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ABOUT A.S.A.P.
Judy Clark, mother of two young men with autism,
and Founder/Director of Autism Support and Programs, knows first hand the joys
and hardships of raising children who are affected by autism.
Both of Judy's boys are severely affected and she
quickly realized the critical need for early intervention and consistency for
those on the autism spectrum. In 1994 she set out on a mission that would
progress from providing summer school programs for students in Southeastern
North Carolina to the development of residential and day treatment services.
Judy's drive comes from a love of people with
autism and the desire to help them meet their maximum potential.
Autism Support and Programs (ASAP)
uses specific techniques such as Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), sensory
integration, therapeutic recreation, and structured teaching for program
participants. We design individualized programming to meet the specific needs of
each participant, with a concentration on the development of progressive
functional communication systems, and functional behavioral analyses. ASAP
remains committed to exploring established, best practice methods in the
treatment of this condition.
BACKGROUND
Autism Support and Programs (ASAP) was founded in 1996 by parents of two
children with autism. These parents, like so many others, were devoted to
helping their very special children and found it extremely difficult to provide
the structure and consistency that people with autism need during the long
summer break from school.
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
1994 - Hired teacher to work with children in a home setting.
1995 - Converted garage to workroom and served one additional child.
1996 - Obtained classroom space in
local church for summer school programming. Utilized TEACCH therapists for
classroom consultation. 3 students: 1 teacher and 1 assistant.
1997 - Incorporated ASAP and began
working to obtain 501(c) 3. 4 students: 1 teacher and 2 assistants.
1998 - Borrowed 501(c)3 status
from another non-profit organization, received 3 grants (round one). 11
students: 1 teacher and 6 assistants.
1999 - ASAP obtained 501(c) 3
status. Secured classroom space in area public school. Received second round
of grant funds. 11 students: 2 teachers and 6 assistants.
2000 - Secured funding for three
years. 16 students: 4 teachers and 7 assistants.
2004 - Received donation of land
to use for future housing and day treatment center.
2005 – Increased Board of Directors
to manage ASAP expansion
2008 – Purchased home for 1st
residential program
2009 – Opened Rainbow Farms; a
group home for young adults with autism
Opened Sunrise; a
day/night program for individuals of all ages on the autism spectrum
MISSION STATEMENT
Autism Support and Programs' mission is to provide superior
instruction and environments to individuals with
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to
assist participants in achieving optimal living
and learning opportunities.
VISION STATEMENT
Autism Support and Programs strives to
ensure a healing environment that best suits each individual participant and
involves family members and natural supports as extensively as possible.
VALUE STATEMENTS
- We recognize the unique qualities of
each person with autism and design programming to accentuate their positive
attributes
- We develop and update person-centered
plans that include participant preferences and choices
- We acknowledge the importance of
families and rely on their input in program planning
- We advocate for people with ASD, and
for their inclusion in the community
- We are committed to helping people with
ASD achieve enviable lives
PRINCIPALS
Non-Discriminatory: ASAP accepts individuals on all levels
of the spectrum regardless of race, color, creed, religious affiliation or
gender.
Individualization:
Each participant has his/her own unique plan and activities based on preferences,
interests, skills and needs.
Behavioral Support:
Staff are trained to utilize individualized strategies that minimize
undesirable behaviors and increase desirable ones.
Collaboration:
ASAP works closely with professionals and family members to ensure a well
balanced team approach.
Positive Supports:
It is essential that people involved with ASAP are satisfied and fulfilled; this
holds true for participants, staff and family members alike.
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