NW Works helping area residents who have autism and other disabilities- The Winchester Star

WINCHESTER — April is Autism Acceptance Month, a particularly special occasion for NW Works because many of its 190 adult clients are on the spectrum.

According to information from the Autism Society in Rockville, Maryland, “Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex, lifelong developmental condition that typically appears during early childhood and can impact a person’s social skills, communication, relationships and self-regulation. The autism experience is different for everyone. It is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is often referred to as a ‘spectrum condition’ that affects people differently and to varying degrees. While there is currently no known single cause of autism, early diagnosis helps a person receive resources that can support the choices and opportunities needed to live fully.”

NW Works is one of those resources. The Winchester-based nonprofit, located at 3085 Shawnee Drive, provides job training and placement services to adults with disabilities in the Northern Shenandoah Valley.

According to a media release from NW Works, the agency focuses on choice, empowerment through employment and maximizing independence. All of its services, including music therapy and individual supported employment programs, are tailored to align with those three pillars.

NW Works partners with businesses in the Northern Shenandoah Valley to support and increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities, the release states. In the last quarter, 70% of NW Works’ program participants were job ready and employed. READ MORE.