Welcome to the
Lewis County Autism Coalition
At the Lewis County Autism Coalition, we believe in the power of community strength and the beauty of individuality. Since 2010, our mission has been to create a supportive and inclusive environment for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. We are a dynamic partnership of human services agencies, educators, health professionals, and self-advocates dedicated to enhancing resources and opportunities in Lewis County and surrounding areas. Together, we build inclusive communities and empower autistic voices, ensuring that everyone has a place where they can reach their full potential
and be celebrated for who they are.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disability condition that affects how people interact with others, learn, communicate, and behave. The term "spectrum" refers to the wide range of symptoms and severity that people with ASD may experience It is a spectrum disorder, meaning people with autism can be affected differently and have wide range of abilities.
This can make autism difficult to diagnose. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal/nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. Although autism begins in early brain development, the first red flags of autism tend to show between 2 and 3 years of age.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2023),
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1 in 36 children in the U.S. have autism, up from the previous rate of 1 in 44.
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1 in 45 adults in the U.S. have autism.
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In the U.S., about 4 in 100 boys and 1 in 100 girls have autism.
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Boys are nearly 4 times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls.
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Autism prevalence is lower among white children than other racial and ethnic groups:
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White – 2.4%
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Black – 2.9%
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Hispanic – 3.2%
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Asian or Pacific Islander – 3.3%
- These changes reflect an improvement in outreach, screening and de-stigmatization of autism diagnosis among minority communities.
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PROGRAMS
Welcome to our program information page! At the Autism Coalition, we are dedicated to providing a variety of programs designed to support individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Click on a program to learn more about its objectives, activities, and how you can get involved. We invite you to explore and discover how our programs can make a positive impact in the autism community.
Mission
The Coalition promotes lifelong inclusion
and independence for neurodiverse individuals
and their families through empowerment, community collaboration, self-advocacy,
and equitable access to education, recreation, and employment.
Our Beginnings
Inspired by Dr. Isaac Pope of Pope’s Kids Place, the Coalition was started when the state Department of Health identified Lewis County as a pilot Community Asset Mapping project and invited a couple dozen agencies and parents to participate in a February, 2010 meeting to map assets and identify service gaps.
The Lewis County Autism Coalition was launched!
As a formal 501c3 nonprofit, the Autism Coalition is often known for its annual Southwest Washington Autism Conference, and the invention of the SMART (School-Medical Autism Review Team) model for building local capacity for autism diagnosis and services referral.
In addition to these largely recognized initiatives, the Coalition has made a name for itself with the annual Inclusive Career Fair, it's Summer Sensory Program for children, Neurodiverse Teen and Adult Social Groups, and so much more! We hold an annual Cultivating Inclusion Celebration honoring individuals in our area who go above and beyond to cultivate inclusion for those with developmental disabilities; We maintain active community partnerships and fundraisers with the 1st ever, 2024 Car & BMX Show in Lewis County with intention to support our mission, vision, and values!
Vision
The Lewis County Autism Coalition
actively seeks to provide
a welcoming community that
promotes inclusion
and independence for neurodivergent people and their loved ones.
OVERVIEW: In 2030, the Lewis County Autism Coalition is an active and dynamic presence throughout Lewis County and its surrounding areas.
This presences promotes meaningful, inclusive access to resources, self-advocacy and independence for neurodivergent, and developmentally disabled individuals. The Autism Coalition is propelled by neurodivergent people and their allies. The Lewis County Autism Coalition's hub is a safe, welcoming space to access our program services. We welcome, support and stand with people with physical, developmental, and intellectual differences, people of color, indigenous and people of all varying communities...
VISION 2030...
VISION 2030
Your Donation Changes Lives
Every day, individuals with autism and their families face unique challenges. At Lewis County Autism Coalition, we are dedicated to empowering these voices, fostering inclusion, and advocating for meaningful change,
but we can't do it alone.
Your generous donation can help us provide essential resources, support necessary programs, organize community events, and advocate for positive changes that improve the lives of those with autism and developmental disabilities.
Together, we can build a more inclusive world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Join us in our mission. Every contribution, big or small, brings us one step closer to a brighter future for individuals with autism.
Together, we can change lives.
Local, State, & National Resources
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Project Guardian
Community Partners & Sponsors
At the Lewis County Autism Coalition, our mission is strengthened by the unwavering support and collaboration of our community partners and sponsors. These dedicated organizations and businesses share our vision of fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Through their generous contributions, we are able to expand our programs, host impactful events, and provide essential resources to those in need. Together, we are building a brighter, more inclusive future. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our partners and sponsors for their continued commitment to making a difference in our community.
To sponsor LCAC in it's dynamic mission and vision,
please click the cute little heart below.
Reach Out
We are so happy you have decided to reach out to us with your questions, comments, and requests for information. Please allow one to two business day for replies to general inquiries.
Complete contact form
(or)
Email us at:
Monday - Thursday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
1673 S. Market St.
PMB #240
Chehalis, WA 98532