We are sad to announce the passing of Lucinda “Cindy” Waddell.
Lucinda Waddell started working as a speaker and advocate with families who have children with Autism in 1981, prior to her daughter receiving a formal diagnosis at 13. She found that by helping other families with their IEP’s, respite care and social skills training she was able to get a broader understanding of Autism. She was employed by Vocational Rehabilitation and Mental Health as a Job Coach and Social Skills Trainer for several adults with Autism. Within a year’s time, she was consulting with Voc Rehab in four counties. In the early 1990s, Lucinda joined Dr. Steve Edelson’s research project as the after care provider for children who were receiving Auditory Integrative Training. She had the privilege of working with hundreds of children and their families throughout the USA and beyond. In 1994, Lucinda became a licensed minister with United Christian Fellowship. This opened the doors for her to different correctional institutions that housed some individuals with high functioning Autism/Aspergers. She continue to work with churches, teaching congregations the Autism basics and how the church can minister to families affected by Autism.
Cindy is survived by her husband of 41 years, her daughter Heather, and her daughter’s husband John, her son Ryan, his wife Stacey, and granddaughter Kyrie. Cindy will be missed by many, including those she worked with as a consultant, in several schools, and in numerous families throughout her area.
A memorial service for Cindy is scheduled for 2:00 PM on February 5, 2016 in Amity, OR.
Amity Christian Church
1305 Goucher St.
Amity, OR 97101
Jim Waddell’s contact info:
P.O. Box 449
Amity, OR 97101
