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 […]
Archives for 2016
Fertile Ground for Collaboration
Through Night of Too Many Stars, NEXT for AUTISM proudly funds grantees whose programs improve the lives of people with ASD across the country. When we have the opportunity to pair two grantees, thereby enhancing each program, we feel even greater satisfaction. Not only does each grantee benefit from the collaboration, the field of autism services […]
Dr. Irwin Smigel 1924-2016
In memory of Dr. Irwin Smigel, a champion of NYCA. We send warm thoughts to Robert, Michelle, Bellanca and the entire Smigel family. New York Times Obituary October 17, 2016
Teen Talent Stages Another Hit Musical for NYCA
Andrew Feldman has done it again! We were thrilled last year when Andrew and friends staged a tribute to the Beatles for their Second Annual Cabaret to Benefit Autism to raise funds for NYCA. This year, the 14-year-old director, writer and star produced a rollicking, action-filled musical based on the movie Star Wars and in […]
THE A WORD AIRS TONIGHT ON SUNDANCETV, 10PM EST
NYCA is thrilled to partner with SundanceTV to promote this groundbreaking television series about a family’s struggle with autism. At the series premiere in New York, David Remnick, NYCA board member and editor of The New Yorker, moderated a lively panel that featured Peter Bowker, the series writer, Ilene Lainer, NYCA’s president, and Eli Gottlieb, […]
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 […]