Ryan Litchfield | Flutie Foundation

Ryan Litchfield, of Rutland, is a 30-year-old young man with autism spectrum disorder. Ryan, at the age of two, was diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder NOS as he could not talk, verbalize, or gesture. In his youth, Ryan underwent many intensive hours of ABA, speech, and occupational therapy. Ryan was also diagnosed with epilepsy and thyroid disease. In his junior year at Wachusett Regional High School, Ryan went to speak about his autism journey at Glenwood Elementary School. He graduated from Wachusett Regional High School in 2013 and went on to Assumption University, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s in Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies and a Certificate in Aging Services in 2017. Ryan has worked for several human service agencies such as Behavioral Concepts Inc., Aging Services of North Central Massachusetts (originally Montachusett Home Care), Elder Services of Worcester, Family Services of Central Massachusetts, Open Sky Community Services, and the Center for Living & Working. He brings years of experience through administration and direct support in working with older adults and people with disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum.

Ryan has been featured on a blog for the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) and made a podcast appearance on Autism Knows No Borders/Global Autism Project, a podcast series featuring autism self-advocates and people working in the field of autism across the globe.

Ryan is currently working as a virtual autism life coach for ASD Life Coaches. He is also part-time substituting at Wachusett Regional High School and works part time for the Global Autism Project. Ryan is Autism Certified and a Certified Cognitive Coach through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. He has also received grant writing certification through the Technical Writer HQ Grant Writing Certification program and has been hired to work with the Doug Flutie Foundation on grants on a project basis.