Archaeologists for Autism 2017

I am a professional archaeologist and the father of Becky, who along with being autistic is blind and has epilepsy. It is hard to find things for her to participate in and enjoy. She is involved with some programs with other autistic children.  I started thinking that all children love dinosaurs and archaeology and some parents have told me their autistic children love history. Thus, I came up with the concept of Archaeologists for Autism.

Archaeologists for Autism is a 501c3 nonprofit association comprised of archaeologists and those within the autism community who volunteer their time to bring an annual event to children and young adults with autism and related disorders.

The Archaeologists for Autism mission is to unlock the potential of children with developmental disabilities. We aim to provide children with autism spectrum disorders and their families a chance to experience archaeology in a fun, low stress environment. At our Archeologists for Autism event, children on the autism spectrum and their families will be walking the grounds of an actual archaeological site and be able to enjoy a wide range of activities related to archaeology and paleontology, live music, face-painting, and much more. Participants will be able to use social skills, and use various functional skills, all while having fun!

We are 100% dependent on donations and sponsors to pay for the event each year. Everyone involved is a volunteer so the money can focus on the event. Your money pays for free lunches, drinks and snacks for the families and all the volunteers; goodie bag items; rental of tables, chairs and the venue; and supplies.