Debra Vines-Harlan
I am the mother of an autistic child Jason, who is now 22, began working in the community about four years ago after speaking with a friend, who also has a child with autism. We shared a frustration over the lack of resources available to families with autistic members, namely no support groups, recreational services or advocacy centers in the community. My frustration turned to commitment when I realized that these services did exist in more affluent communities in neighboring areas. James and I have successfully raised our autistic son Jason isolated in a community that had no services or even an understanding of the challenges faced by those with autism and their families. But rather than withdraw from the community we decided to reach out to other families with autistic members to offer our experience and support. The Answer, Inc. is still relatively new, starting only in September 2007, but already we've had a huge impact, not only on the Chicago community, but across the country as well.
“I have received calls from parents with autistic children from all over the country,” “Many of the calls are people who don’'t have a question, but just need to talk to someone who understands what they are going through.”
Since they began in September, the Answer, Inc. has held several community events including monthly discussion meetings, a dance for autistic children and parents. They have also lectured around the Chicago area to schoolteachers and local police departments on how to recognize and identify children and individuals with autism.
“I have received calls from parents with autistic children from all over the country,” “Many of the calls are people who don’'t have a question, but just need to talk to someone who understands what they are going through.”
Since they began in September, the Answer, Inc. has held several community events including monthly discussion meetings, a dance for autistic children and parents. They have also lectured around the Chicago area to schoolteachers and local police departments on how to recognize and identify children and individuals with autism.
James Harlan
James has started a support group exclusively for men called, “Just for Men.” “My son has taught me how to love and care for others,” James said. “Men have trouble expressing their feelings. This is particularly true in the African American community. I want to educate and empower men to embrace their autistic child to discover the happiness and love that is waiting to be released.”
The Answer Inc. Autism Awareness Agency is a not for profit organization, established in 2007 by Debra Vines, a mother with an autistic child.
What parents with autistic children are going through in community after community throughout America is a feeling of isolation. The fact is; most communities have no assistance programs or community services for families with autistic members, which leave most feeling alone and isolated from the rest of society. The Answer, Inc. is making a difference. Rather than withdraw, they are teaching by example to share children with autism with the community, for the benefit and enrichment of everyone.
Debra Vines-Harlan
Founder/Executive Director
James Harlan
President
