Autism Lifeline Links
Aligned with the Kronkoskys’ commitment to improve the quality of life for those with disabilities by helping them to be healthy and productive members of the communities in which they live, this initiative aims to improve the lives of those on the autism spectrum across our region. In response to our communities' desire to address the barriers that individuals, families, and caregivers face when seeking resources for their loved ones on the autism spectrum, the Foundation has invested in several ways:
- Assessments With the support of other community partners, the Foundation commissioned an assessment and longitudinal study detailing the supply of and demand for providers serving individuals on the autism spectrum. The final report assessed the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder in our community and identified existing gaps in services and resources.
- Collaboration To address the issues identified by the study and community partners the Foundation convened 50 stakeholders to identify and plan solutions to the study results. Collectively they have:
- Formed Autism Lifeline Links (ALL), which is driving to ensure EVERY person with an autism diagnosis is counted. ALL members work collaboratively to increase our region’s service capacity and to eliminate barriers to care. ALL is focused on improving access to services, increasing awareness, establishing diagnostic pathways and advocating for independent living and employment.
- Developed a single point of entry into a coordinated system of services and care for individuals living with autism. Through this portal, individuals and families can access a care coordinator, who assesses their needs and navigates their connection to a network of available providers and resources. Providers can also confidentially share information with each other, make electronic referrals and manage follow ups with families. In addition to being a comprehensive and efficient system of service navigation, the platform provides a space for providers to collaborate on a level previously unrealized in the Autism sector. Data from providers allows members to assess barriers to care and gaps in autism services and pursue solutions through four workgroups.
ALL became a 501(c)(3) organization in 2016. To learn more, please visit ALL’s website or contact Executive Director, Cara Magrane at cara.magrane@autismlifelinelinks.org.
To learn more, visit:
autismlifelinelinks.org