Spectrum Independence Living (DBA SpIndL)

SpIndL is raising $10,000 to help autistic and neurodivergent individuals in the River Valley build the skills, confidence, and support they need for greater independence.

Elevating young autistic adults to independence.

Too many autistic young adults leave high school and hit a service cliff—a gap between childhood services and the practical support needed for adult life. SpIndL is working to close that gap with real-world coaching, job readiness training, community connection, and opportunities to practice independence in everyday life. 

As autism affects 1 in 31 children and diagnoses rise (CDC, 2022), Arkansas families face a growing crisis: If adults with autism are not prepared for employment and independence, they are at risk for homelessness or extreme poverty when their parents or loved ones are no longer able to support them.

Data underscores this urgency. Employment rates for autistic adults are among the lowest of any disability group—only 15 to 20 percent are employed, with full-time employment rates as low as 7 to 10 percent (Advanced Autism Services, 2025). Many become discouraged workers after repeated setbacks, increasing their risk of poverty, homelessness, and mental health crises. 

SpIndL provides affordable services that support and boost young adults with neurodivergent conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder, to living independently. In the program, independence will be coached and practiced by obtaining employment, living in their own or shared housing, and managing their own finances and responsibilities. Through SpIndL and community partnerships, individuals will receive coaching in life skills, employment, and social behavior; mentorships; safety checks; and regular social opportunities.  

SpIndL is the first of its kind in the Arkansas River Valley to provide affordable, accessible programs for autistic young adults who do not qualify for intensive lifelong services but still need support with employment, housing, and daily life skills.  Fee assistance is provided for those unable to afford the program, due to generous donors like you.    

Here’s what your gift can do:

• $50 sponsors a neurodivergent high school senior to attend the Autism Works conference to learn job-readiness skills

• $100 sponsors one week of life skills and job readiness training for an autistic individual

• $150 sponsors a monthly social event offered free to the neurodivergent public

• $600 sponsors a full six-week cycle of life skills and job readiness training for an autistic individual who cannot afford it

• $2,400 sponsors an autistic individual for an entire year of life skills and job readiness training

When you give to SpIndL, you are helping build something bigger than one program or one event. You are helping create a River Valley where autistic and neurodivergent individuals have access to practical support, community connection, and real opportunities to live more independently. Learn more about SpIndL at www.spindlrivervalley.org.  

To stretch your donation, an anonymous donor will match your gift up to $1,000. That means the first $1,000 donated will be doubled to help SpIndL reach this $10,000 goal faster.