Monica of M Meyer Consulting, Inc. is a tireless advocate for individuals with autism across the lifespan with a special interest for adults with classic autism. Monica believes that adults with classic autism should be active members of their community, participating at the level they are comfortable with, designing structured opportunities in “real-life” settings that opens up experiences for the individual with autism to make true choices for residential and work prospects.
Monica has years of personal and professional experience in the field of developmental disabilities: Birth to Three Services, K12 Educational System through adult services including residential and employment. Her son Michael is the reason and passion for her work and advocacy for individuals with autism on a state and local level. In 2007, Monica was recognized at the Autism Society of America’s National Conference, Parent of the Year and locally received the “Caring Hearts Award” for her dedicated service to Individuals with Autism in Clark County, Washington.
Monica’s dream is to have “Autism-Specific” services and supports readily available throughout the lifespan in Washington State and across the country. As part of the Governor appointed “Autism Task Force” she worked on the design and content of the current Caring for Washington Individuals with Autism Guidebook. In addition, she has worked with Washington State Division of Developmental Disabilities Road to Community Living project providing “autism-specific” supports and training to community providers with the needed strategies and supports to help with the transition of individuals living in Residential Habilitation Centers whose primary diagnosis of classic/infantile autism, acclimate into community settings.
Monica knows full well that the needs of individuals with autism will change throughout their lives and that these same individuals will be lifelong learners. As the growth of Autism continues and the focus of funding goes to research and early childhood, which is very worthy, Monica will work towards and support the specific residential, employment and community participation for teens, young adults, adults in mid-life, and seniors with autism because to date there has been very little focus on this population.
Monica is a wife, mother and grandmother that will work towards a world that is welcoming to all of her family.