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 […]
autistic adults
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 […]
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, […]
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 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 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 […]
Autistic Adults, Increasing Professional Understanding: An Interview with Dr. Peter Gerhardt, by Patricia Wright, PhD, MPH, NEXT for AUTISM’s Senior Vice President, Strategic Initiatives
Dr. Peter Gerhardt, a champion of the need for effective services for autistic adults for decades, participated in an interview for this month’s Connecting the Dots blog, a blog hosted by ABAI with a goal to disseminate behavioral science to a broader audience. Dr. Gerhardt is also a member of NEXT for AUTISM’s Advisory Board. […]
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 […]
Mari Cerda, BCBA….Advocate….Autist. An interview by Patricia Wright, PhD, MPH, NEXT for AUTISM’s Senior Vice President, Strategic Initiatives
Mari Cerda, an amazing human who is working across multiple channels to improve the field of behavior analysis, participated in an interview for this month’s Connecting the Dots blog. A blog I am the editor for that looks to disseminate behavioral science on autism to a broader audience and showcase interesting autism topics and how […]
The Ramesh and Kalpana Bhatia Family Foundation Funds NEXT for AUTISM to Expand Mentorship and Employment Opportunities for Autistic Adults
NEW YORK, June 16, 2021 — NEXT for AUTISM announces its new partnership with The Ramesh and Kalpana Bhatia Family Foundation, an organization dedicated to making impactful change by funding innovative solutions and programs that serve the common good. With a $300,000 grant, the Bhatia Family Foundation is helping NEXT for AUTISM launch the first […]
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 […]
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.
Autistic Reflections: An Audiogram Series
Life on the autism spectrum presents a unique set of experiences every day. Check out these first-person reflections from autistic individuals on what it’s like navigating employment, a social calendar, prioritizing health and happiness, and defining what “home” means to them. Listen in on how autistic adults are thriving at work. Meet Dallas Dismuke: Dallas […]
