Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Tracy.
Urban Autism Solutions is a five-year-old nonprofit organization founded by Julie and Michael Tracy, the proud parents of two young adults sons, Joseph and John. While Joseph developed typically, John was diagnosed with autism at age two. Like many children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, John’s growth and development presented with unique and puzzling challenges. Though intelligent, funny and articulate, John struggled in school socially. His unusual observations, sense of humor and sheer determination forged a path in childhood, which was supported by his family and the public school environment.
His struggles grew during adolescence, splintering his hard-earned success to shards of a challenging diagnostic puzzle. After a number of hospitalizations, John was enrolled at the Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School at the beginning of his junior year of high school. The “O” School is a residential, therapeutic school serving children with significant challenges associated with both autism and mental illness, and is affiliated with the University of Chicago in Hyde Park.
Unpredictably, John’s mental health declined, and his autism diagnosis complicated treatment. He was admitted to Rush University Medical Center during the summer of 2011, where he stayed for five weeks. It was almost impossible to stabilize John, and it was during these uncertain months that the impetus for Tracy’s work emerged.
Observing the need for more specific psychiatric and transitional care directed towards young adults with autism and co-morbid mental health problems, Tracy’s vision emerged: residential, vocational, and social solutions for young adults located on the Near West Side of Chicago, working closely with the newly established Autism Assessment, Research, Treatment and Services Center (AARTS) at Rush University Medical Center.
Today, Urban Autism Solutions touches approximately 500 people through 125 social events. Their nationally recognized vocational training site, Growing Solutions Farm, works with 35 young adults each season, teaching transferable job skills and working on person-centered plans towards employment. They are proud to be working with local businesses who are employing their young adults and helping them to achieve meaningful outcomes for the young people they serve.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Urban Autism Solutions continues to grow and develop our own model. We continue to understand our strengths, including our incredible staff, our robust vocational training program and our social programs. Every day is a new challenge for us – and a new opportunity.
Please tell us about Urban Autism Solutions.
Urban Autism Solutions is focused on a person-centered approach. We are boutique sized; nimble with a devoted staff who is deeply committed to the success of our clients. We are proud of our work in helping young adults transition into adulthood through our vocational training program and always looking for employment partners.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1212 W. Flournoy Street Chicago IL 60607
- Website: www.UrbanAutismSolutions.com
- Email: Info@UrbanAutismSolutions.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UrbanAutismSolutions
- Twitter: @UrbanAutismSol
Image Credit:
Uzi Jones, NEXT for Autism
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