Plenty of programs and resources exist for children on the autism spectrum. But what happens when they grow up? National data shows that the majority of adults with autism are unemployed or underemployed, with some estimates indicating up to 90% according to Autism Speaks.
Enter nonPareil Institute based in Plano, TX. Its mission? To build better futures for adults with autism. Founded by Gary Moore and Dan Selec, whose sons both have autism, this post-secondary education institute delivers digital technology training to adults on the spectrum. “We founded nonPareil to provide a better future for adults with autism, including vocational training, life skills, and community,” says Moore, nonPareil’s President and CEO. “Every parent of a child with autism wants a future filled with hope and meaning, what happens next, and nonPareil is providing that.”
In its eight years, this non-profit has trained over 200 adult students (called Crew) in a unique, self-paced program through one-on-one and small-group courses. The approach empowers Crew members to tap into their passion for technology and learn competitive skills such as programming, 3D modeling, and animation. At the same time, they’re also learning workplace-ready skills, such as time management, teamwork, leadership, and communication. And the intangibles they reap are priceless—fulfillment, self-esteem, purpose, inter-dependence, acceptance, friendship, hope, dignity, and self-confidence.
To date, nonPareil has created more than 10 market-competitive products, including games, apps, books, and comics. Visit nonPareil Studio to see currently available and coming-soon products. Now that its newest location in Houston is thriving, nonPareil plans to expand to Austin, Ft. Worth, Orlando, and Connecticut. Want to learn more about this innovative program? Check out its YouTube video and visit the nonPareil website.
Studio: http://np119.studio/ | Website: http://www.npitx.org/