Autism employment statistics continue to be of concern. Many autistic adults are underemployed or have difficulty securing employment. Mentorship is one method to promote employment. A tried-and-true practice of building a professional community and career advancement, mentorship’s main premise is that a mentee learns from a mentor who has more knowledge, skills, and abilities, and […]
Autistic Adults, Increasing Professional Understanding: An Interview with Dr. Peter Gerhardt, by Patricia Wright, PhD, MPH, NEXT for AUTISM’s Senior Vice President, Strategic Initiatives
Dr. Peter Gerhardt, a champion of the need for effective services for autistic adults for decades, participated in an interview for this month’s Connecting the Dots blog, a blog hosted by ABAI with a goal to disseminate behavioral science to a broader audience. Dr. Gerhardt is also a member of NEXT for AUTISM’s Advisory Board. […]
Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week 2021, by Brad Walker, VP, Strategic Adult Initiatives, NEXT for AUTISM
Brad Walker, VP, Strategic Adult Initiatives, NEXT for AUTISM More than 4.5 million people have chosen to work professionally in the role of a direct support professional (DSP). DSPs are the individuals providing daily support to 1.4 million people with intellectual developmental disabilities and autism across the country (Report to the President, 2017). The DSP […]
Mari Cerda, BCBA….Advocate….Autist. An interview by Patricia Wright, PhD, MPH, NEXT for AUTISM’s Senior Vice President, Strategic Initiatives
Mari Cerda, an amazing human who is working across multiple channels to improve the field of behavior analysis, participated in an interview for this month’s Connecting the Dots blog. A blog I am the editor for that looks to disseminate behavioral science on autism to a broader audience and showcase interesting autism topics and how […]
How to Determine if a Company is Inclusive and Welcoming to Employees on the Spectrum, by Lauren Todd Steinbacher, Director, Strategic Workforce Initiatives, NEXT for AUTISM
The number one question autistic job seekers and their allies ask me is how to find out if a company is inclusive and welcoming to employees on the spectrum. A few strategies to help determine a company’s inclusive culture include: 1. Do a web search with the following keywords, “company name and autism.” Does anything […]
A Real Disability Story written by John Bryson
To disclose or not to? It’s a question autistic people must grapple with, especially in the workplace. Should you share that you are on the spectrum with your employer and colleagues? For many, there is an all-too-real fear of the potential repercussions to this decision to be open. How will my peers treat me? Will […]
A Statement of Purpose
NEXT for AUTISM is honored and grateful to partner in the upcoming #ColorTheSpectrum benefit. Since the benefit was announced, there have been some outrageous misinformation circulating about NEXT for AUTISM – its mission, methods, and partners. Eighteen years ago, NEXT for AUTISM was founded with the distinct purpose of providing supports and services for autistic […]
Organizational and Individual Change: The Road to Inclusion
Organizational and Individual Change: The Road to Inclusion By: Brad Walker and John Bryson, MS Ed, CESP As featured on Autism Spectrum News People with disabilities face many documented barriers to full inclusion in society. According to Article 3 of The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, one of the primary […]
Changing the Paradigm for How Adults with Autism Thrive
April 2, 2021 This last year has been a remarkable and challenging year for everyone. We have all experienced incalculable loss — of life, of opportunity, and of our daily patterns of living. For the community NEXT for AUTISM proudly serves, the isolation brought on by COVID-19 restrictions has only magnified the many disparities that […]
Women and Autism: Facts and Figures
March is Women’s History Month, and to celebrate and acknowledge the women in our community, we have been sharing facts about women and autism throughout the month. Did you know? Autism is 4 times more common in boys than girls, and women are diagnosed with autism later in life and less frequently than men. There […]
What’s next for NEXT for AUTISM?
Did you know there are 5.4 million adults living with autism in the United States? While the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has been collecting data and releasing information about the prevalence of autism in children for decades, 2020 marks the first time the CDC has reported on adults. If the past is prelude, availability […]
Reflections: Fathering A Young Black Man with Autism
These are peerless times. Last summer, I battled with anxiety and sadness when George Floyd was killed, and protests erupted across our country. This year, the assault on the Capitol left me feeling anger and despair. To cope, I’ve simply moved away from the negative energy on social media and disengaged from thoughts that can […]
Should I or Shouldn’t I Disclose My Disability?
By John Bryson, MS Ed, CESP Sr. Manager of Employment NEXT for AUTISM Two of the most frequently asked employment questions we receive at NEXT for AUTISM are: “Should I disclose my disability to a current or potential employer?” “What is the best way to disclose a disability to a current or potential employer?” Whether […]
Reflections: A Mother’s Journey
By Roxie Todd My daughter is forty-years-old and she has autism. We didn’t know she had autism until she was in her mid-twenties. Believe me, we knew something was different, we just didn’t know what it was. We had been to specialists from the time she was three-years-old looking for answers, each time receiving a different diagnosis, […]
Reflections: My Son Was My Start Over
In this new series, we bring you personal stories and heartfelt musings that we hope will lift our spirits and bring us closer together as a community. Our first guest is Jamiel Owens, an autism dad and the host of The Ausome Show. Jamiel shares his journey of becoming a father with the help of […]
That’s What Friends Are For – Friendship and ASD
That’s What Friends Are For – Friendship and ASD By Patricia Wright, PhD, MPH, Sr. VP of Program Development, NEXT for AUTISM How often have we all said or heard this simple statement? When a friend listens to our heartache, when they laugh uproariously about an incident shared in the past, when they make a […]
Grantee Spotlight: Shepherd’s Way
Community Heroes Shepherd’s Way By now, we’ve heard stories about individuals stepping up to support their communities during the pandemic, but this one is special. At Shepherd’s Way, a shared living program in Wichita, Kansas, the community heroes are adults with autism, who during the quarantine are so committed to their community that they’ve returned […]
Freddie Mac’s Neurodiversity Hiring Commitment
Freddie Mac’s Neurodiversity Hiring Commitment NEXT for AUTISM’s employment consulting client Freddie Mac has been at the forefront of neurodiversity hiring. Within five years of operating their Autism Internship Program, the company hired 9 out of 18 interns. Now Freddie Mac has rebranded and transitioned their program to a full-time model to establish a permanent […]
Neurodiversity Hiring – A Driving Force at Cintas
Neurodiversity Hiring – A Driving Force at Cintas By: Randy Siegel Working with NEXT for AUTISM’s employment consulting practice, Cintas has solidified its leadership in neurodiversity hiring within the commercial services industry. It operates nearly 500 facilities in North America, manufacturing and distributing corporate identity uniforms, mats, restroom supplies, and safety protection products to over […]
Congratulations to PSAE Class of 2020
Congratulations, Class of 2020! We’re so proud of the interns from the Project SEARCH Autism Enhancement employment program who celebrated graduation on June 23rd on Zoom. This was a particularly challenging year with interruptions due to the pandemic, yet the interns adjusted and finished strong under the steadfast guidance of the program team. The growth […]
What About the New Data on Adults with ASD?
What About the New Data on Adults with ASD? By Patricia Wright, PhD, MPH In May, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published its first study on the prevalence of autism in adults, which estimated that 5.4 million adults in the U.S. are living with autism. Although an estimate, this number is the […]
My Vision for the Future
By Lauren Steinbacher, Director, Corporate Employment, NEXT for AUTISM The business world has undergone dramatic shifts due to the COVID- 19 pandemic. Companies have contracted or shut down, some for good. Thirty-three million people filed for unemployment in the first seven weeks of this crisis. By most indicators, the world economy is experiencing extensive retrenchment. […]
What is it like NOT to be yourself?
By Patricia Wright, MPH, Senior VP Program Development, NEXT for AUTISM COVID-19 social distancing has caused all of us to redefine what it means to be social and it has not been comfortable. An act as natural as socializing is now weighted with complex calculations. We now have to navigate social rules that feel unfamiliar […]
Natural Supports in the Workplace
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The Gen-Z Autism Talent Pool
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Workplace Accommodations for Employees with Disabilities
In our work with companies to create sustainable and scalable talent acquisition programs for individuals with disabilities, we field questions about accommodations that expose a persistent lack of clarity. Here is a quick FAQ to help answer some of those questions. How do I know when to provide an accommodation? The employee will request an […]
Supporting Adults in Medical Situations
SUPPORTING ADULTS IN MEDICAL SITUATIONS By Brad Walker, V.P., Community Living Supports Families with adult children on the spectrum face an additional layer of concern during the COVID-19 crisis. How should they prepare for medical emergencies for their adult children, many of whom may not be able to effectively advocate for themselves? What supports can […]
COVID-19 Isolation with the Carleys: How a Dad on the Spectrum Copes
By Michael John Carley, Autism Self-Advocate & NEXT for AUTISM Board Member There was tempered joy upon seeing my 23-year-old, who is also on the spectrum, exit the station. On one hand, C.C. was with us, his family, to ride out the coronavirus in less-impacted Wisconsin, joining Kathryn, myself, and his 14-year old brother. We […]
How To Attend Online Meetings
By: John Bryson, MS Ed, CESP | Senior Manager, Corporate Consulting BEFORE THE MEETING Prepare Environment Choose a quiet place with good lighting for your online meeting. Do not sit with your back to a window, and make sure there is light on your face. If possible, avoid places with background noises such as TVs […]
Grantee Spotlight: Up and Away Immersive Musical Now Online!
In 2018, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City created an innovative musical, designed just for children with autism and their families. Up and Away was a sold-out event in which each child became part of the story and journeyed through the set with actors trained on the sensitivities and challenges of […]
A Letter From Ilene Lainer – April 2, 2020
As I write this letter, the global health crisis has firmly taken hold in New York City, NEXT for AUTISM’s home. I’m relieved to report that our staff is doing well, having adjusted to working remotely with agility and speed. NEXT for AUTISM is fully operational online. Consistent with our mission, we are planning for […]
How To Structure Your Day
Working from home presents challenges that can be overcome with structure and scheduling. NEXT for AUTISM, using evidence-based practice, suggests the following tips for all employees, especially those with autism. Establish a Routine Start and stop at the same time every day Dress according to your company’s dress code Set up a regular work area […]
Adjusting to the New Normal
ADJUSTING TO THE NEW NORMAL Like everyone else, the team at Project SEARCH Autism Enhancement (PSAE) had to respond rapidly to the forced shut down due to the COVID-19 crisis – and they did, achieving a smooth transfer to remote learning for each intern and resuming the program’s regular schedule, five days a week. While […]
Tips for Supporting Employees with Autism & Other Disabilities During Stressful Times
For employees who are neurodiverse, the current state of uncertainty can be amplified by their social and communication challenges. NEXT for AUTISM offers these strategies to managers and colleagues, as well as the general public, who can play a role in helping people with special needs during this time. How to Communicate With Your Employee […]
Staying Positive: Some Helpful Tips
By Patricia Wright, Ph.D. MPH Patricia Wright, Senior VP of Program Development, offers her thoughts on how parents might mitigate anxiety for themselves and their children with autism during tough times. This is a fluid situation. Stay informed but try not to check your newsfeed constantly. This will contribute to your anxiety, which will be […]
“There’s No Place Like Home”
Courtesy of The Arc By Brad Walker, V.P., Community Living Supports A recent, national report by The Arc confirmed that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those with autism, prefer to live in community-based settings. Community living, according to the report, is not only more cost effective, it also leads to positive outcomes in […]
Banding Together
Banding Together, a Night of Too Many Stars grantee, offers music therapy to hundreds of individuals with autism and developmental disabilities each year in San Diego County, California. Everyone gets a chance to play in these music sessions, while also learning skills such as expressing emotions, connecting with others, and socializing. What’s more, there are […]
The AAP’s Latest Recommendations on ASD: Our Takeaways
By Patricia Wright, Ph.D., MPH, and SVP Program Development The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently issued an updated clinical report on autism, its first in twelve years. The recommendations in “Identification, Evaluation and Management of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders” were notable for promoting early diagnosis and intervention and greater attention to adolescence and […]
20/20 Vision in 2020- A Letter from Ilene Lainer
As we enter a new decade, I’ve been thinking back on our work over the last ten years. Each of the programs that we built began with one common drive – to think forward and envision new possibilities for individuals and families living with autism. I look forward to the next decade, and am committed […]
There May Be An App For That
https://nextforautism.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/id-check-v2-600×338.jpg A guest blog by The Arc of Northern Virginia, a Night of Too Many Stars Grantee Every parent worries about their children’s safety, especially when the children are out in public. But parents of young adults with autism can live with heightened levels of concern. A casual excursion can easily turn into a traumatic […]
Making a Difference is the First Step
Brad Walker, VP of Community Living Supports, trains and consults with staff at NEXT for NEIGHBORS, our community living program currently in development. The program will employ the Professional Family Teaching Model, which emphasizes family-style living in a supportive, teaching environment for adults with autism. To honor National Caregivers Month, Brad celebrates two, exemplary professional […]
2019 Year End Review
Read about our 2019 work and accomplishments in our Year End Review!
Making the Arts Accessible to All
https://nextforautism.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Arts-Ed-Resize-300×300.png Museum outings are popular family affairs — meaningful activities that everyone can enjoy which are also educational. One challenge? The sensory stimuli can be overwhelming to some children, and even more so for some children with autism. Now, three museums across the country are doing something about it. Educators from the Kansas Children’s Discovery […]
The Case for Meaningful Work
https://nextforautism.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Copy-of-The-Case-for-Meaningful-Work-600×428.png by John Bryson, M.S.E, Sr. Manager, Corporate Employment Consulting, NEXT for AUTISM I’m often asked why I work in disability employment helping young people with autism and other disabilities prepare for and find meaningful work. My answer is always the same. I’m motivated by a case that lit a fire in me. Its senselessness […]
The Women of PSAE Get to Work!
https://nextforautism.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Screen-Shot-2019-09-03-at-4.49.42-PM-600×399.png By: Alison Bush, M.S., BCBA Meet Shannon. She’s one of two women who graduated in 2019 from our Project SEARCH Autism Enhancement internship and employment program or PSAE. Shannon was driven to land a meaningful job after the hard work that she’d put into the training program, and she did. She’s thrilled to be […]
Embracing the Amazing
On a recent afternoon, representatives from Queens Public School 219 brightened our day with an uplifting story about their school’s campaign to celebrate diverse abilities, “Embracing the Amazing.” The K-8 school in Flushing, Queens enrolls 700 students, twenty-seven percent of whom are on the autism spectrum. During the month-long celebration, children in the lower school […]
What’s New With Our Favorite Dads?
https://nextforautism.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/ed-kevin-leo-2-600×358.jpg Three years ago on Father’s Day, we introduced our readers to Ed Tournu and Kevin Donohue, two Long Island dads who had adopted a boy with autism. Though they had only intended to foster 13 year-old Leo at the time, until a permanent home could be found, the dads fell in love with Leo […]
Autism Interns Gain Real World Experience While Raising Awareness
On a recent spring day, Shannon and Jack, two interns from the Project SEARCH Autism Enhancement employment training program, were spotted at an information table, greeting passersby on NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital’s Westchester campus. They wanted to raise awareness about their program and the importance of work for people with autism. With the high rate of unemployment […]
A Happy Mother-Daughter Partnership
Mothers and daughters have connected over food for generations, but that wasn’t the reason that Arlene Maidman took her daughter, Julia, to cooking lessons four years ago. Family friends had gifted the lessons to Julia for her sweet 16, and Arlene just went along. But what she saw in Julia that afternoon changed both of […]
The Light In All Of Us
https://nextforautism.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Satya-and-Son-e1556742652157.jpg Satya, jewelry designer and the owner of Satya Jewelry, approached NEXT for AUTISM to partner on the launch of The Beautiful You Collection, which she had designed to honor the individuality and gifts of those on the autism spectrum. Satya is committed to celebrating our community and has pledged to donate a portion of […]
Open Yourself to a World of Possibility
https://nextforautism.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Pic1.jpg This remarkable 16-year-old high-school student, Shreya Suneja, became involved with autism causes when her younger cousin was diagnosed. She shares her story with us, hoping to inspire other young people towards greater acceptance of individuals with autism. Walking through the hallways of my high school, one thing has become very clear to me: we […]
Thinking Forward – April 2, 2019
We entered 2019 redoubling our efforts not only to build excellent model programs for people with autism and their families, but also to better define ourselves as an organization. I’d like to share some of our evolving insights with you, as they are our guide to moving forward. We Reimagine Autism Services. NEXT for AUTISM […]
Autistic Reflections: An Audiogram Series
Life on the autism spectrum presents a unique set of experiences every day. Check out these first-person reflections from autistic individuals on what it’s like navigating employment, a social calendar, prioritizing health and happiness, and defining what “home” means to them. Listen in on how autistic adults are thriving at work. Meet Dallas Dismuke: Dallas […]
Good Work That’s Good For Business
Good Work That’s Good For Business Photo courtesy of CINTAS Corporation In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month this October 2018, we offer this story about the progress corporations are making to diversify the workforce and include people with autism and other developmental disabilities. With the expertise of disability consultants at ADVICE, and support […]
A Second NYC Autism Charter School Opens in the South Bronx
NEXT for AUTISM had the proud pleasure of celebrating the opening of the second NYC Autism Charter School in the Bronx this fall. NEXT for AUTISM had the proud pleasure of celebrating the opening of the second NYC Autism Charter School in the Bronx this fall. Like the first autism charter school in Harlem, founded by […]
Night of Too Many Stars Grantee Spotlight: Spectrum Designs
We first worked with Spectrum Designs, the maker of customized apparel, totes and hats made by young people with autism in 2012. A small company with a big heart and expansive ambitions, Spectrum Designs is a success story still unfolding. Beyond producing merchandise for regional and autism-specific organizations, the firm recently signed with national and global […]
It’s Father’s Day! So What?
by Michael John Carley, NEXT for AUTISM Board Member As many people know, my son Will and I were diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome within a week of one another in late 2000, when Will was four. What some may not know, however, is that two days after my diagnosis, I figuratively stabbed him in the […]
New Charter School for Children with Autism Opens in Bronx, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Quynh Thai, qthai@nextforautism.org (212)759-3775 A new charter school dedicated exclusively to students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) will open on Thursday, September 7th, in Bronx, New York. This is the second school under the umbrella of NYC Autism Charter Schools. The first school opened in East Harlem in 2005. The NYC Autism Charter School […]
Project SEARCH Graduates Reunite
Graduates of our Project SEARCH Collaborates for Autism (PSCA) high school, transition-to-employment training program gathered at the NewYork-Presbyterian Center for Autism and the Developing Brain for a lively reunion last month with classmates, teachers and job coaches. Parents and employers also attended, underscoring the warmth and community cohesion that very much reflects NEXT for AUTISM’s […]
Surfers Healing a NEXT for AUTISM Grantee
Every parent can relate to the helplessness that Izzy and Danielle Paskowitz felt as they watched their young son lose himself in a tantrum at the beach one day. But not every parent would have arrived at their impromptu solution, which was to toss their son into the ocean to disrupt his internal storm and […]
Mothering Our Adult Son with Autism
By Liane Kupferberg Carter Before I became a mother, I harbored Hallmark fantasies about Mother’s Day. Here’s what I pictured: my children would make me burnt toast and runny eggs, serve it to me on a bed tray, and ply me with homemade cards, macaroni shell necklaces, and wild flowers they’d picked themselves. We’d spend […]
The NEXTGen Board Visits the BOOST! After School Program
In an effort to gain a deeper understanding of NYCA’s work, our NEXT Gen board of directors recently spent time with children and teen mentors at the Jewish Community Center Manhattan’s BOOST! After School Program, one of NYCA’s first and banner initiatives. Ilene Lainer, NYCA’s President, and Allison Kleinman, Director of the Jack and Shirley Silver […]
Employing Adults With Autism
Autism Speaks, New York Collaborates for Autism and Poses Family Foundation expand ADVICE to hire, train and retain employees on the spectrum From: AUTISM SPEAKS Aurelia Grayson 646-385-8531(o)646-740-1335 © aurelia.grayson@autismspeaks.org NEW YORK (January 9, 2017) – To enable adults with autism to work and live as independently as possible, Autism Speaks, New York Collaborates for […]
Happy New Year from NYCA’s Next Gen Board!
2017 is shaping up to be an exciting year for us on the new, Next Gen board. We formed early last year and by summer, had gotten to know each other and gain a greater understanding of the excellent work that NYCA does. Each of us has been impacted by autism, either directly through siblings […]
NEXT’s Very Own Superhero
Last year in fourth grade, Wesley Elkind had a brainstorm with his drawing teacher and mom. He wanted to work on an art-related project, but wasn’t quite sure what subject to choose. His teacher suggested that Wesley consider working on an issue that is personal to him, like autism. With an older brother on the […]
Fertile Ground for Collaboration
Through Night of Too Many Stars, NEXT for AUTISM proudly funds grantees whose programs improve the lives of people with ASD across the country. When we have the opportunity to pair two grantees, thereby enhancing each program, we feel even greater satisfaction. Not only does each grantee benefit from the collaboration, the field of autism services […]
Dr. Irwin Smigel 1924-2016
In memory of Dr. Irwin Smigel, a champion of NYCA. We send warm thoughts to Robert, Michelle, Bellanca and the entire Smigel family. New York Times Obituary October 17, 2016
Teen Talent Stages Another Hit Musical for NYCA
Andrew Feldman has done it again! We were thrilled last year when Andrew and friends staged a tribute to the Beatles for their Second Annual Cabaret to Benefit Autism to raise funds for NYCA. This year, the 14-year-old director, writer and star produced a rollicking, action-filled musical based on the movie Star Wars and in […]
THE A WORD AIRS TONIGHT ON SUNDANCETV, 10PM EST
NYCA is thrilled to partner with SundanceTV to promote this groundbreaking television series about a family’s struggle with autism. At the series premiere in New York, David Remnick, NYCA board member and editor of The New Yorker, moderated a lively panel that featured Peter Bowker, the series writer, Ilene Lainer, NYCA’s president, and Eli Gottlieb, […]
Growing Towards Joy and Independence
Click here to view video: https://youtu.be/D0I_q_WeFSA NYCA recently hosted a screening of Life, Animated, an award-winning documentary film based on the book, Life, Animated: a Story of Sidekicks, Heroes and Autism, by Ron Suskind. A panel discussion followed, moderated by David Remnick, editor of The New Yorker magazine and NYCA board member, and featuring Ilene […]
The Lucky Ones
Pictured above: Edwin (left), Leo (center) and Kevin (right). When Ed Tournu’s leg was amputated due to a medical condition, he felt that his life was over. “I thought I was going to sit in a wheel chair all day and do nothing,” he recalled. Eight years later, Ed has worn out three prosthetic legs. […]
A Special Parent -Teacher Bond
In Honor of All Teachers During Teacher Appreciation Month Pictured above: Mildred and her son, Jan Luis When six-year-old Jan Luis started at the NYC Autism Charter School (NYCACS), he quickly became attached to his teacher Chelsey, so much so that when dismissal came around each day, he would throw himself onto the ground, refusing […]
Twenty Minutes
By: Michelle Smigel Before I had a baby, I would look at other moms with their kids and think to myself, Wow, I’m going to be different. I’m gonna be the cool mom. The mom all the kids love and will want to play with forever. When my son, Daniel, was born 18 years ago, […]
Celebrating Community Connections
During Autism Awareness Month, we have been celebrating people on the autism spectrum and their friendships with this series of heartwarming photos. Thank you for celebrating with us! #NYCACommunityConnections Photo credit: Eric Vitale Photography
Celebrating Community Connections
Only a few weeks left in April! NYCA is celebrating people on the autism spectrum and the communities that embrace them. Join us by sharing our posts and your own stories using #NYCACommunityConnections
Celebrating Community Connections
NYCA is celebrating individuals on the autism spectrum and the communities that embrace them. What activities do you enjoy doing with your friend, family or community member on the autism spectrum? Comment and use hastag #NYCACommunityConnections
A Spectrum of Love Part II: When Romantic Love is Not Attained
An Interview with Dr. Mary E. Van Bourgondien, Ph.D., Clinical Director of the Chapel Hill TEACCH Center at the University of North Carolina We turn our focus to the majority of people with ASD for whom traditional, romantic relationships may seem out of reach. Without traditional romance, how can the needs that are typically met […]
Celebrating Community Connections
NYCA continues to celebrate people on the autism spectrum and the communities that embrace them. Comment and tell us what you’ve learned from a friend, family or community member on the autism spectrum using hashtag #NYCACommunityConnections
Celebrating Community Connections
It’s officially Autism Awareness month! Throughout April, NYCA is celebrating people on the autism spectrum and the communities that embrace them. Stay tuned to our social media and help us spread the word using hashtag #NYCACommunityConnections Facebook Twitter LinkedIn
A Spectrum of Love
A Spectrum of Love Romantic love, a yearning made urgent by Cupid’s visit this month, is a subject with which many in our community are preoccupied. They wonder if and how they will find love, and when they do, how they might navigate its occasionally tricky waters. We spoke to Dr. Catherine Lord, Director of […]
Support Competitive Employment for Young Adults with Autism
Meet Geoffrey! After completing 600 hours of on-site job training through Project SEARCH Collaborates for Autism,* Geoff gained the confidence and skills he needed to secure competitive employment. Your important donations empower young adults with autism to reach their full potential. Watch the video below to learn more about Geoff’s journey and how you can […]
Guilt Free Spending
Help New York Collaborates for Autism continue to connect communities and create capacity by making a donation this Giving Tuesday. To make a donation, visit: www.nyc4a.org/donate To learn more about the programs and services your gift will support, visit: nyc4a.org/portfolio. *$25.00 donation to New York Collaborates for Autism. Charges will appear on your wireless bill, […]
Thank You from the NYCA Community!
Watch video here: https://vimeo.com/146025138 In the spirit of giving thanks, it is our pleasure to share a very special thank you message from the NYCA community.
The 2nd Annual Cabaret to Benefit Autism, “All You Need: A Beatles Cabaret”
On July 30th, over 300 community members, performers and volunteers attended the second annual Cabaret to Benefit Autism held in Woodmere, NY to support NYCA. At this year’s event, “All You Need: A Beatles Cabaret,” 13-year old Andrew Feldman (producer, director, drummer, vocalist) and friends performed over 30 iconic Beatles songs from “All You Need […]
Father’s Day, Venturing Into the Deep End
By: Steven Kantor Typical greeting card sentiments just don’t capture the joys and disappointments of being a father of a child with autism. My youngest son Ari, now 18, was diagnosed with autism at 23 months. I dream of designing a greeting cards line for families with autism. Something like: “Happy Father’s Day! I know […]
Neighborhood Network of New York Receives $1 Million Grant to Launch First of its Kind Community Living Services Program for Adults with Autism
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Tara DiMilia, 908-369-7168 Innovativeprototype to be launched in Westchester with the intent of replicatingthroughout NYS New York, NY, – Neighborhood Network of NewYork (NNNY) has been awarded a $1,083,233 grant by the New York State Office For People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) to develop a first-of-a-kind, person-centered, community based service network […]
Theatre Development Fund- Night of Too Many Stars Grantee Spotlight
Grantee Spotlight: Theatre Development Fund New York, NY Since 2011, Theatre Development Fund (TDF) has been sharing the magic of Broadway with children and adults with autism and their families through their Autism Theatre Initiative (ATI). According to Lisa Carling, Director of TDF Accessibility Programs, “As we talked to parents, special education teachers and psychologists, […]
Exceptional Minds- Night of Too Many Stars Grantee Spotlight
Grantee Spotlight: Exceptional Minds Sherman Oaks, CA Kevin Titcher with Stargate Studios CEO Sam Nicholson Exceptional Minds is a vocational school and working production studio that fosters remarkable creativity and talent among young adults with autism interested in pursuing a career in the digital arts. The organization, located just miles outside of Hollywood, offers a […]
Celebrate Another Year With Us!
NYCA has gathered several of our favorite highlights from 2014. While much progress has been made, the need for support still exceeds the current services available to people living with autism. Make the future brighter for people living with autism by making a special year-end gift today. Visit: www.nyc4a.org/donate2014
The Homestead- Night of Too Many Stars Grantee Spotlight
Grantee Spotlight: The Homestead Cedar Rapids, IA Pictured above: Jeff, Taylor, Leighton and Lindsey. Founded in 1991 by a dedicated group of parents and professionals in Central Iowa, the Homestead was created to address the lack of services being provided to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. Over the past two decades, […]
National Funders Collaborate to Release Groundbreaking Work
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NATIONAL FUNDERS COLLABORATE TO SUPPORT GROUNDBREAKING WORK IN DISABILITY AND EMPLOYMENT New York, N.Y. (October 29, 2014) – Autism Speaks, Kessler Foundation, May and Stanley Smith Charitable Trust, New York Collaborates for Autism and Poses Family Foundation, have collectively committed almost $7.5 million to support groundbreaking work in disability and inclusion in employment in 2014 and 2015. The […]
National Funders Collaborate to Support Groundbreaking Work in Disability & Employment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NATIONAL FUNDERS COLLABORATE TO SUPPORT GROUNDBREAKING WORK IN DISABILITY AND EMPLOYMENT New York, N.Y. (October 29, 2014) – Autism Speaks, Kessler Foundation, May and Stanley Smith Charitable Trust, New York Collaborates for Autism and Poses Family Foundation, have collectively committed almost $7.5 million to support groundbreaking work in disability and inclusion in employment in 2014 and 2015. […]
NYCA Donor Spotlight: From a Night in Paris to a Broadway Style Cabaret!
Meet Annie, a 13-year-old on a mission to make a difference in the lives of people living with autism. Annie organized a Paris-themed Bat Mitzvah in March 2014 where she raised money from friends and family to support NYCA. Annie’s celebration included Eiffel Tower-themed décor, endless French cuisine and even an appearance from Mr. Met! […]
Growing Solutions Farm- Night of Too Many Stars Grantee Spotlight
Grantee Spotlight: Growing Solutions Farm Chicago, IL Growing Solutions Farm is located on 1.2 acres in the heart of Chicago. Launched in 2013 by the Julie + Michael Tracy Family Foundation (JMTF), as part of JMTF’s Urban Autism Solutions initiative, it was created to address the nearly 90% unemployment rate among individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders […]
Staying Active with Autism
By: Guest Blogger Steven Becker, Vice President, Health & Wellness Services, Jewish Community Centers of North America Recipient of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition 2014 PCFSN Community Leadership Award Everyone knows that childhood obesity rates are at an all time high. Not everyone is aware that those numbers are significantly higher for children […]
Autism in the Workforce: It Makes Good Business Sense!
By: New York Collaborates for Autism and Arc of Westchester Pictured above: Paul Stein, Yonkers Assistant District Attorney, with Geoff, PSCA graduate. The Yonkers District Attorney’s office is one of the many employers in the Westchester area that has hired a graduate of the high school to employment transition program, Project SEARCH Collaborates for Autism. With Arc of Westchester’s help, […]
How to Stay Safe Around the Water this Summer and Year-Round
By: Guest Blogger Kristine Meyerson, Aquatics Specialist, YMCA of the USA Summer is a time of year when parents must be vigilant about water safety, and this is particularly true for parents of children with autism. While water safety and drowning prevention should be top of mind for all parents during the warm summer months, […]
Congratulations to the Project SEARCH Collaborates for Autism Class of 2014!
On Wednesday, June 25, family and friends came together to celebrate the 2014 Project SEARCH Collaborates for Autism (PSCA) graduating class, who successfully completed the one year internship program. Over the course of the school year, the interns spent close to 600 hours working in three different internships and received 300 hours of training in competitive, transferable […]
What Father’s Day Means to Me as an Autism Dad
By: Rick Goldsmith NYCA Board Member Traditionally, Father’s Day is considered a time for children to honor their fathers by buying them presents, treating them to breakfast, or letting them do whatever they want. However, it is also a time for fathers to reflect on their relationships with their children and how they have enriched […]
KABLAAM!!! A Comic Book Hero with Autism Smashes Stereotypes
By: Guest Blogger Dave Kot, Founder of Autism at Face Value ©Autism at Face Value 2013 Pssst…Michael is The Zephyr! Revealed here for the first time, this comic book hero’s secret identity may not seem like a huge revelation. Does it matter more to know that Michael/The Zephyr is the world’s first Golden-Age Comic Book […]
Project SEARCH Autism Curriculum to Expand
Pictured above: The Project SEARCH Autism-Augmentation Team. From bottom left: Ilene Lainer, Executive Director (NYCA); Erin Riehle, Director, Disabilities Services (CCHMC), Founder and Director (Project SEARCH); Maryellen Daston, Consultant for Research and Communications (Project SEARCH, CCHMC). From top left: Glenna Osborne, Associate Director Supported Employment (UNC- TEACCH); Jerry Philip, Program Development Manager (NYCA), Amie Duncan, […]
CELEBRATE 10 YEARS WITH US and GIVE NOW This year NYCA is celebrating 10 years of helping individuals with autism and their families. In honor of our birthday, we’ve gathered NYCA’s 10 of our most memorable triumphs in autism. Make the future brighter for people living with autism by making a special year-end gift today. We know great […]
https://nextforautism.org/celebrate-10-years-with-us-and-give-now-this/
Project SEARCH Collaborates for Autism
Pictured above: Marice (left) a PSCA intern and Dr. Molly Losh, the Jane and Michael Hoffman Associate Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Northwestern University. 10 Years, 10 Triumphs Triumph 9: Night of Too Many Stars Brings Project SEARCH Collaborates for Autism to Have Dreams and Northwestern University Thanks to a grant provided by […]
A Teacher in Training at the Hunter Autism Research, Practice & Policy Program
10 Years, 10 Triumphs Triumph 8: Hunter College Teaches the Teachers Tricia Mahalko is a special ed vet with 20 years of experience. For the past 7 years, Tricia has worked at PS 186Q in Bellerose, Queens. The elementary school has 40 children with autism. The school’s special education program chose Tricia to attend the […]
Night of Too Many Stars Wins Emmy!
(Pictured above Robert Smigel (NYCA Board Member) and the Comedy Central Team) 10 Years, 10 Triumphs Triumph 7: And the Emmy Goes to…Night of Too Many Stars On Sunday night, Comedy Central’s Night of Too Many Stars won a Creative Arts Emmy for Outstanding Interactive Program. Other nominees in the category include Game of Thrones, Homeland, Top Chef, Killing […]
Advancing Futures for Adults with Autism 2013 Retreat
(On July 22, 2013, AFAA held its annual retreat at the new Center for Autism and Developing Brain (CADB). Members pictured above in the CADB gym.) 10 Years, 10 Triumphs Triumph 6: Setting the National Public Policy Agenda – Advancing Futures for Adults with Autism NYCA co-founded Advancing Futures for Adults with Autism (AFAA), a consortium of […]
BOOST! After School Program at the JCC Manhattan
10 Years, 10 Triumphs Triumph 5: NYCA Planted the Seeds for Inclusion and Programming with the JCC in Manhattan The creation of BOOST! is one of NYCA’s greatest triumphs in its 10-year history. As with all our collaborative programs, we researched best practices and found a terrific after-school program at Have Dreams in Park Ridge, Illinois. We […]
JCC & BOOST! Press Release
THE JCC IN MANHATTAN AND NEW YORK COLLABORATES FOR AUTISM CELEBRATE TEN YEARS OF INNOVATION Longstanding Partnership Has Generated New Opportunities for People on the Autism Spectrum NEW YORK, NY, July 16, 2013 — Over the past decade, the Jewish Community Center in Manhattan (JCC) has become a mission leader in the development of inclusion-oriented programs […]
Project SEARCH Collaborates for Autism Class of 2013
10 Years, 10 Triumphs Triumph 4: Project SEARCH Collaborates for Autism Last week, The Project SEARCH Collaborates for Autism (PSCA) Class of 2013 graduated from NYCA’s program that not only teaches them the skills to leave high school and find a job but gives their family hope for the future. Starting PSCA in 2011 was one of NYCA’s biggest […]
The Center for Autism and the Developing Brain Opens
10 Years, 10 Triumphs: Triumph 3 CADB Opens On Monday, our dream became a reality, the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain officially opened its doors to a new way of caring for people with autism. The state-of-the-art facility, which is located on New York-Presbyterian’s 214 acre Westchester Campus, serves children, adults and families dealing with […]
NYC Autism Charter School Peer Mentors Video
In 2005, we envisioned a place where children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) would not only learn from others but teach valuable lessons to their typically developing peers, teachers and community. We are proud to say that over the past 8 years we have seen this vision come to life.
Katy Perry and Jodi DiPiazza Moves Millions to Tears
10 YEARS, 10 TRIUMPHS: TRIUMPH 1 Over 6 Million Watched Jodi DiPiazza & Katy Perry This year NYCA is celebrating its 10 year anniversary by sharing our 10 triumphs in autism. In reflecting on the last 10 years, a very special moment stands out – the unforgettable duet of Jodi DiPiazza and Katy Perry at Comedy […]
10 YEARS, 10 TRIUMPHS IN AUTISM A Message from Ilene Lainer
By: Ilene Lainer I am the Co-Founder and Executive Director of NYCA. I am also the mother of two teenage sons, one who is typically developing and the other who has autism. It is my privilege to lead NYCA in collaborating to effect systems change regarding the way services are provided to people living with […]
