In today's episode, you'll hear from our very own Lori Davie, the Director of The Autism Program at Easterseals, and her daughter Emily, who is on the autism spectrum and also works at the program. Lori and Emily will discuss today their experience with Autism Spectrum Disorder from both the personal and professional perspective. The conversation will delve into identification, diagnosis, and supports for those with ASD, with a special attention to women and girls who are often under-identified or diagnosed later than their male counterparts.

We’re marking our five-year anniversary with our President and CEO, Sara Ray Stoelinga, at the helm. In this conversation, we look back and forward, reflecting on the organization’s financial and operational turnaround, our path and journey through the COVID-19 pandemic, and the many lessons we learned along the way.

At Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford, one of our pillars is expanding possibilities for individuals with disabilities. HB Threads is our non-profit and social enterprise providing employment opportunities, job training, and life skills development for individuals with disabilities. In this podcast, we talk with our Director of Social Enterprise and Employment Opportunities, Cody Wass, and two of our associates who are neurodivergent, Terry and Tyrell, who work at HB Threads producing custom apparel and buttons. We discuss the importance of competitive employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities with HB Threads as an example of what is possible.

Read the transcript: https://www.eastersealschicago.org/resources/podcasts/carter_sanders

Learn more about Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford: https://www.eastersealschicago.org/