NORWICH – Thanks to a collaboration of parent advocates, young adults who are struggling with autism spectrum disorders are learning to follow recipes and participate in a holiday tradition that unites family, friends and community.
A group of seven young men gathered Nov. 15 to whip up a Thanksgiving meal complete with all of the trimmings. They learned to measure, mix and bake and took turns serving their guests following five months of Chef’s Club classes held at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Norwich.
Dinnertime was “a huge success,” said the club’s co-creator Cindy Comings, with about 25 guests gathering for the feast. Comings and local speech and language teacher Andrea MacIntosh developed the new community venture service-learning program to help young adults with autism spectrum disorders learn a basic independent living skill like cooking foods safely.
“Many of our kids struggle with these skills and expectations,” said Comings. “Andrea and I saw a strong need to support their independence as well as offer them an opportunity of community service.”
The men learned more than just cooking techniques, however. They learned how to stock a kitchen, manners, measuring, cleanliness and sanitation, menu planning, nutrition and budgeting. The Chef’s Club meets one Saturday a month and each participant contributes items for the planned recipe. So far, they have made trail mix, lasagna and subs. Guest Chefs Derek Jones and Shawn Merit of Pizza Hut in Norwich offered their assistance with a pizza creation.
“I have the pleasure of knowing the participants through school and many of the parents often attend the Chenango County Autism Support Group,” Comings said. “Together, we have traveled a very long and bumpy road advocating for our guys. Each roadblock we overcome makes it easier for those who are newly diagnosed.”
Autism is a spectrum disorder and the prevalence has risen to 1 in every 150 American children. Both children and adults with autism typically show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. Each individual is affected differently and at varying degrees.
Before eating, the participants shared that for which they were thankful. In addition to thanking God and their families, Patrick Regan said he was thankful for “Dad, health and a good life.” Cameron Comings thanked God for “his dinner, family, the troops and each and everyone of his friends in Chef’s Club.”