Meet Claire Dees | Executive Director, Spectrum Autism Support Group

We had the good fortune of connecting with Claire Dees and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Claire, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
Spectrum Autism Support Group’s impact extends far beyond the individuals and families we directly serve. We provide support groups, camps, respite, social skills groups, enrichment programs, family events and community education and training. Over 2400 individuals with autism of all age and ability benefit as well as their family members and the community. It is not just the services and supports provided but helping communities grow into places where every individual has the opportunity to be included and to thrive. Spectrum provides free training for area businesses desiring to employ individuals with autism. Last year we recognized and celebrated 47 area businesses for excellence in inclusion in employment at our StarShine gala. And we also provided training for multiple police precincts for crisis intervention by combining education, empathy, and compassion as we strive to make our communities more inclusive for everyone. We want to see our community as a place where all can live, work and play and love spreading the word about acceptance, understanding and inclusion.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
For me, the work is more than a career, it is a calling and fulfills my purpose. When Spectrum began 28 years ago I co-founded the group as a volunteer leader and was amazed that the first meeting drew over 100 people! No doubt there was need for support in our community. Having a child with autism motivated me to use what I had learned to help others and it quickly became my passion – helping other parents. Learning the needs were greater than support I set out to fill in the gaps in services in our community and we continue to do that today as we create programs we see needed in our community. We offer multiple support groups, camps, respite, social skills groups, enrichment programs, family events and community education and training. Spectrum serves all age and ability reaching over 2400 with autism each year. Purchasing our own building, the Spectrum Autism Support Center, in downtown Duluth, is one of the things I am most proud of and being able to raise $1,500,000 in just one year to purchase this beautiful space, offering a welcoming and calming space for all. Next on the horizon is an after school program. It is not just program development or fundraising success but turning challenges into opportunities. Whether that means transforming a neglected property into a welcoming space to include individuals with autism and their families in an inclusive environment or turning a community gap into a scalable service model. The impact is what matters most – the impact we have on our community. Everyone knows someone with autism with the rate now 1 in 31 and having a place that can provide support, education and resources while creating connections and sharing hope is important. It’s the parent who says outings are less stressful. It’s the young adult who gets a job for the first time. It’s the family who feels seen and supported rather than isolated.
Early days were marked by limited funding, wearing multiple hats, long hours and uncertainty and learning as I went. There were moments when resources were slim and the vision felt bigger than the capacity to execute it. My faith was stretched. But persistence, community support, and a commitment to purpose created the needed momentum. Community partnerships, mentorship, a strong board, and great volunteers have all contributed to our success in this journey. And the journey is still unfolding. If it had not been for my son, Blake, who had autism and met his early demise 15 years ago I would not have done any of this but he defined my purpose and now it is his legacy. So really all the credit goes to Blake and the life he lived and what he taught me and so many. others.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My happy place is the beach! I would take any friend to a sunny beach, and enjoy beach walks, reading, playing games, and eating great food! Ocean view dining is a must and catching every sunrise and sunset is the perfect part of every day, seeing God’s handiwork in the sky. There is something so calming watching ocean wave and hearing them. A great way to relax and slow down in today’s busy world. Finding balance in my too busy life is so important and the best way to do it is at a great beach destination!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I give a shout out of thanks to my Team Spectrum staff! They are helping take us to the next level and deserve recognition for all of their contributions towards making us the Best in Family Services in Gwinnett for 9 years running! They all share my passion for making a difference for individuals and families impacted by autism.

Website: https://www.spectrumautism.org

Image Credits
Staff photo – so glad to have a team. It was me alone running it all for 19 years!
left to right: back Julie Recalde, Linda Fortt, Renee Perez, Linda Meiring, Front: Michelle Gunby, Claire Dees, Laura Vladick
2 award event photos; Claire Dees and Eren Niederhoffer, and Claire Dees and Ryan Massey, holding award
The children all signed photo releases but older photos so not readily available with names, one is a camper and one a runner at the Georgia Race for Autism, our largest fundraiser and family event