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 […]
autism siblings
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]