Celebrating the Third Anniversary of the Prism Program

As communities around the globe come together to celebrate World Autism Month, Triangle is proud to mark a meaningful milestone of our own. This April, we celebrate the third anniversary of the Prism Program, Triangle’s first initiative dedicated exclusively to serving autistic young adults as they transition from school to adulthood. Launched in April 2022, the Prism Program was created in close collaboration with autistic individuals and their families. Their insight and guidance helped shape the program’s core values of flexibility, open-mindedness, and self-direction—principles that remain at the heart of everything we do. In the three years since, these foundations have proven critical in supporting the wide range of goals, needs, and dreams of our members.

During this month of autism acceptance, awareness, inclusion, and celebration, we are honored to serve nearly 80 members who reflect the diverse communities Triangle serves. Among them, we have poets, athletes, musicians, professionals, artists, and digital content creators. Many work fulfilling jobs, are enrolled in post-secondary education programs, go to the gym regularly, pay taxes, have formed friendships, and even found romance as members of the Prism Program community.

“The opportunity to be a part of creating such a unique and lively program to support those that couldn’t find the right fit in another program is exciting in and of itself, but to bear witness to members chasing their passions and goals and to see so many within our program find a space to be themselves and create this great community has been truly special”, remarked Travis Dion, Triangle’s Director of Autism Services who has overseen the program since its doors open.

Bobby was one of the first members of the Prism Program. As a program member, he has realized that each Prism member is working towards their own goals and is working on overcoming their personal barriers to success. For himself, he’s learned how to be easier on himself and more optimistic.

Jacob, another original Prism member, said the Prism Program has helped him explore his love of music as a way of connecting with others. He now volunteers regularly with Urban Media Arts in Malden to produce podcasts featuring local musicians. He also helps run a Music Club with other program members, which has helped him make more friends and learn to treat people with respect, even if they have different tastes.

And those are just two of our members. The autistic young adults in the Prism Program also include:

• One member is enrolled in community college while working as an early childhood music teacher. She is learning to write her own songs as a gifted performer and singer.

• Another member has built a thriving YouTube channel with thousands of followers, monetizing his content while working a day job at CVS.

• Several members are now in post-secondary education and vocational training programs with some earning academic honors and moving into on-campus housing with the support of Triangle staff members.

• Twenty members have found jobs or advanced their careers since getting experience and support from Prism.

• Others are gaining the life skills and the confidence that will move them from their childhood homes into a new place on their own.

This unique program is more than a mere provider of services. It’s a place where friendships flourish and lives are transformed. While the journey to independence isn’t always easy, Triangle has built an environment where young autistic adults can thrive, grow, and move into their full potential.

“We are incredibly proud of every individual who has joined Prism. Each step they’ve taken is a testament to their determination”, notes Rachel Kaprielian, CEO of Triangle. “At Prism, our commitment is to treat everyone as an individual by offering every tool in the drawer to help them thrive—whether that’s at work, in college or training, at home, or out in the world.”