BY LIZZY SPANGLER & JULIANNA WASHBURN CONTRIBUTIONS BY VALERIA ESCOBAR
Future concerns of A/I/DD community A May 7 study Project Beacon and Tri-County Behavioral Health asked respondents what the largest concerns were for self advocates and caregivers when it comes to future independent living situations. Self advocates Caregivers Homelessness 65% 28%
What else?
Before you go
Local providers said as children with autism age, the amount of resources available diminishes. “There are not a lot of people that really know how to do adult services, because nobody really pivoted to the adult space,” said Kelly Baughman, executive director and cofounder of Project Bea- con, a nonprofit aimed at improving the quality of life for people with neurodiversities. Lone Star College-Tomball’s lifePATH program helps neurodiverse students over the age of 18 develop independence, social skills, take classes and learn about career options. “A lot of times I’ll describe our program as a longer runway,” LSC-Tomball lifePATH Director Anne Ginnett said. Meanwhile, TISD has PALS, or Practical Applica- tion of Life Skill, which helps to prepare students for life post-high school, and the LIFE18 program, which supports adult students with disabilities. “Autism doesn’t go away. What we hope is that it becomes less of a functional need,” Webb said.
Elizabeth Goldsmith—the founder and executive director of nonprofit Thrive With Autism—said the nonprofit’s charter school, the Thrive Center for Success, will serve 180 students between kindergarten and eighth grade next year, as a grade level is added each year. There are over 300 students on the school’s waitlist. The school is also underway with an expansion to add 14 new classrooms, a gym and a career pathways lab to the campus, Goldsmith said. Success on the Spectrum Magnolia is also hoping to expand in 2026, Beckham said. “We want these kids to be the best version of themselves,” Cordova said. “We want them to still be them, but to just go out into the world with communication tools.”
Loss of funding for services
38%
41%
Loneliness
34%
67%
Abuse
32%
51%
Health decline
32%
31%
SOURCE: PROJECT BEACON, TRI-COUNTY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CENTER/ COMMUNITY IMPACT
MORTGAGE RATES AS LOW AS 6.5%* *5/1 ARM and subject to credit qualification Come see us FOR YOUR LOAN NEEDS! HOMETOWN REWARDS CHECKING ACCOUNT 4.50%(Subject to Change)
Our residents are our #1 focus, and we prove it in our resident-first philosophy! Through our lifestyle activities, amazing amenities, and caring team members we ensure our residents' needs are met and that they thrive in our community. Step into your new home and embrace true community with us. Contact us today to schedule your tour!
www.fsboftx.com 281.645.3003 27920 Tomball Parkway, Ste. 260 Tomball, Texas 77375 (across the street from Goodson’s Café)
352.704.0219 HeritageTomball.com 1221 Graham Dr.,Tomball, TX 77375
25
TOMBALL - MAGNOLIA EDITION
Powered by FlippingBook