Volunteering at Include Autism was such a wonderful learning experience that inspired me to learn more about individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and also the ways that can help them develop skills and adaptive behavior in various environments. I was one of the volunteers for the Community Coaching (CC) program and it was encouraging to see how every staff and volunteer of the program truly cared for all of the program participants and showed love to them through their words and actions during the activities in the community. The way each staff and volunteer greeted and talked to the participants and their parents after the activities was heartwarming. There were lots of interactions between the staff and the participants. Moreover, I thought it was interesting and fun for everyone to spend the day at different places in the community to further develop their social and adaptive skills in natural settings.
My son has been receiving services through Include Autism for about seven years. There really is no other organization that is like it, that gives the opportunity to work on social and safety skills in the communities where the individuals they serve, live. The employees at Include Autism have always treated my son with respect and always presume and competence. Since my son is nonverbal and developmentally delayed, there are limited programs that are equipped to help and support him in San Diego. Include Autism serves a vital need for him and we are so greatful.
We have collaborated with Include Autism for many years and many of the children for whom we provide private speech and language therapy participate in their programs. Their entire team is refreshingly passionate about working with children, and eager to expand their skills. They are eager to collaborate and exchange insights about participants. Include Autism provides a unique and much needed service for children with autism.
Include Autism is an 'INCREDIBLE and an AMAZING ORGANIZATION" My son has been attending their "WONDERFUL PROGRAM" for almost a year. He has grown a lot. BIG THANKS to TINA WATERS for all her time and dedication. Include Autism team is a "WONDERFUL, PASSIONATE and Incredible team. We are really blessed to have "INCLUDE AUTISM" in our life.
Include Autism is an amazing organization. My son has been attending their program for approximately 8 years now and he has grown so much since he began. The director and all the staff are wonderful - friendly, passionate and genuinely interested in helping our kiddos out. I am so grateful for this program. I highly recommend it to families in need and to anyone looking to volunteer at a place that makes a difference.
Seeing the staff at Include Autism interact with the kids has been an inspiration to me in my own personal pursuits. Their love for the participants shows through, and it creates a truly inclusive and encouraging environment that supports the participants’ development. Behavior situations were patiently and skillfully handled and allowed participants to refocus on their tasks. The outings, such as going grocery shopping and visiting museums, are essential in developing their life skills. The kids are all very different, and it has been a pleasure to get to know them and each of their unique personalities. My experience here has definitely increased my awareness and knowledge of Autism, as I’m sure it has many others who have encountered this amazing program.
Working with this unique nonprofit showed me how important including those with autism is! Raising awareness while coaching autistic youth benefits our community and unites different types of people.
Volunteering at Include Autism has been one of the most gratifying experiences i have encountered. Working with kids and young adults on the spectrum is not easy, but you can see that every worker there truly enjoys their job. The kids fill up with excitement when they get there and are eager to see what activity they will be doing that day. It's amazing the change that Include Autism is doing within the community; .each day more and more people become aware of individuals with Autism and know how to properly include individuals on the spectrum. They provide so much support for the kids and set goals for them and create ways so that each kid can accomplish them. During the time that I have been there, I've been able to see the growth in each kid. I have also said goodbyes to those that have graduated from Include Autism, but i know that they have left with skills that will help them throughout their lives, all thanks to the staff and their efforts to help these individuals. This organization has had such a positive impact on the lives of many and I believe they will keep doing this and much more for their participants/community.
My internship at Include Autism was eye opening. I was able to spend quality time with the gifted people who receive care there. I learned that they are all smart in their own way, and everyone of them have the potential to function normally in society despite what the mass majority would say. The staff are really know what they are doing and you can trust them with your child or teen during their time in the program.
As a volunteer, I wasn't quite sure what to expect working at Include Autism, especially since I had no experience working with individuals on the spectrum. What I gained in the past couple months, though, has been one of the most amazing experiences I've had in all the places I have volunteered at. Include Autism really has a special way of building a bridge between the community and autistic children. The activities and community outings are not only fun for the kids, but the staff and volunteers as well. Some of the outings include going to the zoo, museums at Balboa Park, the Birch Aquarium, and the Downtown Library. All places that individuals of all ages can enjoy. The individual attention that each child gets is also amazing because it really allows them to grow, work on their own specific goals, and get used to being apart of the community. I could clearly see significant growth in each individual from my first day as a volunteer to my last between all of the exercises the staff implemented. I've never seen such an organization provide so much for those apart of it. From providing transportation to snacks to all the outings and much more, Include Autism has proven to go above and beyond for their organization. My favorite thing about this nonprofit is their focus not only on the children, but the inclusion of the staff, volunteers, and other community members/organizations. Their approach in this way teaches individuals at all levels, where other nonprofits have one main focus. I looked forward to each day that I volunteered here and I can't say that about too many places.