Central Residents Create Autism Spectrum Disorder Transition Program

Photo: Steve and Sharon Whitlow with their children Sarah, Sam, and Jackson

For Central residents Steve and Sharon Whitlow, it was a natural outcome.  Both attorneys, they have also had experience in the field of education.  Sharon is a member of the Starkey family who began Starkey Academy.  A graduate of that institution, she taught there as well.  Steve served as its principal.   In addition, they were rearing their three children: Sarah, Sam, and Jackson.  When Sam was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Kindergarten, it started Steve and Sharon on a continual search for education that suited his needs. During their journey, they discovered that while educational opportunities could be found for children with ASD through high school, no program existed to transition these children into adulthood and fulfilling lives.  A study published in Pediatrics Magazine found that 50% of individuals with ASD did not work or attend school after high school.  “Sharon and I started researching and identifying programs around the country.  It turns out, there is no such service in Louisiana,” Steve shared.  “There is such a need, yet so little available.” Thus the vision for the Gateway Transition Center was born.  

 It is estimated one in every 70 children now born in this country will be diagnosed with ASD.   Steve and Sharon felt compelled to do something to help.  They found a program Boston that had the elements they were looking for and used their standards as a basis for the Transition Center.  Still in its formative stages, Gateway’s mission is  “encouraging individuals with special needs to create satisfying interpersonal relationships, fulfill vocational aspirations, and strive to acquire independent living.” They want to see this realized by providing apartment-style living space staffed by professionals who offer life skills and vocational programs.  The program is designed to be transitional, meaning that when individuals have been at the facility for two years, they will have been given the means to achieve as much independence and success as they are capable of and will be much better prepared to deal with life as adults.  Gateway will provide individualized assessments of strengths and weaknesses of each participant and tailor activities to address these through instruction, community experience, and communication training.  “There are early intervention programs in this country that identify ASD children between 18 months and 4 years of age.  They are having a great success rate in working with children at this young age.  It gives us hope that much can be achieved for older students,” said Steve.   The current plan is to house 10-12 residents along with support staff. The goal is to have each participant reach their maximum potential.

The Gateway Transition Center has already formed an advisory committee, developed a business plan, is working toward 501(c)3 tax exempt status, and is investigating locations where public transportation will be available.  Research is being done now to identify what professionals and other staff will be required, so that a budget can be proposed.  While funding and accrediting is still in the early stages, Steve and Sharon hope to create a Day Center as their first step.  Steve stated, “ASD has been called the ‘unseen tsunami’, with an estimated 1 million children transitioning into adulthood in the next decade.  A center like Gateway would not only assist these children and their families, it would save the government uncounted dollars in support expenditures.”  How can you help?  “We are not just seeking funding,” said Steve, “We are seeking those who can offer constructive advice and help.  Most of all, we are seeking the prayers of the community for guidance and blessing.”