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Penelope Brennell and Julie
Roscoe: Educating Legislators
About Penelope and Julie: Penelope Brennell
is a parent, advocate, presenter, and board member
of the Gateway Chapter of the Autism Society of
America (ASA) in Missouri. Julie Roscoe is a parent,
advocate, president of Gateway ASA, and family
crisis professional at Judevine Center for Autism in
St. Louis, Missouri.
Penelope and Julie’s PTCP Project: Penelope
and Julie partnered to coordinate and host a local
legislative work day. The project stemmed from a
desire to create awareness among legislators and
others about autism spectrum disorders, the
importance of early intervention, and the need for
support for adults on the autism spectrum. By
arranging for six young adults on the autism
spectrum to work for the day in various Missouri
state legislators’ offices, Penelope and Julie were
able to show legislators in their state that
individuals on the autism spectrum are able to live
happy, productive, and independent lives.
Results and Next Steps: In addition to
boosting the young adults’ self-esteem, the project
increased awareness of the issues faced by children
and adults on the spectrum and their families. The
program has also had a positive influence on public
officials, which has affected, and will continue to
affect, legislation for all impacted families in
Missouri. Penelope and Julie hope to one day take
their program to Washington, D.C.
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