Tailor Institute brings out best in autistic adults

The Tailor Institute, established in 2003, continues to provide a valuable service to adults with autism. Josiah Wynn is one of about 160 clients who has benefited from Tailor. He has, he said, "experienced breakthroughs working with other intelligent adults who fall within autism spectrum disorder." The Tailor Institute provides the setting and expertise for these breakthroughs.

As high-functioning as these clients are, their progress is boosted by the organization's focus on social skills, which, according to Wynn, he has needed. "That's what helped me the most -- interacting with people in a way that was heavily structured but also open," he said. "That's the strength of it; we're doing it together."

Clinical director Rhonda Overbeck highlighted the Tailor Institute's commitment to social development and also pointed out its focus on independent living and vocational skills. Executive director Carrie Tracy also emphasized the importance of honing in on vocation so that clients are able to find and keep jobs. These efforts to make clients career-conscious are obviously working, as Wynn, who possesses a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Southeast Missouri State University and is a graduate student on track to receive a graduate degree in English, not only has a job at Sam's Club now, but has set professional goals for himself. He feels called to be a teacher.

Tailor Institute is expanding, helping an increasing number of autistic adults. Its recent relocation from Southeast to Lexington Avenue resulted from this expansion, which is to be expected since it generally adds 15 to 20 new clients a year. It relies on fundraising and state grants to help these adults connect to one another and secure a future for themselves where they can thrive and contribute to their communities.

We are thankful for the Tailor Institute and the work it does, and we expect that those who have benefited from that labor of love will continue to live up to their fullest potential.