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 […]
autism
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 […]
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 […]
Game On, Big Easy!
Golf may not be what first comes to mind when thinking about therapeutic interventions for young people with autism, but as taught by the Els Center of Excellence at the Els for Autism Foundation in Florida, it has turned out to be a winning choice. The Els for Autism Foundation, started by South African world […]
Night of Too Many Stars Grantee Spotlight: Spectrum Designs
We first worked with Spectrum Designs, the maker of customized apparel, totes and hats made by young people with autism in 2012. A small company with a big heart and expansive ambitions, Spectrum Designs is a success story still unfolding. Beyond producing merchandise for regional and autism-specific organizations, the firm recently signed with national and global […]
Employing Adults With Autism
Autism Speaks, New York Collaborates for Autism and Poses Family Foundation expand ADVICE to hire, train and retain employees on the spectrum From: AUTISM SPEAKS Aurelia Grayson 646-385-8531(o)646-740-1335 © [email protected] NEW YORK (January 9, 2017) – To enable adults with autism to work and live as independently as possible, Autism Speaks, New York Collaborates for […]
Growing Towards Joy and Independence
Click here to view video: https://youtu.be/D0I_q_WeFSA NYCA recently hosted a screening of Life, Animated, an award-winning documentary film based on the book, Life, Animated: a Story of Sidekicks, Heroes and Autism, by Ron Suskind. A panel discussion followed, moderated by David Remnick, editor of The New Yorker magazine and NYCA board member, and featuring Ilene […]
The Lucky Ones
Pictured above: Edwin (left), Leo (center) and Kevin (right). When Ed Tournu’s leg was amputated due to a medical condition, he felt that his life was over. “I thought I was going to sit in a wheel chair all day and do nothing,” he recalled. Eight years later, Ed has worn out three prosthetic legs. […]
A Special Parent -Teacher Bond
In Honor of All Teachers During Teacher Appreciation Month Pictured above: Mildred and her son, Jan Luis When six-year-old Jan Luis started at the NYC Autism Charter School (NYCACS), he quickly became attached to his teacher Chelsey, so much so that when dismissal came around each day, he would throw himself onto the ground, refusing […]
Twenty Minutes
By: Michelle Smigel Before I had a baby, I would look at other moms with their kids and think to myself, Wow, I’m going to be different. I’m gonna be the cool mom. The mom all the kids love and will want to play with forever. When my son, Daniel, was born 18 years ago, […]
Celebrating Community Connections
During Autism Awareness Month, we have been celebrating people on the autism spectrum and their friendships with this series of heartwarming photos. Thank you for celebrating with us! #NYCACommunityConnections Photo credit: Eric Vitale Photography
Celebrating Community Connections
Only a few weeks left in April! NYCA is celebrating people on the autism spectrum and the communities that embrace them. Join us by sharing our posts and your own stories using #NYCACommunityConnections
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 […]
Support Competitive Employment for Young Adults with Autism
Meet Geoffrey! After completing 600 hours of on-site job training through Project SEARCH Collaborates for Autism,* Geoff gained the confidence and skills he needed to secure competitive employment. Your important donations empower young adults with autism to reach their full potential. Watch the video below to learn more about Geoff’s journey and how you can […]
Guilt Free Spending
Help New York Collaborates for Autism continue to connect communities and create capacity by making a donation this Giving Tuesday. To make a donation, visit: www.nyc4a.org/donate To learn more about the programs and services your gift will support, visit: nyc4a.org/portfolio. *$25.00 donation to New York Collaborates for Autism. Charges will appear on your wireless bill, […]
Thank You from the NYCA Community!
Watch video here: https://vimeo.com/146025138 In the spirit of giving thanks, it is our pleasure to share a very special thank you message from the NYCA community.
Father’s Day, Venturing Into the Deep End
By: Steven Kantor Typical greeting card sentiments just don’t capture the joys and disappointments of being a father of a child with autism. My youngest son Ari, now 18, was diagnosed with autism at 23 months. I dream of designing a greeting cards line for families with autism. Something like: “Happy Father’s Day! I know […]
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 […]
Theatre Development Fund- Night of Too Many Stars Grantee Spotlight
Grantee Spotlight: Theatre Development Fund New York, NY Since 2011, Theatre Development Fund (TDF) has been sharing the magic of Broadway with children and adults with autism and their families through their Autism Theatre Initiative (ATI). According to Lisa Carling, Director of TDF Accessibility Programs, “As we talked to parents, special education teachers and psychologists, […]
Exceptional Minds- Night of Too Many Stars Grantee Spotlight
Grantee Spotlight: Exceptional Minds Sherman Oaks, CA Kevin Titcher with Stargate Studios CEO Sam Nicholson Exceptional Minds is a vocational school and working production studio that fosters remarkable creativity and talent among young adults with autism interested in pursuing a career in the digital arts. The organization, located just miles outside of Hollywood, offers a […]
Celebrate Another Year With Us!
NYCA has gathered several of our favorite highlights from 2014. While much progress has been made, the need for support still exceeds the current services available to people living with autism. Make the future brighter for people living with autism by making a special year-end gift today. Visit: www.nyc4a.org/donate2014
The Homestead- Night of Too Many Stars Grantee Spotlight
Grantee Spotlight: The Homestead Cedar Rapids, IA Pictured above: Jeff, Taylor, Leighton and Lindsey. Founded in 1991 by a dedicated group of parents and professionals in Central Iowa, the Homestead was created to address the lack of services being provided to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. Over the past two decades, […]
NYCA Donor Spotlight: From a Night in Paris to a Broadway Style Cabaret!
Meet Annie, a 13-year-old on a mission to make a difference in the lives of people living with autism. Annie organized a Paris-themed Bat Mitzvah in March 2014 where she raised money from friends and family to support NYCA. Annie’s celebration included Eiffel Tower-themed décor, endless French cuisine and even an appearance from Mr. Met! […]
Growing Solutions Farm- Night of Too Many Stars Grantee Spotlight
Grantee Spotlight: Growing Solutions Farm Chicago, IL Growing Solutions Farm is located on 1.2 acres in the heart of Chicago. Launched in 2013 by the Julie + Michael Tracy Family Foundation (JMTF), as part of JMTF’s Urban Autism Solutions initiative, it was created to address the nearly 90% unemployment rate among individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders […]
Staying Active with Autism
By: Guest Blogger Steven Becker, Vice President, Health & Wellness Services, Jewish Community Centers of North America Recipient of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition 2014 PCFSN Community Leadership Award Everyone knows that childhood obesity rates are at an all time high. Not everyone is aware that those numbers are significantly higher for children […]
Autism in the Workforce: It Makes Good Business Sense!
By: New York Collaborates for Autism and Arc of Westchester Pictured above: Paul Stein, Yonkers Assistant District Attorney, with Geoff, PSCA graduate. The Yonkers District Attorney’s office is one of the many employers in the Westchester area that has hired a graduate of the high school to employment transition program, Project SEARCH Collaborates for Autism. With Arc of Westchester’s help, […]
How to Stay Safe Around the Water this Summer and Year-Round
By: Guest Blogger Kristine Meyerson, Aquatics Specialist, YMCA of the USA Summer is a time of year when parents must be vigilant about water safety, and this is particularly true for parents of children with autism. While water safety and drowning prevention should be top of mind for all parents during the warm summer months, […]
Congratulations to the Project SEARCH Collaborates for Autism Class of 2014!
On Wednesday, June 25, family and friends came together to celebrate the 2014 Project SEARCH Collaborates for Autism (PSCA) graduating class, who successfully completed the one year internship program. Over the course of the school year, the interns spent close to 600 hours working in three different internships and received 300 hours of training in competitive, transferable […]
What Father’s Day Means to Me as an Autism Dad
By: Rick Goldsmith NYCA Board Member Traditionally, Father’s Day is considered a time for children to honor their fathers by buying them presents, treating them to breakfast, or letting them do whatever they want. However, it is also a time for fathers to reflect on their relationships with their children and how they have enriched […]
KABLAAM!!! A Comic Book Hero with Autism Smashes Stereotypes
By: Guest Blogger Dave Kot, Founder of Autism at Face Value ©Autism at Face Value 2013 Pssst…Michael is The Zephyr! Revealed here for the first time, this comic book hero’s secret identity may not seem like a huge revelation. Does it matter more to know that Michael/The Zephyr is the world’s first Golden-Age Comic Book […]
Project SEARCH Autism Curriculum to Expand
Pictured above: The Project SEARCH Autism-Augmentation Team. From bottom left: Ilene Lainer, Executive Director (NYCA); Erin Riehle, Director, Disabilities Services (CCHMC), Founder and Director (Project SEARCH); Maryellen Daston, Consultant for Research and Communications (Project SEARCH, CCHMC). From top left: Glenna Osborne, Associate Director Supported Employment (UNC- TEACCH); Jerry Philip, Program Development Manager (NYCA), Amie Duncan, […]
Project SEARCH Collaborates for Autism
Pictured above: Marice (left) a PSCA intern and Dr. Molly Losh, the Jane and Michael Hoffman Associate Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Northwestern University. 10 Years, 10 Triumphs Triumph 9: Night of Too Many Stars Brings Project SEARCH Collaborates for Autism to Have Dreams and Northwestern University Thanks to a grant provided by […]
A Teacher in Training at the Hunter Autism Research, Practice & Policy Program
10 Years, 10 Triumphs Triumph 8: Hunter College Teaches the Teachers Tricia Mahalko is a special ed vet with 20 years of experience. For the past 7 years, Tricia has worked at PS 186Q in Bellerose, Queens. The elementary school has 40 children with autism. The school’s special education program chose Tricia to attend the […]
Night of Too Many Stars Wins Emmy!
(Pictured above Robert Smigel (NYCA Board Member) and the Comedy Central Team) 10 Years, 10 Triumphs Triumph 7: And the Emmy Goes to…Night of Too Many Stars On Sunday night, Comedy Central’s Night of Too Many Stars won a Creative Arts Emmy for Outstanding Interactive Program. Other nominees in the category include Game of Thrones, Homeland, Top Chef, Killing […]
Advancing Futures for Adults with Autism 2013 Retreat
(On July 22, 2013, AFAA held its annual retreat at the new Center for Autism and Developing Brain (CADB). Members pictured above in the CADB gym.) 10 Years, 10 Triumphs Triumph 6: Setting the National Public Policy Agenda – Advancing Futures for Adults with Autism NYCA co-founded Advancing Futures for Adults with Autism (AFAA), a consortium of […]
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 […]
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 […]
The Center for Autism and the Developing Brain Opens
10 Years, 10 Triumphs: Triumph 3 CADB Opens On Monday, our dream became a reality, the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain officially opened its doors to a new way of caring for people with autism. The state-of-the-art facility, which is located on New York-Presbyterian’s 214 acre Westchester Campus, serves children, adults and families dealing with […]
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.
Katy Perry and Jodi DiPiazza Moves Millions to Tears
10 YEARS, 10 TRIUMPHS: TRIUMPH 1 Over 6 Million Watched Jodi DiPiazza & Katy Perry This year NYCA is celebrating its 10 year anniversary by sharing our 10 triumphs in autism. In reflecting on the last 10 years, a very special moment stands out – the unforgettable duet of Jodi DiPiazza and Katy Perry at Comedy […]
10 YEARS, 10 TRIUMPHS IN AUTISM A Message from Ilene Lainer
By: Ilene Lainer I am the Co-Founder and Executive Director of NYCA. I am also the mother of two teenage sons, one who is typically developing and the other who has autism. It is my privilege to lead NYCA in collaborating to effect systems change regarding the way services are provided to people living with […]
