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This week, Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) opened its second Beneficial Beans Cafe location, nestled inside of Burton Barr Central Library. The cafe, which is part of SARRC’s social enterprise program, is now accessible Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and serves coffee and a variety of food items to library visitors and employees. But its most distinct feature is serving as a workplace-training program for young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Recent statistics show that, nationally, more than 90 percent of adults with autism are unemployed or underemployed. SARRC’s Beneficial Beans program is working on a local level to empower young adults with ASD to combat this statistic and achieve career success by offering employment preparation internships within their Beneficial Beans Café and Beneficial Beans Garden businesses.

Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) announced their first-ever Diagnostic Services Program where skilled clinicians work with individuals of all ages to accurately diagnose or rule out autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

When Beca found out that her 4-year-old son Miles was diagnosed with autism, she called a friend to share the news and seek advice. Little did she know that one phone call would have a major impact on her family’s experience with the diagnosis.

“She [the friend] had taken a tour of the facility with a group of elementary school counselors, therapists and psychologists,” Beca says. “She told me about her visit to SARRC and put me in contact with a school psych intern who had worked there. A few months later, Miles and I were walking in the front door to our first session.”

When 4-year-old Ethan was diagnosed with autism at 18 months old, his parents Matt and Beth knew that early intervention services would help him to reach his fullest potential. The family placed him in both speech and occupational therapies but grew frustrated with a lack of results. It was then that they turned to SARRC’s JumpStart program.

Matt and Beth reported that, within a week of participating in the JumpStart program and applying the newly learned Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) exercises, Ethan looked them in the eyes for the first time since he was an infant.

Michael H. Bill, the CEO of MJ Insurance, has been elected to Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center’s (SARRC) board of directors.

“Our board of directors are an integral part of our success,” said SARRC President and CEO Daniel Openden, Ph.D. “Our board is comprised of community and business leaders who are deeply engaged in supporting individuals with autism and their families. Mike’s broad experience, business acumen, and outstanding relationships, as well as his mission-driven mindset, will be an essential part of our team.”