Transitions, defined by Webster as “a change or shift from one state, subject, place, etc. to another,” can be challenging in the best of circumstances. For those on the autism spectrum, transitions are especially difficult. Whether changing activities, moving between places, or transiting through life changes, it is critical for autistic individuals to have the supports they need to make transitions successfully. With those supports, people on the autism spectrum can build more confident and independent lives.
Ray Evernham (left) and his son Ray J Evernham (right) on stage at Americarna.
IGNITE, founded in partnership with NASCAR Hall of Fame crew chief Ray Evernham and the Evernham Family—Racing for a Reason Foundation in 2013 in Davidson, North Carolina, is one such “transitional support.” The Evernhams, who have a son, Ray J, on the spectrum, recognized that many families with autistic children graduating from high school, like Ray J, struggled with a lack of resources to address the challenges their children were facing as they transitioned to adulthood—challenges like building a social network, continuing their education, finding employment, and living independently. A self-professed “fixer” and “project guy,” Evernham was eager to find a way to support young autistic adults at this critical transition point in their lives. Partnering with ASNC to establish IGNITE was the answer.
Offering activities, skills training, and educational workshops, IGNITE community centers foster social, financial, educational, and employment independence for its members and offer a social environment where members can connect with others and experience a sense of community. Members make new friends, build self-confidence, learn helpful social skills, and become better prepared for employment. Staff and members work together to develop programming determined by member input and needs. In the words of one IGNITE member “IGNITE has been very helpful to me. I now have confidence and skills to talk to others, do new things, and to feel good about myself.”
“I now have confidence and skills to talk to others, do new things, and to feel good about myself.”
Ray Evernham’s book, Trophies and Scars.
Families of IGNITE members report that their loved ones’ job preparedness and focus on their futures are greatly enhanced. They also see improved social and problem-solving skills, decreased anxiety, and increased self-confidence—all of which prepares their young adult for a more independent and purposeful life. “IGNITE has shown us and her that she is capable of so much,” says one IGNITE parent, “and encourages all of us to keep trying and growing together.”
The Evernham Family—Racing for a Reason Foundation continues to support IGNITE with ongoing contributions. Each year, Ray Evernham hosts the AmeriCarna LIVE car show, which has raised funds to benefit IGNITE for 11 years. Thanks to this ongoing support, IGNITE now reaches even more young adults with operations not only in Davidson, NC, but also in Greensboro and Raleigh, NC.
Thank you to the Evernham Family—Racing for a Reason Foundation for its generous commitment to IGNITE and the possibilities it inspires.
Visit our IGNITE page for more details. For more about Ray Evernham, his lifelong passion for racing, his resilience, and his commitment to his family and friends, read his new biography, Trophies and Scars, as told to Joe Garner.
Tags: autism support, IGNITE, young adults on the spectrum