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WE ARE AND CONTINUE TO GROW... Starting with Thirteen families in Clark and Skamania Counties who formed Autism Community Services to establish a
model of services for individuals with autism that allowed adults with autism and (other low incident disabilities) to live, work
and play in the communities where they grew up.
Autism Community
Services advocates for the provision of innovative, individualized services to ensure practical, effective solutions for individuals with autism spectrum disorders to become valued, contributing members of their
communities.
Residential - Companion Home Model
A Companion Home Model is the preferred living situation selected by our organization. This model is
a shared residential setting with one caregiver and the individual with autism. This provides
twenty-four hour a day, seven days a week support while living in a typical neighborhood and participating
in work, recreational and other daily activities. The individual with autism, the Companion
Home Provider and Family work with the Division of Developmental Disabilities to ensure a strength-based model of wellness and choice.
Individuals with
high support needs are often underserved by the current system. This results
in frequent burn out by underpaid, overworked assistants, leaving the family and residential providers with the added
stress of frequently changing providers. Difficulty with social relationships and a strong need for sameness are driving forces
for individuals with autism. Frequent change produces trauma in their lives causing the individuals to communicate their displeasure with negative behaviors. By increasing the rate of pay for the
providers as well as the number of hours of service available we
reduce the incidence of change in the individuals lives. This in turn reduces the frequency of behavioral challenges and helps to keep the providers constant.
Community Living,
Employment, Recreation, Education…
We are the people
who live in your neighborhood. We want the same things you do; a job, friends, joy, a good
education, a nice home and a supportive community.
Autism Community Services Vancouver, WA 98686
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