You never know what good a new day will bring. On that day it came in the form of an email. Sent by my friend and fellow car guy Ira, it explained that he had recommended me to a facility that served the needs of young adults on the autism spectrum. Why me? Because they wanted to do a dedicated classic car event as an enhancement to their program for treating the needs of their clients. He included the organization’s contact information. I called.

Classic cars have always been recognized as a source of worth, pride, pleasure, excitement and entertainment. Could they, as well, be a source of healing? We were about to find out.

Classic Autos and Autism: Sharing a Journey to Betterment

Photos: Courtesy of Kayleigh Gorman, Good Talking People, LLC

Three months after Ira’s email arrived, a 1915 Ford Model T rolled into the tree rimmed parking area of the “Good Talking People” care facility in Teaneck, NJ. Soon the early Ford would be followed by a 1986 Porsche 911, a 1976 VW bus, a 1967 Austin Healey 3000 and eight other classic cars, the event and the idea behind it had come to life. Good Talking People Owner/Director Arlene Rubin and Office Manager Kayleigh Gorman welcomed the car owners as the vehicles came to rest.

This Wednesday evening represented a new twist in the facility’s ongoing effort to promote comfort in social situations. At these monthly socials young adults on the spectrum can enjoy the opportunity to come together with their community of peers and practice their social skills. Arlene says, “They look forward to seeing the people that they have developed relationships with. It’s a comfortable place for them to be able to just be them.” Historically these events have included bowling, trivia night, dancing, costume parties, karaoke, crafts, etc.

The “Car Show” represented a unique activity in the ongoing effort to create engaging monthly social events. In this setting these young adults could engage with the classic cars and the owners in a social setting with familiar faces. In so doing they could develop the social skills necessary to improve their quality of life.

On this beautiful early evening in mid July a cluster of adults enveloped in a cloud of excited anticipation blended, hesitatingly at first, into the display of signature vehicles from the golden age of the automobile. The gathering’s predominantly male composition reflected the roughly 4 to 1 male to female ratio of the American autism population. According to the CDC, since 1970 the incidence of autism has increased from roughly 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 31 (Depending on the source these numbers vary significantly). As to why, many reasons come to the fore, not the least of which being a recent broader interpretation of what qualifies as autism as well as modified assessments and knowledge.

As the event came to life all the car owners chose to wait for the clients to initiate interest and then owners would gently enter into a social interaction. Much to the delight of Arlene, Kayleigh and the car owners the presence of the cars and the freedom to sit in each car generated a very positive dynamic that inspired even the less outgoing clients to engage.

As to the actual definition of autism, Arlene made clear that limitations in socialization skills towers as the defining criteria marker for autism. Arlene says, “You can have really very bright, strongly cognitive individuals who are very socially awkward. They don’t really read the room. They don’t really pick up on cues. They don’t understand the social world around them in the same way as others. Some very famous people that we view as highly intelligent believe they would have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder as a child. Bill Gates being one.”

One great example of the conflicting cognitive versus social abilities of clients occurred with Peter, the owner of an especially nice 1986 Guards Red Porsche 911 Carrera and a knowledgeable car guy. One of the clients approached to view Peter’s Porsche. Peter invited the client to take a seat behind the wheel. “Oooohhh nooo,” the young man replied as he retreated from the interaction. A while later the young man returned to ask if he could, indeed, sit in the Porsche. Peter guided him behind the wheel while taking his place in the passenger seat. Peter in delightfully describing his shock says, “This young man spoke so knowledgeably about Porsches I was completely blown away. I never expected that.”

As the energy level of the event built fueled by clients asking questions and photographing cars and being photographed with cars and in cars, Arlene explained that autism cannot be cured or reversed; it is a lifelong neuro-developmental condition.  Instead the therapeutic goal focuses on helping clients manage challenges, develop skills and improve their quality of life. She explained that Good Talking People provides therapy to assist in the development of pragmatic language, social communication and social learning. Here they teach strategies for understanding social rules, what is expected in social situations, ways to increase social comfort and how to communicate and connect with others.

This evening’s “Car Show” represented a unique activity in an ongoing effort to create monthly social events. These gatherings provide a safe environment where clients can interact in a social setting with familiar faces to develop the social skills necessary to improve their quality of life.

With the event in full swing, hoods opened, horns blew, engines started and clients seemed more comfortable in their own skin. One young man approached me, looked me in the eye, presented an outstretched hand and stated confidently, “My name is Micah.” We shook as I gave my name. Apparently satisfied with the exchange Micah smiled and moved on.

Car-centric activities engaged the clients throughout the evening till the summer sun sank to the horizon. Long shadows signaled that the time had arrived for the show to end. Illuminated in the golden glow of the sweet light cast by a setting sun, the eclectic collection of classic cars individually departed to the cheers of the clients as they gathered to wave goodbye to their new friends.

In reflecting on the success of the event Arlene said, “Our clients had a great time. When we spoke with the group directly after the event, they wanted to know if we could do it again the following week. There are some of them who I see for therapy; weeks later they were still talking about the classic car event.”

When asked if this event achieved her goals more effectively than other events, Arlene expressed the belief that indeed it did in the sense that it opened up a new experience for the clients. Arlene says, “When they came back inside after the event and, again, in later therapy sessions clients continued to ask questions about the classic car experience.” It clearly also promoted communication between clients. Both Arlene and Kayleigh witnessed clients asking questions among themselves. Arlene says, “They were discussing the different cars and having conversations among themselves about the cars.” The experience provided a focal point for them and it equipped them with a brand-new experience to explore. Arlene and her staff made it clear that the power of the event to make a difference extended well past the cars.

Both Arlene and Kayleigh praised the owners. Arlene said, “Your people were so patient. I watched and saw how some of them kind of stood back and observed. And when a client approached close enough to indicate interest that’s when the owner would slowly make his way over. He would casually go up and say, ‘Do you want to see it?’

If the client offered no questions but by his or her continued presence expressed interest, some of the gentlemen were so very intuitive they just started to talk about the car in a non-threatening way. When the owner started to talk, you could see the client listening. It was really beautiful to watch.” Kayleigh, who had organized the event said, “It was really wonderful for us to see. The owners were amazing.”

In reflecting on the total classic car event Arlene said, “This was just a brand new experience for them. It expanded their horizons. We at Good Talking People really believe in the healing power positive experiences possess. This was truly wonderful for them.” When asked if she would do it again Arlen answered without hesitation, “Absolutely!”