My Autism Connection, Inc. (MAC)

For people on the Autism Spectrum; forming relationships and maintaining them is a challenge. When my daughter, was originally diagnosed with Autism at age 3; one of my biggest concerns was finding groups and organizations where she could receive guidance navigating social settings. When individuals with Autism become adults; the safe enriching environments of school or college are no longer there to serve as guides, yet life’s complex interactions remain. When our family moved to Southwest Florida from the Midwest over 10 years ago we found My Autism Connection. To say this organization has been an integral part of my daughter’s adult life is an understatement. The group led by Sandra Worth and her capable, caring and compassionate team help adults on the spectrum with all facets of everyday. From social activities, to in-depth discussions on Life Skills to advocating at your employment; My Autism Connection is there to assist these young adults paths. Class topics include ‘appropriate dining manners’, ‘how to behave and dress for a job interview’ and ‘things to expect and be aware of when going through security at an airport’. The Lee County Driver’s Challenge was pivotal when my daughter was learning to drive. A mock pull over complete with sirens and how to handle a stressful situation with law enforcement was part of the day’s learning curriculum. This group enjoys all the things we ALL look for in life; friendship, support, encouragement and most importantly stresses ongoing personal growth. My Autism Connection is a group that inspires their members to be hopeful but best of all PREPARED for a bright future.

As this organization may be good for individuals in the middle to low range of the spectrum, They are not good for individuals on the higher end of the spectrum. First of all, The activities that are planned are designed purposely for that middle to low range demographic. Activities such as life skills workshops, Chaperoned Field Trips and classes on adult resonsibilies may good for someone in the lower spectrum they are little to no help to higher end individuals who already have those adult responsibilities daily. Secondly the owner of this organization Sandra Worth get too involved with your personal life. When I would miss a meeting due to work or college I would get a call the next day from her where she would interigate me to explain everything I did during that meeting time and lecture to me on how if I miss her meetings I would be ruining my future. During one of the meetings I had to leave early due to a family emergency and since everyone was buzy I just walked out. Sandra then took the initive to follow me out to me car and started scolding me in my vehicle with statements like "What your leaving for better be important" and "I am so mad that your leaving like this as its looks bad for the organization". Thirdly, For a non-profit organization their fees are atrocious. Before I left this place I was being charged 80 dollars a month for "member-dues" and any activities other then the 2 per month group meeting was charged extra anywhere between 40 and 120 dollars. I understand that someone needs to pay the bills but with the amount of donations this place gets these prices should be way more subsidized than this. In conclusion, I am not saying My Autism Connection is a bad organization for the people that are getting a benifit from it but what I am saying is that they should be more open to High-Functioning individuals in saying that this place might not be the best fit for them. Also everyone else that worked here other than Sandra where very nice and friendly.

Great people. Very helpful to people living within the Autism range.