by Holly Bortfeld

Volunteering is essential for creating well-rounded adults. Volunteering not only teaches skills and keeps the volunteer engaged, but also benefits the larger community, spreads autism awareness, and can lead to new friendships. The following are just some examples of volunteering opportunities that may be of interest to young adults with ASD.

Volunteermatch.org has a great search engine for in-person and virtual volunteering opportunities based on zip code and area of interest.

Humane Society – The Humane Society has lesson plans to pre-teach skills and job descriptions for each type of volunteering opportunity from office work to working with the animals.

Food Pantries – http://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank/ or http://www.foodpantries.org/
Some pantries have kitchens that serve food and some just compile bags for families. All have indoor office work available as well.

Community Gardens –
You can also do a web search for “Cooperative Extension” and your state to find a garden.

Any nonprofit (501c3) organization in your community may need help but organizations that serve individuals with autism such as horseback riding therapy, swimming classes, Special Olympics, summer and school break camps, Challenger baseball/soccer/basketball leagues (just to name a few) are ideal since they already understand autism to some degree. For sports teams, volunteers may take statistics, set up/clean up, help with snack sales, or buddy up with younger kids.

Read more. November 22nd, 2015. TACA