Jen Clark, Ph.D., Christopher “CJ” Wallace, and David Schwartzbaum Join NEXT for AUTISM’s Mission to Create National Programs That Enhance the Lives of Autistic Adults June 13, 2023 [New York, NY]—NEXT for AUTISM (NEXT), the leading nonprofit dedicated to transforming the national landscape of services for people with autism by strategically designing, launching, and supporting […]
Adults with Autism
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 […]
NEXT for AUTISM Establishes New Advisory Board – A Diverse Group of Individuals Who Will Provide Critical Feedback on the Organization’s Work
NEW YORK, July 15, 2021 — NEXT for AUTISM, a national nonprofit committed to changing the paradigm for how individuals with autism thrive throughout their adult lives, announces a newly formed advisory board focused on providing critical feedback on the nonprofit’s work. The Advisory Board, led by Patricia Wright, PhD, MPH, SVP of Strategic Initiatives, […]
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 […]
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 […]
Soap opera stars Chloe Lanier and Brytni Sarpy team up for NEXTERCISE, a virtual 5K.
The “soapoperadigest” released this article on 08/12/2020. See the original article here.
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 […]
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 […]
The AndersonCenter’s podcast, 1 in 54, hosted Patricia Wright, SVP of Program Development, and Brad Walker, VP of Community Living Supports to discuss NEXT for AUTISM’s programs and impact.
The “andersoncenterforautism” released this article on 06/20/2020. See the original article here.
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 […]
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 […]
“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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
20-year-old Julia has turned her passion for baking into meaningful work. Proud of her and all young adults with autism who are finding their own way to adulthood.
The “ny1” released this article on 03/31/2019. See the original article here.
The Coming Care Crisis as Kids With Autism Grow Up
The personal challenges and systemic barriers faced by adults with autism and their families are, indeed, as profound as outlined in The Atlantic article below. Life for adults with autism can be devoid of opportunity and hope. For parents, navigating a confusing system of support and facing an uncertain future are sources of unrelenting anguish, […]
2018 A Year of Empowerment
We empowered people with autism to thrive at work, at home, and in our communities with new programs and services. READ OUR ANNUAL REVIEW HERE
Video: What’s Next for Autism?
What’s Next for Autism? Meet Tamar, a recent graduate of our employment training program, as she embarks on a hopeful start at her first job. Laura Slatkin and Ilene Lainer provide impassioned interviews on NEXT for AUTISM’s vision for programs that support young adults like Tamar. Dr. Jeremy Veenstra-Vanderweele of the Center for Autism and […]
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 […]
PS-AE: 9 Interns, 9 Graduates, 9 Jobs
Project SEARCH Autism Enhancement Graduation 2018! As the 2019 class of employment training interns begins this fall at Project SEARCH Autism Enhancement, we thought everyone would enjoy this video of the previous year’s graduation. Note the pride as these graduates share their accomplishments. We, too, are proud. 9 Interns, 9 Graduates, 9 Jobs. Here’s to […]
Happy Grads Celebrate Dads
June is the month to celebrate graduates and honor fathers. This month, NEXT for AUTISM is celebrating a group of bright, young adults who are graduating from our Project SEARCH Autism Enhancement employment training program at NY-Presbyterian Hospital in White Plains. After ten months of job skills training and internships, our graduates are setting off […]
“I Want to Keep You Every Day”
Launching a child into adulthood is, by all standards of motherhood, an endeavor of balance. It requires both faith in your child’s ability to be independent and confidence that she will circle back to you for support and love. For a mother of a child with autism, gaining interdependence with your child can be elusive, […]
Working Toward Adulthood
As Autism Awareness Month draws to a close, we at NEXT for AUTISM would like to highlight a key focus of our work – advancing the future for adults with autism by creating more opportunities for them. Our work addresses every life stage of individuals with autism and their families, so designing and building model […]
An Employer’s Perspective
Guest Blog Post by Keedra Cotton, Pre-Analytical Supervisor at Quest Diagnostics in Tucker, GA. What I Learned From Managing People With Autism Spectrum Disorder Jordan dreamed of finding a career that would allow her to excel using her skills and talents. Though her dream is one that she shares with many, Jordan is a person […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]