the youngest person utilizing their services is three, and the oldest is 61, Olivieri said.
In Wilmington, GHA has two adult residential homes in the Monkey Junction area—four beds to each home. They also have “Port City Academy,” which is located in the Harrelson Center downtown, where there are several nonprofits where the adults with autism volunteer.
“It’s a hand and glove fit for us,” Olivieri said.
Many of them also have jobs in the community as well.
“I’ve seen people grow immensely,” said Carrissia Irving, the residential manager at the Wilmington residential home. “In our programs they learn to make their own lunches, how to have roommates, how to find and maintain employment. They just really start to blossom and spread their wings.”
Irving said the job coaching and advocacy GHA provides is really critical to helping adults with autism have a normal life—especially since they can be easily misinterpreted in public. “A lot of our people have the skills, but they need an advocate,” she said.
GHA also acts as a transitional bridge between childhood and adulthood—much like college does. That’s also a big change for parents, Olivieri added.
“For many [parents], it’s been all hands-on-deck,” she said. “They’ve been their own case manager. Much of their lives have been engulfed by going to the mat with the school system, being the cheerleader for their child.
“When their child has their wings and their own house, even though it’s a good thing, it’s hard to let go.”
Other local support groups
GHA is not the only Wilmington organization providing support to adults with autism. The Autism Society of North Carolina also has various recreational activities and social groups for teenagers, young adults and older adults. Those are located at the old Salt Box Building in downtown Wilmington, at 705 S. Kerr Avenue.
David Laxton, the director of communications for the society, said they’ve helped over 120 adults with autism in the state find jobs.
“We always want adults to connect with us,” he said.
They also have an autism resource specialist who helps with housing and benefits—and even diagnosing people with autism in adulthood, which does occasionally happen.
Next Saturday, April 29, the society will host a fundraising walk/run. The event is in its seventh year, and includes both a competitive and non-competitive 5K run/walk, plus a kids’ dash for kids age six and under. People can also register the day of the race, starting at 7 a.m. at the Mayfaire Town Center, where the race takes place. The cost is $25.
The race is held at the Mayfaire Town Center.
