Noise is simply a nuisance for some people. To those on the Autism spectrum, over-stimulation can create discomfort in unfamiliar environ ments. Autism Acceptance Month in Dutchess County shows an increased commitment to our autistic neighbors, as more organizations are equipped with tools and education to support inclusion.
Autism-supportive employment and events promote safe spaces for everyone to spend time doing what they love, whether it’s work, play, or community engagement. Anderson Center for Autism’s Consulting and Training Team (ACCT) has for years provided community organizations with the education to best support autistic customers, employees and neighbors.
As of 2020, about 1 in 36 U.S. children are diagnosed with autism. From 2011 to 2022, autism incidence rates rose 175%, according to the American Medical Association’s JAMANetwork.
Director of Anderson’s ACCTProgram Services, Kathleen Marshall, says that inclusion takes a willingness to understand someone’s challenges. Individuals may fear saying the wrong things to an individual on the Autism spectrum, but all they need to do is ask. “Approach with humility,” Marshall explained. “Say, ‘I want to welcome you. Is there anything you want to share with me that would help to provide a better experience?’”
Employment is one way that anyone can contribute to their community. Many individuals on the Autism spectrum find belonging in taking full or part-time work, enrolling in college, or joining interest groups. Though autistic employees represent a small percentage of the workforce, said Marshall, simple training and accommodations can help businesses welcome more neurodivergent employees into the workforce.
The Village of Rhinebeck Autism Supportive Community Committee was created to designate an entire Autism Supportive community. This organization empowers businesses to welcome neurodivergent customers and to hire individuals on the Autism spectrum.
So, how can you join the many local businesses and organizations, including Vassar Brothers Medical Center, Metro-North Railroad and Coppola’s Restaurant and Bistro, in supporting autistic employees and customers? Dutchess County has a zero-cost opportunity to receive Autism Supportive training and consultation from ACCT. It simply requires a few hours. Staff are trained in autism education and accommodation, and ACCT identifies and suggests supportive practices to businesses, first responders, and healthcare settings. The program works with organizations through the implementation stage, developing modifications for supportive practices.
Coppola family leads way
Coppola’s Restaurant and Bistro in Hyde Park was actually the first business in the county to take the training program and receive an Autism Supportive Environment plaque from Anderson.
Luigi Coppola commented, “The Coppola Family has been an advocate for Autism support from the very beginning. We sat in on many a meeting, sharing ideas and concepts in order to foster a very inclusive environment for families with children on the spectrum at our business and other businesses in the area.”
He added, “My brothers John and Vincent and I, are proud of the methods we use to make these remarkable families feel comfortable and wanted. From special tables, private dining areas and safe spaces to dimmable lighting and quick service, our family takes extra care in order to give them the at-home family experience they want.
“We are honored to serve our Anderson families and look forward to many years of continued service.”
Recommended supportive practices vary by business needs. A few examples of ACCT training in practice include: communication boards; visual pain diagrams at doctors’ offices; accessible quiet spaces; and visual depictions of using ATMs.
ACCT empowers all organizations to welcome neurodivergent individuals, so they may enjoy spaces that unite the community. Organizations can be designated as “Autism Supportive” if training is completed by 80% of their customer-facing employees, and they have a supportive practice in place. If a business changes hands, the new ownership will need to complete the training to keep the designation.
Marshall said Autism Acceptance Month tells us that differences don’t have to divide us. Humans’ level of comfort is directly tied to their environment. Ask questions. Find out how you may best support them in the future. Ask customers about their experience in your store. Should we dim the lights? Is the ambient music a notch too loud?
Marshall notes that new environments may cause anxiety. Not knowing what to expect from an experience wracks nerves. Autism supportive spaces offer kindness and respect to all who enter. There is room to make any business, home, and place of employment more accessible, especially for the estimated 2.78% of Dutchess County residents who are on the Autism spectrum.
The grocery store’s senior citizen shopping hours help older populations to avoid busy hours. Images of products, menus, and ambiance draw prospective diners to local restaurants. And carnival noise and sounds don’t need to deflate a day at the Dutchess County Fair, because sensory-sensitive hours on thinkDIFFERENTLY Thursday mean summer fun for everyone.
This is what community looks like.
Dutchess County has everything to gain from taking steps toward inclusion, and the support is free of charge. Why not start today?