The Program

Background 

On October 17, 2002, the MIND Institute reported the results of a study which concluded that there has been a significant increase in the incidence of autism in recent years. This was confirmed by a subsequent study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control which was reported in the January, 2003 Journal of the American Medical Association. In the early 1990’s the incidence of autism was calculated to be 3 to 4 individuals per 10,000 live births. The incidence is now believed to be 36 per 10,000 and there is evidence that this is a conservative number; the actual incidence may now be as high as 45 to 60 per 10,000 live births. These significant changes in incidence cannot be fully explained by changing diagnostic criteria or increased awareness of the condition; these possibilities were carefully eliminated in the evaluation of the statistics. For some reason, what was once a rare, poorly understood disability has now become a common, poorly understood disability. 

The term autism itself, uncommonly heard in the early eighties, is now a household word. Public awareness has grown because the disability has become much more common. 

Research indicates that within the population of individuals with autism, 9.8% exhibit “Savant Syndrome” and are gifted in mathematics, music, art or more rarely, other domains. It has been determined that skills in music, rapid number calculating, and art are the most typical areas of giftedness to these individuals. A common denominator shared by everyone in this category is phenomenal memory ability.

Autism is a "specrtum disorder," a condition afflicting a wide range of individuals who share specific, defining characteristics. The spectrum extends from persons who are mute and mentally challenged to those who are intellectually brilliant but significantly socially impaired. What of those who are on the "high functioning" end of the spectrum? What are they truly capable of? No one knows. 

Currently, an assessment model does not exist to assist with evaluating high functioning individuals with autism who possess a specific, defined ability. Many times the gift is “discovered” yet not cultivated, thereby leaving a tremendous talent untapped. 

The vision of The Tailor Institute is to create a model that will allow professionals to have one-on-one contact with individuals and families experiencing autism and determine how their abilities and functionality fit within the autism disorder spectrum and The Tailor Institute assessment model.

Target Population 

The "high functioning/gifted" population of individuals with autism is virtually unrecognized and unidentified as a discrete group in our society. Presently, most information about this category of individuals is anecdotal and unscientific. There has never been a comprehensive assessment of high functioning, gifted persons with autism; currently they constitute a drain of resources resulting from their inclusion with handicapped individuals who lack the defined intellectual skills they possess. The Tailor Institute intends to remedy this and provide models defining appropriate services and support for this population.

Project Focus

The purpose of The Tailor Institute is to evaluate and identify candidates, then provide educational and occupational opportunities for these specific individuals. These persons represent an untapped resource in our communities; they also represent people who have an opportunity for a more meaningful existence and gainful employment.