NEW YORK, NY, July, 3, 2021 – NEXT for AUTISM, a leading nonprofit organization supporting the needs of autistic people and their families across the country, today announced $25,000 Color the Spectrum Community Grants. Funded by the proceeds from NEXT for AUTISM’s Color the Spectrum, a livestream fundraising event held earlier this year to provide […]
autism awareness
NEXT for AUTISM is the “Featured Charity of the Week” on page 26 of The Week Junior
Next for Autism supports educational and employment program for prople with autism… Read more
NEXT for AUTISM is the “Featured Charity of the Week” on page 26 of The Week Junior.
The “The Week Junior” released this article on 04/30/2021. See the original article here.
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 […]
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 […]
Forbes article, The State Of Autism Employment In 2021, mentions NEXT for AUTISM’s employment work.
The “forbes” released this article on 01/12/2021. See the original article here.
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 […]
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.
An update on the NEXT for AUTISM Relief Fund.
Dear Friend, At the onset of the COVID-19 health crisis, NEXT for AUTSM pivoted quickly and launched a Relief Fund to address the immediate needs of individuals and families living with autism across various states. We wanted to ease the disruption and pain points felt in our community. Your overwhelming response enabled the Relief Fund […]
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. […]
Patricia Wright is featured in Ability Magazine discussing COVID-19 and our programs.
The “abilitymagazine” released this article on 06/12/2020. See the original article here.
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 […]
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 […]
NEXT for AUTSM board member Yie-Hsin Hung is highlighted is Barron’s Women in Finance.
The “barrons” released this article on 03/20/2020. See the original article here.
“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 […]
Read about artist Rebecca Moses’ work for Fragrance Week which benefits NEXT for AUTISM.
The “wwd” released this article on 02/19/2020. See the original article here.
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 […]
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 […]
KCBS San Francisco and the A2A Alliance interviewed the president of NEXT for AUTISM for these radio podcast. Listen Now!
The “a2aalliance” released this article on 05/05/2019. See the original article here.
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 […]
Dr. Patricia Wright, VP of Program Development, talks with Bronx Net TV’s Daren Jaime about our work. #autismawareness
The “bronxnet” released this article on 04/17/2019. See the original article here.
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.
An interview with Laura Slatkin, Board President & Co-founder, on what drives her in business and at NEXT for AUTISM. (Check out our shoutout 27 minutes into this podcast.)
The “wherebrainsmeetbeauty” released this article on 03/06/2019. See the original article here.
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 […]
Living Away but Staying Close
How To Stay In Touch With A Sibling With Autism From Afar Andrea Bennett, OTD, OTR/L, Manager of Program Development at NEXT for AUTISM, shares tips from her experience as a sib. For any sibling, leaving home for college, work, or a new life can be a challenging adjustment that is layered with emotions. This […]
CADB Turns 5! Looking Back, Planning Forward
It’s hard to believe that it has been five years since the launch of Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, a comprehensive diagnostic, treatment and research clinic for individuals with autism of all ages and their families. CADB, as we call it, was created by NEXT for AUTISM in partnership with NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and […]
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 […]
Come Power Pedal With Elisabeth!
The 2nd Annual NEXT for AUTISM Power Pedal event taking place this April 29th is a special gathering of friends and loved ones from diverse corners of our community. Teachers, coaches, therapists, doctors, lawyers, colleagues, aunts, siblings and even young people on the autism spectrum have committed to the one-hour, indoor ride. All are helping to raise […]
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.
