Meet the NEXT Gen Board

What made you join the NEXT for AUTISM NEXT Gen Board?
The mission of NEXT is one I hold very close to my heart. I grew up with a younger brother who is autistic and have witnessed firsthand the challenges many people on the spectrum face. As he grew older it became apparent how few options there are for adults on the spectrum. Traditionally, there has always been a larger focus on organizations that work with autistic kids. I was drawn to NEXT because of its unique focus on creating and supporting high-quality programs that maximize the potential of people with autism through each life stage.

What's important to you as you look ahead for the future of autistic adults?
We should always continue to ask ourselves what comes next and how can we further improve. Whether that is in the focus area of work, health, social, or another there is always more work to be done to enhance services for people with autism and maximize resources for these programs.

What are your goals as a NEXT Gen Board Member?
Unemployment and underemployment are pressing issues for autistic adults. To help combat this issue, we have created multiple initiatives at NEXT to support young autistic adults entering the workforce. One of my favorites is NEXT Connects, a bi-directional mentorship program that matches autistic college students with established professionals to provide career support while fostering improved acceptance and inclusion within businesses. In my role as a member of the NEXT Gen board I am hoping to focus on this theme of "work" both by getting involved directly in these programs and by working to promote awareness and support for these NEXT initiatives that have such a profound impact.

FEELING INSPIRED? Click here to make a gift in honor of Victoria and help expand the NEXT Gen board's impact.

What made you join the NEXT for AUTISM NEXT Gen Board?
I joined the NEXT Gen board to play a small part in supporting autistic adults and their families as they navigate this stage of life. As I watched my brother age out of the school system, I realized how limited resources were for autistic adults. This can be such a scary transition for many families, with no clear roadmap for the future. It makes me hopeful to learn about the best-in-class and autistic-led programs funded and created by NEXT.

What's important to you as you look ahead for the future of autistic adults?
As more people with autism age into adulthood, it is very important to me that there are systems in place to support them. Not only should there be jobs available to autistic adults, but workplaces should be adjusted to accommodate the unique needs and strengths of neurodivergent folks. It is important to me that people with autism aren't just invited to the party but that they asked to dance.

What are your goals as a NEXT Gen Board Member?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, local restrictions prevented us from seeing my brother in his group home for several months. This difficult time made me acutely aware of how wonderful and vital his direct support providers (DSPs) were to his wellbeing. They kept him and his housemates active, occupied, and safe throughout those long months, all while taking on extra shifts to cover for sick colleagues. DSPs are unsung heroes. I think it is critical that they receive compensation, training, and advance opportunities that recognize the value they provide to our loved ones. I am heartened by NEXT's efforts to support and train the next generation of DSPs so they can continue to do such important work.

FEELING INSPIRED? Click here to make a gift in honor of Ali and help expand the NEXT Gen board's impact.

What made you join the NEXT for AUTISM NEXT Gen Board?
My brother, Steven, is the reason I joined. Growing up with an older brother who has autism, I witnessed firsthand the critical importance of inclusion, involvement, and support for both children and adults on the spectrum. When I ask myself, “What’s “NEXT” for Steven?” I find comfort in knowing that organizations like NEXT for AUTISM are actively transforming the landscape for adults with autism. Their efforts give me hope for a future where individuals like Steven can thrive and fully participate in society.

What's important to you as you look ahead for the future of autistic adults?
Inspiring and motivating the Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who are vital members of our workforce is essential. Without their dedication, families—including my own—would face significant challenges. We must transform this profession from merely a job into a rewarding career. There is a pressing shortage of
individuals entering this field, and I am eager to explore ways to increase both recruitment and retention. DSPs play a crucial role in the lives of autistic adults, and by supporting them, we can create a more sustainable and impactful community for everyone involved.

What are your goals as a NEXT Gen Board Member?
I have always been inspired by NEXT’s mission to focus on adults, especially considering the abundance of programs dedicated to autistic children, while fewer resources exist for adults. I am passionate about being at the forefront of developing programs and initiatives that support autistic individuals as they transition into adulthood. My vision includes creating a home environment that mirrors the warmth and familiarity of their family homes, enabling autistic adults to fully participate in and contribute to society. By fostering this sense of belonging, we can empower them to thrive and make meaningful connections in their communities.

FEELING INSPIRED? Click here to make a gift in honor of Jenna and help expand the NEXT Gen board's impact.

What made you join the NEXT for AUTISM NEXT Gen Board?
Watching the obstacles my brother David encountered as he aged into adulthood with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) inspired me to get more involved. NEXT for AUTISM's programming is geared towards helping adults with Autism, like my brother, find meaningful and impactful support systems!

What's important to you as you look ahead for the future of autistic adults?
Looking ahead, I believe it is important to build flexible and sustainable systems of support for those who need it. Adults with ASD are a diverse population, that will need housing, employment, social systems, and more--at varying levels. As we build this next generation of support systems, I think it will be key to consider the evolving and diverse needs of this group.

What are your goals as a NEXT Gen Board Member?
As a member of the NEXT Gen Board, I aim to focus my energy on improving and increasing the number of opportunities for adults on the spectrum to participate in both profession and social settings. Adults with ASD often experience under-employment and unemployment, as well as social isolation. My hope is that we can enable adults with ASD to better connect with their communities and those around them.

FEELING INSPIRED? Click here to make a gift in honor of Jen and help expand the NEXT Gen board's impact.

What made you join the NEXT for AUTISM NEXT Gen Board?
My daughter is on the spectrum and I want to make her world as inclusive and supportive as she deserves. I want to be a part of a community that understands and whose mission is to make the world a better place for her, others like her, and their families.

What's important to you as you look ahead for the future of autistic adults?
The opportunity to be included, appreciated, and respected at the workplace, in their social groups, and by their community is incredibly important to me.

What are your goals as a NEXT Gen Board Member?
As my autistic daughter gets older, I worry about the challenges she'll face as an adult. With NEXT's focus on programs that support autistic adults in the home, at the workplace, in social settings, and providing opportunities to positively impact their health and well-being, I feel hopeful and supported for the future of my daughter and other autistic individuals and their families.

FEELING INSPIRED? Click here to make a gift in honor of Kim and help expand the NEXT Gen board's impact.

What made you join the NEXT for AUTISM NEXT Gen Board?
There are incredible organizations that focus on children with autism but not many that focus on autistic adults. There is a huge gap here to serve this population and therefore, so many incredible opportunities to support them through this journey. I also personally interned with several of NEXT's programming and was truly inspired by the impact NEXT is making on a daily basis.

What's important to you as you look ahead for the future of autistic adults?
It's important that autistic adults be given the opportunities all adults have to contribute to the workforce, society, and home. There is so much white space and so many impactful ways these opportunities can be
created.

What are your goals as a NEXT Gen Board Member?
As the mission states, I believe that all autistic adults deserve to live a productive and fulfilling life, which can often come from the job they do at work. It can bring purpose and meaning to their life and
allow them to feel their impact on the society and economy around them. A lot needs to be done within companies to facilitate those opportunities to be open for autistic adults.

FEELING INSPIRED? Click here to make a gift in honor of Kayla and help expand the NEXT Gen board's impact.

What made you join the NEXT for AUTISM NEXT Gen Board?
Someone you know loves someone with autism. That rings true for me, as I am sure it does for all the members of the NEXT Gen board. Not only is the mission of NEXT for AUTISM critically important, what drew me to the organization was and is its tremendous impact.

What's important to you as you look ahead for the future of autistic adults?
Continued identification of ways to increase opportunity and access in all aspects of life, particularly improving neurodiversity in the workplace.

What are your goals as a NEXT Gen Board Member?
I have been working with the NEXT Gen Board since its inception, and one of the things I have always been impressed with is NEXT's ability to think ahead and anticipate where there are gaps that need to be addressed. While all of the areas of focus resonate with me, I am excited about the current work to support aspiring professionals and employers to ensure improved neurodiversity in the workplace. I have seen employees at my own Company engage with NEXT CONNECTS and am excited about the expansion of the program and the impact that it will have.

FEELING INSPIRED? Click here to make a gift in honor of Tania and help expand the NEXT Gen board's impact.

What made you join the NEXT for AUTISM NEXT Gen Board?
My youngest brother is autistic and I've seen firsthand the importance of support systems, inclusive environments, and equal opportunities. Even at his young age, he's already thinking about where he'll fit in the adult world - socially and vocationally. I'm grateful and excited to be part of an organization that's committed to forging paths forward for all autistic individuals to lead happy, fulfilling, and meaningful lives.

What's important to you as you look ahead for the future of autistic adults?
Many programs support autistic individuals only until the age of 18. It's critical to expand opportunities for neurodivergent individuals throughout their lives. Being able to participate in meaningful work can not only enhance the lives of autistic adults but can enhance the workplace for all. Additionally, this provides important opportunities for social connections and relationships both in and out of the workplace.

What are your goals as a NEXT Gen Board Member?
I'm eager to support the board and NEXT's mission by expanding our reach and partnerships with organizations and businesses that will employ-- and embrace -- autistic adults. I believe that meaningful employment can be fundamental to one’s fulfillment and well-being. In addition to bolstering financial stability, employment can also promote a sense of purpose, belonging, and identity. However, autistic individuals often face significant barriers to accessing and maintaining employment due to stigma, discrimination, and lack of support. I aspire to promote and raise awareness for programs that prioritize employment and advocate for a more inclusive workforce for autistic adults.

FEELING INSPIRED? Click here to make a gift in honor of Emily and help expand the NEXT Gen board's impact.