Adult With Asperger's Syndrome (Huntsville, Decatur: employment, high school, college)

[ClintsMom]

I have an adult son with Asperger's age 20, he is high functioning but very much in need of help finding work and social interaction with other young people.

Does the Huntsville/Madison/Decatur area have any programs that could help in this area?

Thanks for any input.

[hey teach]

You might begin by contacting the local school systems. They possible could send you in the right direction. I would also check with some of the larger churches, who might have social groups or support groups. I think at one time, Monte Sano Baptist had a group for young people with different life challenges.

Hope you can find what you are looking for soon.

[sharon92850]

East Limestone has a support group for parents of ASD children called Fitting the Pieces. It is headed up by Todd Tomerlin. Huntsville has a support group that is similar but much larger called Making Connections. It is headed by Debbie Bumbicka. Making Connections is a parent-led support network for families in Huntsville, Alabama and the surrounding region. The group strives to improve the lives of individuals affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders. Meetings are free and open to the public.

[writerwife]

I don't know too much about it but I do know that there is a program in Huntsville somewhere for just such as you're seeking and unfortunately I have no information for you on it other than a company called Phoenix industries for employment for varying types of handicapped, challenged or other young people that had difficulty fitting into just any employment. You might look up phoenix industries and see if they could give you more info on that.

[Southlander]

Give a call to the Mental Health Association. I know the one in Decatur (it's actually the Morgan County MHA) sponsors groups for people with many different mental challenges.

[ashleab4]

Hi! I am a teacher at the Riley Center which is a school for children on the spectrum. While your son is obviously not school age we do have services for adults that include just what you are looking for in terms of socialization and work skills. Feel free to contact us for more info (256) 882-2457. Hope this helps!!

[Lindatabr]

ClintsMom:

Hello. There is a social group for young adults with AS/HFA here n North Alabama/Southern Tennessee called AYANA (Asperger Young Adults of North Alabama) that offers social opportunities in a safe and nurturing environment. It is multi-layered in that the parents of the YA's (young adults) have the opportunity to get to know other parents of the other YA's and share experiences and gain valuable information, while the YA's have the opportunity to form friendships and be with a group of their peers who share some of their same interests and skills. The group is for those who are beyond high school. There are some who have jobs, some who do not have jobs, some who are in college and some who are trying to figure out what they want to do with their lives.

Jean and I are the co-sponsors of this group and we meet at various places around the area and plan different
activities that we think the YA's would be interested in. There is no fee or nothing to join. If we go on an outing to some
place where a fee has to be paid for admission, then of course, the YA and/or their family are responsible for that fee.
When we go out to a restaurant to eat, everyone is expected to pay for their own meal. When we get together for pot luck, every family brings items to share with the rest of the group.

You may contact either Jean (mjgame@yahoo.com) or myself (lindatabr@gmail.com) for more information. Best of luck to you and your son.

Linda

[Donica519]

It is 2021 but if you are still around please call me 256-583-5978. I have a 23 year old nephew with Asperger's and I really need some help.