Happy Autism Awareness month and beginning of Spring. I would like to make a formal announcement that Cleveland Autism Treatment Specialists has submitted its application for recognition as a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit to the IRS. Currently, that status is pending which is one step closer to our overall goal.
A great deal of work has gone into this milestone and I’d like to thank the CATS board and attorney for working with me to make all of this possible. As we await a ruling from the IRS, I want to take this opportunity to explain the mission of CATS.
“CATS is committed to providing accessible care to enhance wellbeing, increase community, improve socialization, and advocate for the inclusion of neurodivergent people.”
The world is a challenging place for neurotypical people and becomes even more complex and frustrating for those who are neurodivergent. CATS seeks to participate in a paradigm shift for Northeast Ohio by introducing a resource for adults with autism and other forms of neurodivergence without intellectual disabilities to enhance quality of life.
Accessibility is the cornerstone to care. Accessibility means meeting people where they are and joining them in their struggles to find and build well-refined tools they feel confident using. Without this piece, barriers emerge that prevent people from getting the types of care that we should all be entitled to.
CATS also will promote the building of community for neurodivergent people by offering a welcoming space to practice skills, socialize, and build community. What are we, if not a social species, and often the cure for feeling alone and misunderstood is directly tied to the presence of one’s community.
Warmest regards,
Phil Cranmer, LPCC-S, LICDC, ADHD-CCSP, ASDCS