Until the Pieces Fit

From the misconceptions to the discussion about Autism Spectrum Disorder, the subject tends to gravitate towards the negatives. That’s why Until the Pieces Fit focuses on productive and positive action. 

Recognized as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in 2018, Until the Pieces Fit upholds five core principles: advocacy, awareness, education, resources, and community outreach. 

“Our main focus is on individuals and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder as well as low-income families, disadvantaged youth, and the homeless population,” said Jessica Beard, founder and president of UTPF.

Active in the community since her teenage years, Beard started working in the Autism Department of the Clark County School District in 2013. 

“I worked with so many different families,” she said, “each one having limited resources and training on how to cope and live with having a child diagnosed with Autism.”

“This encouraged me to educate myself and start a nonprofit.”

Shortly after founding UTPF, Beard she found herself helping out low-income families as well. Not necessarily affected by Autism, they needed resources, too. As a result, she added the “Every Piece Matters” Community Outreach Program two years ago.

What UTPF Does for the Community

Today, Until The Pieces Fit feeds the impoverished, conducts back-to-school expos, and brings food relief for families. They also host multiple fundraising campaigns throughout the year to help fund their various programs. 

“We provide supportive services such as parent training, support groups, peer inclusion events, community outings for families, company training, referral programs, and youth mentorship, just to name a few,” Beard said.

Her biggest goal for the organization is to secure more funding and to one day have a building. 

Working towards this goal, she has faced some obstacles. These challenges include encouraging donations, involvement with the organization’s mission, and spreading the word about the organization. 

“We’re a small organization, and sometimes we’re overlooked due to Las Vegas having a few other more popular, well-known, and respected organizations,” she said. 

To achieve the organization’s goals, UTPF works with several local businesses and nonprofits. 

Businesses they work with include Junk Jeans Bespoke Center, Vybez Brand & Co, Legends Barber Studio, and Chips Homestyle Wings. Their nonprofit partners include Common Tree, From The Heart of Sisters, and Las Vegas Community Council. 

COVID’s Impacts

The pandemic hasn’t made it easier for the organization to achieve its goals or provide services. 

“The pandemic forced us to slow down on the physical interaction with people,” Beard said. “We canceled events, lost regular donors, and had families needing our assistance. We simply couldn’t help due to a shortage of team members.”

In response, Beard and other team members made even more of a commitment to the organization and its mission. Increasing their availability, they stepped up in ways they couldn’t have imagined while keeping their own lives intact. 

“2020 was a difficult year for all of us,” she explained. “We met with families via Zoom for emotional support, and mailed care packages.” For those needing to meet in person, the team made sure to protect themselves and socially distance.” 

The Most Prominent Issues

Beard said she witnessed two main things regarding COVID’s impacts on people and families affected by ASD. These involve families losing their ABA in-home behavior technicians due to COVID and the educational setbacks students experience not being at school.

“I‘m aware that everyone just wants to stay safe and healthy,” she added. “And sometimes that means protecting ourselves first and putting helping others, running your business or organization on hold.” 

For students and families with ASD, managing remote learning has been challenging. 

“Children with disabilities need in-person instruction to accommodate their individual needs,” Beard said. “To expect them to focus and thrive only through remote learning is, in my opinion, unrealistic. 

When asked if CCSD takes any steps to accommodate students with ASD and other disabilities during the pandemic, she responded with a resounding “NO!”

“So many students’ [Individualized Education Plans] aren’t being followed,” she said. She added that parents struggle to make up at home for what the students lose by not physically attending class.

“It’s heartbreaking.”

Misconceptions About Autism

Beard discussed some of the things people misunderstand about people with Autism Spectrum Disorder. One of these includes the idea that all individuals with autism are the same. 

“I like to reference a quote – “If you’ve met one person with Autism, you’ve met one person with Autism,” she said. “No two individuals are the same.” 

Take steps towards inclusivity for people on the spectrum by learning more about it. 

“[Don’t’ be so quick to judge what you don’t understand,” she said. “See their abilities, not the disability.”

In addition, Beard added that there are “many theories related to vaccination, our environment [and so on] – however, none have been proven to be the cause of ASD in individuals.”

Debunked multiple times over the years, the claim around vaccines causing autism continues to spread nonetheless. The doctor who conducted the initial study making the claim acted unethically due to conflicts of interest. As a result, Britain’s General Medical Council censured him in January 2010. They later stripped him of his British medical license. Multiple studies since then have proven no link between vaccination and childhood development disabilities like autism. 

Despite this, misinformation and conspiracy theories related to the issue continue to spread through communities. The conspiracy, largely promoted by QAnon, resulted in people protesting other people’s ability to vaccinate for COVID, leading to delays in vaccine roll-out. 

One of the scariest parts about ASD, Beard said, are the unknowns about the disorder. On Until The Pieces Fit’s website, they mention how ASD is “one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders in the United States.”  

She added that not knowing the factors of this increase concerns her. 

#GetinMotion with Until the Pieces Fit

The resources families need the most, Beard said, include in-home therapy, receiving an actual ASD diagnosis, and finding mentorship for disadvantaged youths. Low-income families also need basic supplies.

Help UTPF provide resources and services to the community by donating via $cashapp (@untilthepiecesfitlv), PayPal, or by writing a check. 

“We’re always accepting donations for food, hygiene items, new blankets, sleeping bags, and gift cards to give families,” Beard said. 

In addition to donating, she said that spreading the word about the organization, sharing their social media posts, and volunteering helps tremendously.

Beard concluded by saying, “I’d just like to thank the individuals, businesses, and organizations that continue to support us. Without their support, we couldn’t do what we do.” 

To learn more about ASD, Beard said the C.D.C. remains the most credible source. She also added to check out organizations like Autism Speaks and FEAT of Southern Nevada. 

Visit UTPF’s website and follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.