Navigating Neurodiversity
Mission, Vision and Values
Our Mission
We create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully.
Our Vision
Creating a world where everyone in the Autism community is connected to the support they need, when they need it.
Our Values
Community
Service
Authenticity
Advocacy
Empowerment
Initiatives
Improving Access
The Autism Society of Indiana (ASI) will broaden the reach of our direct services, including Direct Care and Career Services, to better meet the needs of our communities. This includes working with intentionality to increase ASI’s presence around the State of Indiana; developing a plan to identify and better reach demographics that are currently underserved, particularly communities of color, individuals with mental illness, and individuals who are unhoused; and creating a system to follow up with individuals who seek support, attend trainings and events, and utilize ASI’s services.
Further, creating “The Hub”, a robust database of videos and resources housed on ASI’s website that is regularly updated, user-friendly, and reflective of our communities, will ensure that individuals have the information they need, when they need it. We will also develop portals on our website for our participants and their caregivers to receive important updates and have access to relevant forms.
This important work includes partnerships with other stakeholders. Working in tandem with the Autism Society of America, ASI’s Board of Directors, elected officials, first responders, educational institutions, medical professionals, mission-aligned organizations, and community members is vital to our success.
Finally, ensuring and promoting consistency and refining our marketing efforts across our social platforms will foster a sense of community and promote donor, staff, and volunteer engagement.
Key Action Items:
- Increase the number of counties and participants served by Direct Care
- Increase services and experiences across the lifespan
- Utilize “The Hub” to relay information, deepen connections, and inform future practices
Creating Connections
The Autism Society of Indiana (ASI) is committed to supporting individuals with Autism across the lifespan. This begins with supporting individuals and caregivers at the point of diagnosis in creating a baseline, finding resources, and building a strong network. ASI understands the importance of early intervention and the impact that compassionate support has on autistic individuals. The commitment continues with facilitating support groups, establishing social groups, and promoting skill- and relationship-building for adolescents and young adults to push them to higher levels of independence.
Relatedly, supporting caregivers is another important priority; providing them with the knowledge and skills to care for themselves only benefits individuals diagnosed with Autism. ASI will also work to create an initiative for caregivers of individuals with new diagnoses to provide them with the support they need and deserve.
ASI prides itself on offering unique opportunities and experiences, as well as the impact it has on a diverse group of families and participants. Creating meaningful and impactful sensory-friendly events across the state that support and appeal to all abilities, as well as defining and teaching independence to each individual, illustrates our commitment to diversity. Further, the creation of an annual calendar will promote consistency and familiarity for our communities.
Internal efforts will focus on empowering and investing in our staff to grow as culturally competent, relatable leaders and advocates, as well as ensuring that the onboarding process for new staff members fully encompasses the information and materials accessible.
Key Action Items:
- Establish more support for individuals and caregivers affected by Autism
- Support individuals with co-diagnoses and those that are lacking basic resources
- Further build upon staff culture
Generating Sustainability
The Autism Society of Indiana (ASI) knows that without the support of its stakeholders and donors, we would be unable to continue to progress with our mission and important initiatives. Creating a Strategic Annual Fund that embraces philanthropic giving and creates campaigns that connect our donors with our work will further cement our foundation.
Additionally, engineering a robust Advancement Team to lead these efforts, build strong and mutually beneficial partnerships, celebrate our supporters, and empower our volunteer base will further enable ASI to reach the masses.
The work ASI has done for over a decade has been transformative for countless autistic individuals and their families. And while we will continue to share our achievements, there is so much more to do. Navigating Neurodiversity will ensure we remain steadfast on creating authentic and meaningful connections with and for our communities so that ASI is positioned to build upon our impact for years to come.
Key Action Items:
- Build a culture of philanthropy
- Strengthen the bond between supporters and the mission of ASI