The Most Wonderful Time of Year? Popular culture often states this is the ‘most wonderful time of year’, but for many adults, especially those who are neurodivergent, it can be the most daunting. Navigating social pressures, a constant barrage of sensory stimuli, and a lack of structure is a trifecta for feeling overwhelmed. When most […]
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Grant Impact Report: 2022-2023
Impact Report Featuring 2022-23 Autistic-Led and Community-Based Grantee Organizations At NEXT for AUTISM, we believe that everyone deserves to live a productive and fulfilling life. To achieve this vision, we strategically design, launch, and support innovative programs that transform the national landscape of services for autistic individuals. NEXT for AUTISM’s grants program drives our mission […]
NEXT for AUTISM Presents Night of Too Many Stars 2025 with host Jon Stewart
Jon Stewart, Ronny Chieng, Alex Edelman, Susie Essman, Jeff Garlin, Sam Morril, and Adam Sandler will return to NEXT for AUTISM’s Night of Too Many Stars—a live comedy event to benefit autism programs nationwide at New York City’s Beacon Theatre on March 31, 2025 Tickets On-Sale December 13, 2024, for Night of Too Many Stars, […]
NEXT IMPACT: Unscripted Learning
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 […]
Hosting A Neuro-Affirming Holiday Event
Making Memories for All: Hosting a Neuro-Affirming Holiday Event The holidays are a time for celebration, connection, and merriment. Whether it be with family, friends, coworkers, or new acquaintances, this time of year is full of interactions. Just as festive gatherings can bring joy and connection, they can also be overwhelming with social expectations, changes […]
Giving Thanks
Giving Thanks for the People I Connected with This Year As I reflect on the past year, the thing I’m grateful for is the people I’ve met and spent time getting to know. While this holds in all facets of my life, it is particularly true of my time with NEXT and in the autism […]
Fidget Gift Guide: Sensory Relief During the Holidays
Looking for a Sensory Gift? This Fidget Gift Guide Is a Great Place to Start As the holidays approach, finding a gift that won’t end up back in the store can be a challenge. For the neurodivergent individuals in your life, a thoughtfully chosen fidget can be a meaningful way to show support for their […]
Voting as a Neurodivergent Adult
A Conversation with Carolyn About Voting On the Eve of Election Day, NEXT for AUTISM team member Abigayle Jayroe connected with Carolyn, a dedicated voter, to discuss her experiences at the polls and what voting means to her. If you’re voting today, don’t forget that NEXT’s Day of Voting Resource is here to support you—everyone […]
From Fellows to DSP: Meet Mariza
Meet the Students Bridging the DSP Employment Gap: Profiles of NEXT for AUTISM FELLOWS Recipients Name: Mariza A. Major: AA Elementary Education Anticipated Graduation Year: 2025 What motivated you to apply for this employment-based scholarship opportunity? The reason why I applied for the employment-based scholarship is my current job. I work one-on-one with individuals who […]
Meet Seth Chea: Building a Bright and Inclusive Future for His Godson
Riseth (Seth) Chea called on his friends, family, and community to support his recent fundraiser to benefit NEXT for AUTISM. The motivation? His godson. NEXT for AUTISM: What inspired you to hold this fundraiser? SETH: I came across a (comedy fundraiser) on YouTube for NEXT for AUTISM. They explained what the organization was all about […]
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 […]
NEXT for AUTISM ANNOUNCES ITS 2024-25 AUTISTIC-LED AND COMMUNITY-BASED GRANT RECIPIENTS
31 Organizations Receive Grant Funding from NEXT for AUTISM to Support Autistic Adults in the Areas of Home, Work, and Social Well-being. September 26, 2024 (New York, NY)–NEXT for AUTISM, the leading nonprofit dedicated to transforming the national landscape of services for people with autism, announces its 2024-25 grant award recipients. This year, NEXT is […]
Meet Sree: A Teen Changing the Future for Autistic Adults
Q&A with Sree Bala, HS Student and Creator of Code For All Minds Sreenidi (Sree) Bala is a high school junior who has already made a big impact on the lives of neurodivergent individuals in her community and across the country. Her drive to make a difference includes the creation of Code for All Minds, […]
The Right to Vote and Disability Inclusion
Everyone deserves to live a productive and fulfilling life, including the right to vote! NEW! Voting In Person Guide National Voter Registration Day serves as an important reminder that everyone deserves the right to have their voice heard, including autistic adults who can take action by registering to vote. Who Can and Can’t Vote? Many […]
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 […]
2024-2025 NEXT for AUTISM FELLOWS RECIPIENTS ARE ANNOUNCED
NEXT for AUTISM has selected 20 new recipients of its work-based scholarship program. July 30, 2024 (New York, NY)–NEXT for AUTISM (NEXT), a leading nonprofit dedicated to transforming the national landscape of services for people with autism selects 20 college students to be part of the 2024-2025 NEXT for AUTISM FELLOWS work-based scholarship program. NEXT […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
NEXT for AUTISM Inaugural Fellowship Recipients Announced
NEXT for AUTISM FELLOWS is a new national scholarship program for students and professionals interested in working with neurodivergent adults November 15, 2023 (New York, NY)—NEXT for AUTISM (NEXT), a leading nonprofit dedicated to transforming the national landscape of services for people with autism by strategically designing, launching, and supporting innovative initiatives, has proudly awarded […]
NEXT IMPACT: B3 Coffee Pours It On
A NEXT for AUTISM Grantee Spotlight 2022 NEXT for AUTISM Color the Spectrum Grantee: B3 Coffee Organization Type: Austistic-Led Grant Category: Work WHO THEY ARE B3 Coffee started as a nonprofit pop-up coffee shop that provides positive visibility and community connection for adults with and without neurodevelopmental disabilities. Today they have a permanent location in […]
Where Are All the DSPs?
A NEXT for AUTISM Strategic Viewpoint Three years ago, John, a young man with autism, faced tremendous challenges, limited by his almost nonexistent communication skills. He was labeled as aggressive- scratching, kicking and pushing away any attempts at connection. John’s future looked bleak. But then, in August 2020, a compassionate and dedicated direct support professional […]
Article: Is Your Company Inclusive of Neurodivergent Employees?
Harvard Business Review February 16, 2022 by Michael Bernick Employers large and small are beginning to face a major demographic shift: the sharp increase in the neurodiverse workforce, made up of workers with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette’s syndrome, and other learning and mental health differences. Particularly, the number of people with autism entering the workforce in […]
NEXT for AUTISM Announces 2022 Community Grant Recipients
NEXT for AUTISM, the leading nonprofit dedicated to transforming the national landscape of services for people with autism by strategically designing, launching, and supporting innovative initiatives, announces more than $1.3 million awarded to 42 organizations in 20 states. 16 grant awards went to autistic led or centered initiatives. The 2022 Color The Spectrum Community grants […]
Meet Lindsay Valenti: Running Toward an Inclusive Future for Her Son
On February 12, 2023 Lindsay Valenti will take on a marathon endeavor, running the Publix Florida Marathon. In addition to the hours of training and marathon prep, she is fundraising to support NEXT for AUTISM as part of her journey. Lindsay is motivated to run the marathon to benefit NEXT for AUTISM, to support her […]
