“The Autism Project (TAP) is a unique collaboration of parents, professionals, and community members who provide quality support, training, and programming – accessible to all – for children, teens, and young adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), their families, and those who serve them. Our vision at TAP is a world where individuals with an ASD are valued, actively participating members of their communities.
According to the CDC, the incident rate of ASDs has jumped to 1:68 – up from 1:150 in 2000. This translates to over 10,000 individuals in Rhode Island living with autism. As the numbers continue to increase, so too does the need for programming and services for children, teens, and young adults in RI with an ASD, their families, and their caregivers.
This is where TAP comes in! TAP grew out of teacher discussion groups in the early 1990s, and today, we work to support individuals with an ASD in many ways. We educate their parents and caregivers on best practices for supporting individuals with autism; we educate and train teachers, speech professionals, occupational therapists, mental health professionals, day care providers, community members, and other professionals on current best practices for working with individuals with autism; and, we offer direct services to individuals with autism through our social skills programming (including our summer camp, Camp WANNAGOAGAIN!). We host a National Speaker Conference each year to bring new advancements in the field of autism to our communities. We work to advocate for individuals with autism and their families to increase the availability, consistency, and quality of ASD supports and programming in the state of Rhode Island. And we offer support services for families from early diagnosis through transition to college / the work force via our parent resource specialists, parent support groups, a parent resource center, and our active website, collaborations with other organizations, and social media efforts [ Facebook and Twitter @AutismProjectRI].
In 20 years, we have gone from a local, grassroots organization to an organization on the forefront of creating, teaching, and sharing innovative and effective therapies and resources for those with an ASD, their families, and the professionals who care for them. But we’ve only been able to do this through the constant support of the people and businesses of Rhode Island. Our Imagine Walk and Family Fun Day for Autism – our biggest fundraising event of the year – attracts over 8,500 walkers and has raised over $1 million to date for TAP’s programs and services. This speaks to the incredible commitment of the individuals and corporations who give to us – they truly make our work possible! If you are interested in joining FountainHead RI’s 2017 Imagine Walk Team, click HERE.
At TAP, we are working hard each day to ensure that children, teens, and young adults with an ASD are able to live their best possible lives. Join us and learn more at www.theautismproject.com or give us a call at 401-785-2666. ”
