Linc-ing Communities Together: Marisa Bentley Founding Linc-D

Marisa Bentley is the founder of Linc-D, a platform designed to provide meaningful employment for neurodiverse adults. Bentley created Linc-D alongside her 19-year-old autistic son, Lincoln. Lincoln is a prolific artist whose designs are used on apparel sold on Linc-D’s online shop. Last week, our Executive Director, Koby Chen, and Campaign Coordinator, Ben Solliday, had the fantastic opportunity to speak with Marisa Bentley firsthand and discuss Linc-D.

Let's start with some introductions. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and Linc-D?

Marisa: “My name is Marisa Bentley, I have seven children, and one of them is a son with autism, pretty severe, and he inspired me to start this company. “ Linc-D’s name takes from Bentley’s son’s name: Lincoln.

Can you tell us more about your experience with creating Linc-D as well as how important it is that there are education resources like this catered to support individuals with neurodiversity and other special needs?

Bentley starts by establishing the idea that “it’s a different world having a child who’s an adult with a special need versus a child with a special need.” As Bentley started to do more research into the world of adults with special needs, she described the experience as “eye-opening.” Lincoln is turning 20 in a few days, and when he turned 18, “ everything from childhood stops,” she states. 

Once a neurodiverse individual is an adult, all programming and support from childhood years are stopped. Thus, when Lincoln turned 18, Bentley started to become surrounded by more adults and parents with special needs. She soon discovered that it was incredibly hard for neurodiverse adults to find employment “that really is meaningful and respectful to the adult with a special need.” 

Lincoln has a hard time talking and a hard time with sounds, making employment difficult at times. She describes Lincoln as being “narrowly focused on what he likes” (something common among those living with autism). Bentley expresses that she sees so much in him, and she wants others to see that as well, because “he does have something to contribute.” She wants him to “find value in what he does.” She explains that a lot of jobs offered to neurodiverse people “don’t cater to what he’s interested in, nor do they cater to what his strengths are.” Lincoln is an excellent artist, who in Bentley’s words, “draws, and draws, and draws all the time.” She wanted to do something with him and to create something that displays his value- birthing “Linc-D.”

How has Lincoln been able to use art to express himself and his Identity? Are there any pieces that stand out to you or have a significant message?

According to Bentley, Lincoln has a minimal scale for expressing emotions. Like many other autistic individuals, Lincoln isn’t able to communicate his feelings, often appearing “flat.” Bentley describes that she has never been able to ask how he is feeling. Despite all of this, Lincoln’s art is all so happy. She elaborates that Lincoln loves drawing animals. His art as “bright and colorful and smiling; animals smile, it’s just so lovely to look at (...) he sees happiness and sees life in a beautiful and colorful way!” 

Lincoln’s signature piece is his green elephant. Lincoln has a cousin who has passed away from cancer, and the cousin loved elephants and the color green. Despite not having this conversation in-depth with Lincoln, Bentley states, “ I think there’s a message to his cousin.” This green elephant has now become the mascot for “Linc-D.”

As a parent raising a child with autism, what would you like to tell other parents who are raising neurotypical or neurodiverse individuals? Would you recommend art?

Bentley encourages art for all of her children, calling them all “great little artists.” She has a couple of children who are adopted, and “art is a lovely form of communication. They can say things with art, that they couldn’t in other ways.” She would also recommend art for parents raising neurodiverse children. She explains that “ you don’t need to be technically perfect” to have your art give off a reaction for others. Bentley, along with many, have a serious reaction to Lincoln’s artwork. Art is a great way to communicate and express yourself.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your community involvement? Do you have a memorable moment that has stood out to you since starting this organization?

Bentley recalls a memory with Lincoln where “he will now bring me his art and ask me to take a picture of it.” This gesture is quite significant; she explains because “one of the goals (...) his lifelong goal is to show your parents something.” Bentley describes this as “nothing short of a miracle for me.” 

Another profound moment for Bentley was getting the opportunity to meet one of the artists working for Linc-D named Vaughn. Bentley describes Vaughn as a “fabulous person.” Their initial meeting was longer than anticipated, and Vaughn hugged Bentley at the end. “It’s so wonderful, it’s so wonderful,” Bentley proclaimed.

Tell us a little bit more about the artists at Linc-D. How did you find them? If someone wanted to share their art on your platform, how would the process work?

“ I would love,love to see people’s art. “ Anyone can reach out to her if they’re interested in working with Linc-D. They’ll take anyone interested in sharing their artwork. It costs the artists absolutely nothing. Her goal is to help employ and find meaningful engagement within the neurodiverse community. 

Since Linc-D’s initial launch, how much has it grown? What are some major hurdles you had to overcome to get to where you are now?

Linc-D was launched two weeks prior to the U.S. Covid-19 Outbreak. Currently, Covid-19 has been one of the most significant challenges for Linc-D. Bentley is a stay at home mom, and with Covid, it’s been tough to dedicate time to Linc-D, while juggling online school for all of her children. Despite all of this, Linc-D is continually growing, gaining a more extensive base of supporters and advocates. Another hurdle she describes is that many autistic individuals are unsure of how to access job opportunities. Linc-D creates an easily accessible platform for neurodiverse people to obtain an employment opportunity.

As we close this interview, my final question to you would be, how would you encourage others to partake in the helping or advocacy of neurodiverse or autistic individuals?

Bentley advises that everyone should be aware that the population exists and be mindful of neurodiversities. She feels like many neurodiverse individuals live within the shadows. She encourages everyone to value each other and recognize that we all have something to give and offer to our community. 

You can find Linc-d at:

Linc-d.com 

Instagram: @l.i.n.c_d