Families with children on the autism spectrum are often forced to deal with unforeseen challenges that leave many feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. Whether it’s managing sensory issues, navigating social interactions or finding activities that are both engaging and accessible, the journey is fraught with a number of obstacles.
This is precisely why collaborative initiatives and programs that involve the parents, their children and, possibly, the children’s therapists have become an invaluable source of power to tread through this dense landscape.
One company that possesses an intimate understanding of the complexities of autism care and that has risen to the challenge of providing a comprehensive care system is Success On the Spectrum, founded by Nichole Daher.
Extending its branches to the broader community, the franchise has been smashing barriers left and right, and in doing so, it has helped foster an inclusive world that goes far beyond standard applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy, which has been shown to benefit children with autism.
One won’t find any fundraisers at SOS because all of their events are free to the public. The centers have discovered a unique magic that has been deeply transforming the lives of parents, their children and entire communities through their innovative outreach programs.
“We have created much more than simple support systems,” Daher explains. “Our goal is to create lasting memories for these families. We want to give the kids a place where they fit in and belong.”
With a genuine activist spirit, the SOS franchise has created a number of events and initiatives within its outreach program. And these aren’t just feel-good gestures but also life-changing experiences for both children on the spectrum and their families.
Picture a prom where everyone fits in or a festival designed to be a haven for those with sensory processing sensitivities. These aren’t just fanciful dreams but tangible realities brought to life by SOS. Their events are sanctuaries for families with autistic children, conceived as places where judgments are left at the door and understanding is the guest of honor.
“We host an event called Autism Prom. It’s adorable, and honestly it’s incredibly fun for everyone involved,” Daher shares. “The children we work with would otherwise never be able to experience an event such as a prom, so we’re thrilled that we can help them have fun without the fear of being judged or rejected.”
Additionally, SOS has hosted other events and activities, such as sensory-friendly carnivals, arts and crafts events, and bubble parties, all aiming to promote social inclusion, reduce the stigma regarding autism and provide fun activities for children and parents alike.
One aspect of SOS’s outreach program that sets them apart is an event the team has dubbed Parents Night Out. Recognizing the fact that parents with autistic children can’t frequently afford to relax, go out or spend quality time with their friends, SOS has stepped in with an activity designed to lift some of the weight off the parents’ shoulders.
“For Parents Night Out, we offer free babysitting services and allow the parents a chance to go out and have fun while ensuring their kids are safe and taken care of,” Daher says.
As Daher explains, those who wish to participate in any of the events can simply join, whether or not they are a SOS client.
SOS’s community outreach program has proven to be more than a series of events — it has evolved into a powerful movement, a revolutionary shift in how autism care is perceived and provided.
The world of autism care can often be clinical, focused on treatment and therapeutic goals. But SOS reminds us that care is more than a procedure; it’s a commitment to the whole person.
As Daher puts it, “We’re a tight-knit family. United, we are carving out a path toward a world where each child feels embraced, cherished and empowered irrespective of their challenges.”
Find a list of upcoming Success On the Spectrum events in a city near you at SuccessOnTheSpectrum.com/Events/
The news and editorial staffs of the New York Daily News had no role in this post’s preparation.
