The challenges of developmental disabilities don’t end when a person turns 21 and ages out of school. But few programs help these adults keep learning, have fun, build skills and take part in the larger community. That’s why Seattle Children’s joined with the Burnett family in 2014 to launch the Alyssa Burnett Center.

As parents of Alyssa, a young woman living with autism, Charles and Barbara Burnett worked for years to enhance the quality of life for adults with developmental disabilities. They founded the Tessera Center for Lifelong Learning in 2004. Ten years later, the Burnetts and Tessera donated $7 million, including Tessera’s space in Bothell, to launch the Alyssa Burnett Center in partnership with Seattle Children’s Autism Center. Now in her 30s, Alyssa often attends events and takes classes at the center named in her honor. Charles Burnett passed away in 2017, but his life’s work continues. Read more about Charles Burnett.

“Seattle Children’s believed in our mission and gave us validity when they said yes to joining forces and supporting adults with autism. Right now, we’re embarking on an amazing journey to show how continuity of care — especially in the world of autism — can change lives. The center is showing the community and the families and guardians of ‘all the Alyssas of the world’ that there is a place for them.”

– Barbara Burnett, Alyssa’s mom

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