A NEXT for AUTISM Grantee Spotlight 2022 NEXT for AUTISM Grantee: Unscripted Learning Organization Type: Community-based Grant Categorie(s): Social WHO THEY ARE Unscripted Learning hosts unique educational programs for autistic teenagers and young adults. Using the theory of improv comedy, participants develop skills in teamwork, creative problem-solving, and leadership. Providing weekly workshops, autistic individuals are […]
Featured
NEXT IMPACT: UCF–Transitional Living Cohorts
A NEXT for AUTISM Grantee Spotlight 2022 NEXT for AUTISM Grantee: University of Central Florida–Center for Autism and Related Disabilities Organization Type: Community-based Grant Categorie(s): Home WHO THEY ARE The University of Central Florida Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UCF-CARD) is a key player in a statewide network that supports individuals with autism spectrum […]
Autism, Human Connection and the ‘Double Empathy’ Problem
This article by Steve Silberman (1957-2024) was originally published in Scientific American in September 2023. Steve was an award-winning science writer whose articles have appeared in Wired, the New York Times, the New Yorker, the Financial Times, the Boston Globe, the MIT Technology Review, Nature, Salon, Shambhala Sun, and many other publications. His book NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity (2015), […]
NEXT IMPACT: Urban Autism Solutions
A NEXT for AUTISM Grantee Spotlight 2022 NEXT for AUTISM Grantee: Urban Autism Solutions Organization Type: Community-based Grant Categorie(s): Work WHO THEY ARE Founded in 2012, by Julie & Mike Tracy, the parents of a young man with autism, Urban Autism Solutions (UAS) is dedicated to changing outcomes for young adults with autism through an […]
NEXT IMPACT: Blue Forge Group
A NEXT for AUTISM Grantee Spotlight 2022 NEXT for AUTISM Grantee: Blue Forge Group (Create4U) Organization Type: Autistic-led Grant Categorie(s): Work WHO THEY ARE Since their formation in 1989, Blue Legacy (Blue Forge Group) has worked with autistic artisans of all ages to “empower, educate, and elevate” through its free art programs. Founded by autistic […]
Building and Supporting Neurological Diversity: What’s Next?
By Cass Cooper, CRN June 10, 2024 When it comes to building and supporting neurological diversity in the IT channel, there are numerous ways to strategize around increasing equity and inclusive leadership. Utilizing metrics, internal polling and organizational focus groups are a wonderful way to start. But what about tangible ways to increase representation within […]
NEXT IMPACT: Shepherd’s Way
A NEXT for AUTISM Grantee Spotlight 2022 NEXT for AUTISM Grantee: Shepherd’s Way Organization Type: Community Grant Categorie(s): Home WHO THEY ARE Shepherd’s Way was formed in response to an 18-year-old with autism, who found themselves living in a homeless shelter. The model centered around a 1:1 peer live-in mentor, teaching the independent living skills […]
New autistic-friendly business directory aims to encourage acceptance and inclusion
Shared from Yahoo!Life and Megan Gleason, Albuquerque Journal, N.M. May 27, 2024 A new directory highlights local and online businesses with sensory-friendly environments and neurodivergent awareness. It’s a way to help people with autism find everyday businesses where they feel comfortable and accepted. Dr. Rebecca Evanko is the autistic co-founder and executive director of Wilderwood, […]
NEXT CONNECTS: A Mentorship Connection Founded on Business
NEXT CONNECTS: A Mentorship Connection Founded on Business NEXT CONNECTS is a bi-directional mentorship initiative developed by NEXT for AUTISM. NEXT matches professionals who have established careers with autistic college students who will soon be seeking entry into the workforce. Mentors will provide support as well as collaboratively set personalized mentoring goals, promote career advancement opportunities, […]
NEXT IMPACT: The Arc Westchester–Project Search
A NEXT for AUTISM Grantee Spotlight 2022 NEXT for AUTISM Grantee: The Arc Westchester (Project SEARCH) Organization Type: Community Grant Categorie(s): Work WHO THEY ARE The Arc Westchester was founded in 1949 by parents who saw a need for a family-led organization to provide services embedded in the community. Today they provide innovative support to […]
Neuroinclusion in Business Innovation: Jim Hogan TEDx Talk
The imperative role of neuroinclusion in driving business innovation | Jim Hogan | TEDxBrisbane Jim Hogan, Chief Innovation Evangelist, Google Cloud and Vice President, Accessibility in Technology for Google’s Disability Alliance, Board Member at NEXT for AUTISM In this talk, Jim takes us on a journey filled with humour, heartache, insights, and revelations about the […]
NEXT IMPACT: The Ed Asner Family Center
A NEXT for AUTISM Grantee Spotlight 2022 NEXT for AUTISM Grantee: The Ed Asner Family Center Organization Type: Community Grant Categories: Social WHO THEY ARE Established in 2017, The Ed Asner Family Center (TEAFC) empowers individuals of all abilities with dignity, confidence, and self-respect through innovative arts and vocational enrichment programs. Their comprehensive offerings encompass […]
NEXT IMPACT: Sibling Leadership Network
A NEXT for AUTISM Grantee Spotlight 2022 NEXT for AUTISM Grantee: Sibling Leadership Network Organization Type: Community Grant Categories: Social WHO THEY ARE Founded in 2007, the Sibling Leadership Network has a mission to provide siblings of individuals with disabilities the information, support, and tools needed to advocate WITH their brothers and sisters and to […]
NEXT CONNECTS: An Animated Mentorship
NEXT CONNECTS: An Animated Mentorship Success Story NEXT CONNECTS is a bi-directional mentorship initiative developed by NEXT for AUTISM. NEXT matches professionals who have established careers with autistic college students who will soon be seeking entry into the workforce. Mentors will provide support as well as collaboratively set personalized mentoring goals, promote career advancement opportunities, engage […]
NEXT IMPACT: Communication 4 ALL
A NEXT for AUTISM Grantee Spotlight 2022 NEXT for AUTISM Grantee: Communication 4 ALL Organization Type: Autistic-Led Grant Categories: Home, Social, Work WHO THEY ARE Communication 4 ALL is on a mission to ensure that more than 30 million people with nonspeaking autism worldwide have access to communication and education. Founded on April 7, 2022, […]
Project SEARCH Autism Enhancement Graduation 2023!
The Arc Westchester New York June 22, 2023 On June 20th, six participants of our Project SEARCH Autism Enhancement program graduated from their internship positions, celebrating their achievement with parents and loved ones in a small ceremony at the New York-Presbyterian Westchester Behavioral Health in White Plains. Project SEARCH Autism Enhancement (PS-AE) is a ten-month […]
A celebration 20 years in the making
Sunday, April 2, 2023 It’s World Autism Awareness Day and the beginning of #AutismAcceptanceMonth. This year, the team at NEXT for AUTISM is celebrating our 20th anniversary. We are reflecting on 20 years of listening, innovating, empowering, and sharing. Driven by our deep belief that individuals with autism deserve to live fulfilling and productive lives, NEXT has two decades […]
“Myth-busting” The Role of the Direct Support Professional: Professionalizing the DSP
By Brad Walker, Vice-President, Strategic Adult Initiative at NEXT for AUTISM and Shelly May, Deputy Director, Johnson County Developmental Supports/Board President – InterHab Autistic and intellectually developmentally disabled (IDD) adults desperately need quality community-based professional support. Close to 200,000 autistic individuals are waiting for access to a safe home and professionally developed DSPs, where they […]
NEXT Gen Connect: The “New” Mentorship by Patricia Wright, PhD, MPH, Senior VP, Strategic Initiatives, NEXT for AUTISM
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 […]
