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Make the

VIP Connection

Welcome to Verge of Independence Project (VIP), a multimedia progressive change initiative, promoting the independence and social confidence of young adults on the autism spectrum!

"Did you know that nearly 800,000 young adults in the U.S. are affected by autism?" Learn more about autism and resources on our About Autism page.

VIP is helping many young adults across the country to discover that connections matter. You, too, can make the discovery by exploring this resourceful site.

Discover

VIP Vox Pop

Exercise Your Independence by Answering the Question of the Week: "What does independence mean to you?"

"Hi, my name is Branford Smith,

Co-Founder of Verge of Independence Project and self-advocate.

As a young man on the autism spectrum, independence means to me having

the freedom and ability to travel locally, by myself.”

Hear the thoughts of the VIP members and feel free to express yours on VIP VoxPop.

VIP ZONE

Once entering the zone, you’ll be able to focus on empowering platforms that lead to gaining independence.

We want to keep you charged up by presenting encouraging web and podcast interviews! Take a listen to our kick-off interview with Kevin Carroll, bestselling author of "Rules of the Red Rubber Ball!"

Enter the zone!

Check out the "Click/Clique" Blog

by Audrey L. Hollingshead

Take the story of Carly Fleischmann for example. For years her Autism made it hard for her to communicate

with the outside world. Her parentS often talked in front of her like she was not there, believing that she might never be fully aware. But then, one amazing day at her therapist’s office, she grabbed a nearby laptop and typed “HELP. TEETH HURT.” Those three words started a key clacking journey that finally allowed Carly to express herself....the entire blog.