Programs

Autism Empowerment is devoted to promoting a culture of acceptance, enrichment, and empowerment for children, teens, adults and families in autism and neurodivergent communities. Local programming takes place in the Southwest Washington and Portland, OR metro area. Educational programming  such as Spectrum Life Magazine, Zoom Autism Magazine, and our Autism Empowerment Podcast has a national and international reach.

Below you have the opportunity to learn about some of the major programs and support services that Autism Empowerment offers.

Autism Empowerment Outreach – Autism Empowerment teaches that each one of us can be an Ambassador for Acceptance of All Abilities in our home, in our school, in our workplace, and in our community. 

Spectrum Life Magazine – One of our signature programs for promoting our four pillars of Accept, Enrich, Inspire and Empower. Spectrum Life Magazine is an autistic-led publication of Autism Empowerment devoted to enriching and empowering the lives of youth, adults and families both in the autism community and the world at large.

Each quarter we print 14,000 copies that are distributed to over 650 locations throughout Washington and Oregon. We also mail subscriptions nationwide and have the publication one for digital reading and download. Each 48-56 page issue contains a range of carefully curated articles and stories. Our six Featured Sections in each issue include pieces in Advocacy, Lifespan, Recreation, Education, Health & Wellness and Therapy.

Regular features include Ask Spectrum Life and Stories from the Spectrum: Autism from an Autistic Perspective. New for 2022: #AskingAutistics with Lyric Holmans, Navigating with Niko Boskovic and A Day in The Life of Autistic Adults with Jenny Bristol and Rebecca Burgess.

We have electronic copies of current and back issues from 2013 – 2022 available to read online for free:

www.spectrumlife.org/currentissue and www.spectrumlife.org/pastissues

• Provides opportunities for volunteers to practice and learn skills in different kinds of environments.
• Increases opportunities for meaningful employment.
• Provides connections and bridges between individuals volunteering and groups receiving volunteer services.
• Provides the opportunity for improved self-esteem and a sense of community.
• Helps to unify the autism community through positive experiences while also promoting inclusion.
• Provides opportunities for volunteers to get involved with Autism Empowerment.
• Autism Serves Kids Care Club promotes service-learning for children on the autism spectrum and their families.

Autism Empowerment Podcast – Our Autism Empowerment Podcast relaunched in January 2021. Formerly known as Autism Empowerment Radio, this podcast is a global program of Autism Empowerment serving autistic adults, youth, families, caregivers, allies and service providers.