1. Community Ambassador Training

2. Training Outline What is Autism? Autism Speaks History and Mission
Autism Speaks Local Community
Review of Family Services
Becoming a Community Ambassador

3. What is Autism?
Autism 101 Training Video

4. Autism Speaks Founded in February 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright
Grandparents of a child with autism
The nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization.
At Autism Speaks, our goal is to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders

5. Our History 2005 - ACRE (Autism Coalition for Research and Education)
NAAR (National Alliance for Autism Research)
CAN (Cure Autism Now)
In 2006 – AS merged with NAAR
In 2007 – AS merged with CAN
11/8/2018

6. Autism Speaks Mission
To change the future for all who struggle with Autism Spectrum Disorder Science
Funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism Awareness
Raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families and society Family Services
Bringing hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder Advocacy
Bring together the autism community as one strong voice to urge government and private sector to take action

7. Autism Speaks Local Community

8. Milwaukee Community
Our goal is to make the mission of Autism Speaks local through our outreach activities, fundraising activities, special events, advocacy efforts and awareness campaigns.
Supported by hundreds of volunteers throughout Milwaukee and the Wisconsin, in addition to a 9 Collegiate Organizations, multiple interns and one full-time staff member.
Tel:
Midwest Regional Office
2700 S. River Road, Suite 304
Des Plaines, IL 60018

9. Science
Autism Speaks has committed more than $195 million into research

10. Science
From our first 240 grants funded, totaling over $36 million, researchers have been able to leverage close to $240 million in additional funding from other resources. This means that for every dollar Autism Speaks invests, researchers are able to leverage an additional seven dollars, making your donation all the more important.

11. Science
Locally, 4 projects representing almost $1 million in investments have been funded in Wisconsin, including work done at:
University of Madison - Madison, WI
Waisman Center - Madison, WI
University of Milwaukee – Milwaukee, WI

12. Advocacy – Federal Initiatives

13. Advocacy – State Initiatives
Helped pass autism insurance reform legislation in a total of 32 states—including four in this year alone!!

14. Awareness

15. Family Services
Meeting the Needs of those living with autism across the lifespan
Newly Diagnosed/Young Children
School-Aged Children
Young Adults/Adults

16. Family Services Newly Diagnosed/Young Children 100 Day Kit
Autism Video Glossary
Snip-Its Haircutting Guide

17. Family Services School-Aged Children School Community Tool Kit
Asperger/HFA Tool Kit
Dental Health Guide
Transition Tool Kit

18. Family Services Young Adults/Adults Autism in the Workplace
Defining the Future DVD
Advancing Futures for Adults with Autism

19. Family Services Additional Resources Autism Response Team
Resource Guide
Resource Library
Community Connections
Autism Safety Project

20. 100 Day Kit

21. 100 Day Kit
8,000 kits personalized and distributed; nearly 600 here in IL, just in 2010
Personal follow-up with families 3 months later
personal invitation to families to participate in local Walk Now for Autism Speaks
Spanish version (“Manual de los 100 Días”) launched in September, 2008
“I just want to say a great big thank you for my son's kit. It is absolutely wonderful. It was as if you all looked in my head to see what I needed. I have two with autism and I am just really pleased to know that your group cares. I especially like the lists I could use for phone numbers and appointments. This will leave me feeling less overwhelmed. Thank you so very much from the bottom of my heart.”

22. Asperger Syndrome Tool Kit

23. Asperger Syndrome Tool Kit
Launched March 2010
Created in response to feedback from families who received the 100 Day Kit.
Assists families in getting the critical information they need in the first 100 days after an Asperger Syndrome or High Functioning Autism diagnosis
Contains information and advice collected from trusted and respected experts on Asperger Syndrome/HFA, parents and affected individuals

24. Transition Tool Kit

25. Transition Tool Kit
Available in hard copy by calling the ART or requesting online.
125 pages including information on:
Self-Advocacy
Why Do We Need A Transition Plan?
Community Living
Employment and Other Options
Post-Secondary Educational Opportunities
Housing
Legal Matters to Consider
Health
Internet & Technology
Getting Organized
Resources

26. Autism Response Team
Specially trained to connect families with information, resources and opportunities
Toll Free: 888-AUTISM 2, (Spanish)
Call volume
430 calls/month & 600 s/month
13,400 calls in 2010

27. Autism Response Team Testimonials from our users:
“I've found your ART Coordinators to be helpful and compassionate. I have Asperger’s syndrome, a mild form of autism; I knew all my life I was different; but didn't always know what the heck it was.”
“I am new to autism, and I do not have a computer. I appreciate that you offer a 800 number so families can call and talk with a real person. Computers can never replace a person’s voice who understands autism and what you are going through.”
“This is the first time an organization has responded to my .”
“My grandson has autism and my daughter and I had many questions. Thank you for your , and the resources you gave us, especially the information social groups.”

28. What is a Community Ambassador?
Serve as representatives of Autism Speaks within their local communities to raise awareness about Autism Speaks
Currently focused on promoting the 100 Day Kit.
Visit local doctors offices to:
Educate them about Autism Speaks and our services
Provide free promotional items for the 100 Day Kit to ensure newly diagnosed families have access when needed

29. Why the 100 Day Kit?
Early intervention is crucial for a successful outcome after initial diagnosis
Normally diagnosis is by a physician or professional
The 100 Day Kit was created specifically for newly diagnosed families to make the best possible use of the days following their child's diagnosis
Contain local resources which help a caregiver navigate through the initial process
Families whose children have been diagnosed in the last six months may request a personalized copy by calling AUTISM2 or ing
Each request is tracked.
Available in English and Spanish and free of charge

30. Why the 100 Day Kit?
Early intervention is crucial for a successful outcome after initial diagnosis.
Normally the first person to tell a parent or caregiver of the diagnosis is a physician or professional.
The Autism Speaks 100 Day Kit was created specifically for newly diagnosed families to make the best possible use of the 100 days following their child's diagnosis of autism or AS/HFA. The kits contain local resources which help a caregiver navigate through the initial process.
Families whose children have been diagnosed in the last six months may request a personalized copy of the 100 Day Kit or the Asperger Syndrome/High Functioning Autism Tool Kit by calling 888-AUTISM2 or ing. Each request is tracked.
The 100 Day Kit is available in both English and Spanish and is free of charge, thanks to the support of our donors.

31. Supplies Arriving in the Mail
Leave-Behind Items for Offices
100 Day Kit Slim Jim packets
Brochure Stands
Autism Speaks Toolkit Sheets
Materials Order Forms
Community Ambassador Gear
100 Day Tool Kit
Autism Speaks Lapel Pin
Visit Log
Talking Points

32. Conducting a Visit Wear your Autism Speaks lapel pin
Bring the 100 Day Kit, pack of slim jims, brochure stand, materials order form, family services sheet
At the front desk, introduce yourself as an Autism Speaks Community Ambassador - ask to speak to the Head Nurse or Manager. If available, request a few minutes to speak to them about a free resource for their patients
Present the 100 Day Kit and discuss why it is useful and how patients can access kits at no cost. Briefly introduce the other free Family Resources
Ask them to display slim jims in the brochure stand prominently, and send in the materials order form when more supplies are needed.
Thank them and encourage them to contact AS with any questions.

33. What If …
the head nurse or office manager is not available? Ask to schedule an appointment at a better time
they say there is not a better time? Ask if they would be willing to display the materials, and if you can leave supplies and information with them
they are not at all receptive? That is okay. Some offices have policies not allowing them to display materials, etc. Please stay professional and thank them for their time. Note comments about the visit on your log (if they would not display due to policy etc.) and we will target those offices with a different method.

34. What If …
the phone number doesn’t work? Google the address or office name We are targeting the offices as a whole not a specific doctor

35. Timeline
You have successfully completed the Community Ambassador Training
Today you will receive your Community Ambassador Supplies and can expect a refill every 6 weeks
After receiving your supplies, read all of the materials and familiarize yourself with material
Review your assigned offices and call to set up at meeting time

36. Timeline
Visit offices assigned and complete log Be as detailed as possible. Information is recorded to establish relationships and ensure offices are not visited by multiple ambassadors
Office visit logs are due back six weeks after you receive your supplies. Please a copy directly to the Autism Speaks office

37. Questions Tel: 312-515-1452 Email: Mallory.Walsh@autismspeaks.org
If you have a question or comments that needs to be directed to the Autism Speaks Office please contact:
Tel:
Midwest Regional Office
2700 S. River Road, Suite 304
Des Plaines, IL 60018
Thank you for volunteering to be a Community Ambassador.
Together we can make a difference!