I focused the topic of the posts on Autism this month for Mental Health Awareness quarter, not only to raise awareness about what autism is but also to provide ideas for what we can do to accept those who have this disorder. This week I will talk about Autismworks, a business model set up by Tyler McNamer and his family to transform disability into a unique and extraordinary ability.
Autismworks
Autismworks is a business that focuses on enhancing the lives of people with autism and those who love them. They do this by providing resources through online education, celebration, inspiration, diversity and inclusion. It was created by Tyler McNamer and his family. Let’s find out a little bit about Tyler.
Tyler McNamer
Tyler was diagnosed at the age of two with autism, but has a different view towards his disorder. He accepts autism as an extraordinary ability and not a disability.
That view has helped Tyler become a best-selling author and a nationally known speaker. He has written two books to help people understand what it is like to have autism.
- Population ONE – Autism, Adversity and the Will to Succeed
- Becoming ONE – Autism, Adolescence, and the Transition to Adulthood
Through his writing and speaking, he encourages others to overcome their own challenges and accomplish their dreams. Just like the three inspirational people with autism I wrote about last week, Tyler McNamer would be another example. Here’s a link to that post – Three Inspiring People with Autism
What Autismworks has to offer
When Tyler and his family set up Autismworks, they were looking for a way to deliver an experience where people could connect, share and benefit from coming together to talk about autism. Not only does this create community between people who are going through similar experiences, it also lends support and provide other ideas for how to deal with the disorder.
The website, autismworks.com, offers free resources and online courses to help those with autism and those who love them.
Free resources include downloads on subjects like
- Learn how to help your child with Autism feel better when you are sad
- Manage your personal space
- Reduce or eliminate meltdowns
Online courses cover subjects like,
- Autism: A Father’s perspective – a course taught by Tyler’s father
- Tips from Tyler
- Help your Child Gain Independence
They also provide support to others dealing with autism through their Facebook Group. Autismworks. They have put together a team of caring people who want to create a space to share and connect about autism.
Find out more information
To learn more about Tyler, his family and Autismworks, be sure to check out their website Autismworks.com. If you are interested in picking up a copy of one or both of Tyler’s books, you can purchase an autographed copy directly from the site.
Mental Health Awareness Quarter
As we move into May, we will be talking more about Mental Health Awareness. Next month, we will be talking about the mental health issues that teens face and resources to help them. We are going to give you some things to think about as far as what your teen may be struggling with, but not talking about. One thing to keep in mind is that creating a safe place for your teen to talk to you is important in helping them face these issues.
In June, we will be talking about teen homelessness and addiction. Two issues that teens are facing more and more. Sometimes because of addiction related issues with family members or themselves, teens find themselves homeless. This month we will take a look at these two issues to create a better understanding and acceptance.
Have a good week!
