ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Griffin Bixler said before he discovered T.A.C.T., he didn’t have many plans after graduating high school.
“It’s really about team bonding in these projects, like, if someone needs help, you’re there for them. You’re going to help them no matter what,” said Bixler, a 20-year-old who is on the autism spectrum.
T.A.C.T. stands for Teaching the Autism Community Trades. Danny and Claire Combs founded the organization in 2016. The co-founders proudly shared that they are the parents of a son who was diagnosed with autism.
Because of their son’s unique needs, the Combs discovered through research that many individuals diagnosed with autism often struggle to find employment. According to the Autism Society, more than 66% of young adults living on the autism spectrum are either unemployed or do not pursue higher education after leaving high school.
Colorado Voices
A brighter future for young people living with autism
“It’s the community that we’ve built, and I think, you know, seeing kids that have been historically disenfranchised and not recognized for their value, all the sudden feel it in themselves that they have value and worth and talent and something to offer,” Danny Combs said. “And I see that in my son. I mean, he’s going to be entering high school next year. And to think, he was this talented little boy that could make all these incredible things before he could say, ‘Hello dad,’ to all [of] a sudden, he’s got a future that will be his.”
Danny Combs said that through his son, he found himself. With a big smile, Danny said his son embodies T.A.C.T’s mission.
At T.A.C.T., young adults get first-hand experience in trade fields such auto repair, cyber security, welding, electrical technology and carpentry.
Danny Combs said T.A.C.T. grads have an average starting salary starting at $19.86. The current minimum wage in Colorado begins at $13.65 per hour (Denver's is $17.29/hour).
Devon Neiman, 15, a friend of Bixler and fellow T.A.C.T. student, said the most significant thing he’s learned at T.A.C.T. is to work together.
“You can never learn too much!” said Neiman.
Neiman said he wants to be a mechanic when he is older.
“It’s just something about getting your hands dirty. It’s just [fun learning] how things fit together,” Neiman explained. “It’s just a unique experience for me.”
One of T.A.C.T.’s instructors, Chris Fraguada, said he can relate to the students. He struggled with a speech impediment and said he has found strength in helping young people succeed. Fraguada didn't let the impediment define him.
“Parents are told that their child may or may not accomplish the same levels of success as somebody else and I don’t believe that’s true,” Fraguada said. “I think with the right supports and staff and outside providers that anybody can reach whatever they want too.”
Danny Combs said parents of autistic kids face unique challenges, one of them being that they often only hear that their children are deficit-based. Combs explained that with T.A.C.T., parents can see the talent, resilience and beauty in their kids.
Lindsey Ford is a multimedia journalist at Rocky Mountain PBS. You can reach her at lindseyford@rmpbs.org.
