We are very excited about this new resource for our community. Please see the official press release from July 25th below:
“Seattle Children’s Hospital today announced a $7 million gift from Charles and Barbara Burnett and Tessera to help launch the Alyssa Burnett Adult Life Program to provide lifelong services for people with autism and other developmental disabilities.
The donation includes the Tessera Center for Lifelong Learning, which will become the new home of Seattle Children’s Alyssa Burnett Adult Life Center. The Tessera Center was founded in 2004 by the Burnett family to provide young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities an opportunity to build skills that foster independence and social connections, and improve their overall quality of life.
The renovated 12,000-square-foot center is set to open before the end of 2013. Seattle Children’s will collaborate with the University of Washington and other community providers to provide year-round, 12-week classes. The classes, co-taught by autism service providers and community experts, will focus on developing life skills, promoting health and wellness, and providing opportunities for recreation and social interactions.
“Thanks to the generous donations made by the Burnett family, we have the potential to change the face of ASD service in our region,” said Bryan H. King, MD, program director for Seattle Children’s Autism Center and director of psychiatry and behavioral medicine. “It’s the perfect collaboration at a time when more people are being diagnosed with autism than ever before and adult services are scarce.””
