When Jack Staudt first met Arzu Forough, CEO and founder of Washington Autism Alliance and Advocacy, in 2013, he had already been involved in autism work for several years. His grandson had been born prematurely eight years earlier and, after surviving the usual preemie challenges, continued to struggle with communication. At age 3, he did not communicate with typical speech and instead recited numbers. He was soon diagnosed with autism.
In addition, Jack served as the Executive Director of Bridge Ministries, an organization headquartered in Bellevue, WA, which assists people with disabilities. He directed the development of unique service programs including the largest Assistive Technology reuse program in King County, and a state-Certified Professional Guardianship Agency serving adults with intellectual disabilities. As part of his work there, he encountered two mothers of teenagers who were on the autism spectrum and became familiar with the challenges they faced. Jack’s grandson, JT, and his family live in Illinois, where care for children with autism is not difficult to obtain. JT is now eleven and has received medical and educational support that has allowed him to become quite vocal, as well as developing interests in Minecraft, Legos, and Astronomy. Jack is very proud of him, and knows how much of JT’s success came with a great deal of support during his development.
The contrast between the help JT was able to receive, both from medical providers and schools, and the care received by children with autism in Washington State was striking. Jack became involved with WAAA because WAAA focuses on helping autism families obtain the same kind of care that has allowed JT to flourish. His experiences seeing other parents who haven’t gotten that level of support inspired him to work with WAAA to help facilitate programs that assist parents and their children.
One of Jack’s most amazing contributions has been helping to develop the Gift of Time program and involving his church, Holy Spirit Lutheran in Kirkland, in providing a facility and financial support. Gift of Time provides families with a place where children on the autism spectrum can have fun and interact with peers in various sensory environments for a few hours while parents can enjoy some much-needed time for themselves. He is very hopeful that the example Holy Spirit is setting by providing space and volunteers for Gift of Time will inspire other organizations to get involved. It is his hope that someday programs like Gift of Time will be available across the state.
“They call it a spectrum because everyone is different,” Jack says. “Working with WAAA broadened my understanding of the complexities and challenges that exist in the lives of people on the spectrum.” He is happy to help children with autism participate in activities and have time with buddies.
The first Gift of Time event occurred in June of 2014 and has been an incredible program for WAAA members and their children. It was Jack’s help and support, along with the support of Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, which allowed Gift of Time to launch and continue, with the next event occurring this month.
In addition to his work with WAAA, Jack continues to pursue his academic focus on Gerontology studies at the University of Washington by volunteering with Sammamish and Issaquah Eastside Friends of Seniors, and leads the Disability Inclusion Ministry Team at Holy Spirit.