Autism Task Force

Spectrum Designs Foundation, a custom apparel social enterprise, based in Port Washington, NY, is the largest and fastest growing non-profit of its kind, offering customers a ‘meaningful purchase’​ by providing gainful employment and significant vocational experiences to people with disabilities. Together with educational partner, Nicholas Center, a business model has been created where education and life skills work hand in hand with vocational training and opportunities. The organizations raise awareness regarding the abilities and employability of these exceptional individuals. Proving that this model is self-sustaining and replicable, two additional enterprises, Spectrum Bakes and Spectrum Suds, were launched in 2015. Spectrum Designs will expand to Westchester, NY in fall of 2020.

Extraordinary Ventures, located in Mt. Kisco, provides employment opportunities to individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities matching skills and interests to enable our employees to work in their communities. As Executive Director, I am always looking for the opportunity to focus on business development & recruitment... finding as much meaningful work that our current & future employees can do successfully & with pride. So, for your businesses or individuals you know that could use our products or services, please consider looking into hiring us:

• ENVY GIFT : personalized candles & jewelry for any event or celebration, in addition to custom branded candles & corporate gift packages that are customized to your budget & messaging
• ENVY LAUNDRY : alocal wash/fold service that offers free pick up & delivery, starting at just $25/duffel bag.
• ENVY OFFICE SOLUTIONS: document shredding (starting at just $10/bankers box), copying/scanning, collating information packets, mailing services, & fulfillment

Autism Parents Connect is a non-profit whose mission is to empower parents of children with autism and other developmental challenges by offering effective parenting strategies that are practical and accessible. We offer small group workshops offered by experienced parent educators who provide practical guidance to parents with a focus on how to implement the strategies offered in real time and in real circumstances. We also maintain an online learning community where parents can go to ask for and offer advice to continue the learning process and combat the isolation parents sometimes experience. Our workshops have been shown to increase parenting confidence and reduce parenting stress. Individual consultations are also available.

For further information, contact [email protected]

NEXT for AUTISM transforms the national landscape of services for people with autism by strategically designing, launching, and supporting innovative programs. We believe that individuals with autism have the potential to live fulfilling, productive lives when supported by excellent services and connected to their communities. We continually ask, what’s next for people on the autism spectrum?

Contact Email: [email protected]

BluePath’s expertly trained autism service dogs work alongside parents and caregivers to prevent wandering and keep children safe. A dog is connected to a child via a specially designed tether system, and the dog is trained to “anchor” in response to the child’s attempts to bolt. BluePath dogs significantly lessen parents’ safety concerns and help children to lead fuller lives. Reduced stress, improved sleeping routines, and more meaningful social interactions can allow families to feel a renewed sense of hope and empowerment.

Chapel Haven Schleifer Center is a nationally accredited transitional living program and approved private special education school with a mission of empowering adults (18+) with developmental and social disabilities to live independent and self-determined lives. Our comprehensive, individualized residential programs located in CT and AZ provide learning in practical academics, job development, life skills, apartment living, social communicative competence, recreation and help with college. Students may then transition into a community apartment with lifelong support services and a continuing education component. We also offer structured day programs, recreation programs, vocational training and a host of other options, both for graduates of our residential programs and for those outside of the Chapel Haven Schleifer Center community who are seeking services.

Yes She Can provides a unique job skills development program for young women with autism and related learning disabilities.  Participants enroll as trainees and are coached by clinical professionals and business managers in all aspects of operating a retail business. This includes learning business processes, technical skills, workplace social skills, self- advocacy and emotional regulation.  Trainees are coached in small groups and participate in team meetings. 

Trainees also learn job exploration skills including identifying their skills and attributes, developing a resume and LinkedIn profile, informational interviewing, and career exploration.

The program, founded in 2013, has been based at Girl AGain boutique in White Plains, NY.  Since March 2020, the program is delivered virtually through video conferencing.  Trainees now work in small groups with their coach and join core skills session online.
For more information  

Candidates may contact [email protected]

ReelAbilities Film Festival is the largest film festival in the world dedicated to promoting awareness and appreciation of the lives, stories, and artistic expressions of people with disabilities. Founded in New York in 2007, the festival presents award-winning films by and about people with disabilities in over 25 locations throughout the NY metro area. Post-screening discussions and other engaging programs bring communities together to explore and embrace the diversity of our shared human experience.

OPWDD The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) supports more than 30,000 New Yorkers with autism. OPWDD offers an array of services and supports to help people with developmental disabilities live in the home of their choice; find employment and other meaningful activities in which to participate; build relationships in the community, and experience health and wellness. The various levels and combinations of services and supports mean that OPWDD can accommodate the strengths, needs, and preferences of virtually any person with developmental disabilities. Dozens of state and nonprofit agencies work together to support the tens of thousands of New Yorkers with autism spectrum disorder, providing an array of family support services; educational supports; assistive technology; clinical services including those for behavioral health; habilitation supports including skill development, day services and employment; and residential supports. At OPWDD, services and supports for people with ASD are accessed the same way services and supports are accessed for all the people we support: through the local Developmental Disabilities Regional Office. Attending a Front Door Information Session is the first step in beginning the process of determining eligibility and learning about accessing services.

LINK is the information and referral department for the YAI Network. We provide the latest information on resources and supports that make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities and their families. Our knowledgeable and professional LINK Information Specialists understand the needs of people with developmental disabilities and their families and can help you find the right service for the goals you have in mind. 

Se habla Español: 212-273-6412

INCLUDEnyc is the leading provider of information, training, and resources for young people with any disability (age 0-26) in New York City, their families, and the professionals who support them. We create access to educational, employment, and independent living opportunities, and advocate with families for meaningful inclusion in the broader community.  We assist more than 8,000 people each year, and reach nearly a million individuals through digital communications and community outreach--all provided free of charge.  

Spanish Website: www.incluyenyc.org

McCarton Foundation is a non-profit, early intervention program on a mission. Offering families support and guidance, while delivering tailored therapy and education to babies with autism that will help them reach their full potential.

NYSTART is a community based supports for individuals with developmental disabilities and behavioral health needs. The goal of the START program is to build relationships and supports across service systems to help people remain in their homes and communities, and enhance the ability of the community to support them.

Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions.

Sinergia works with people with disabilities and their families. Sinergia has a longstanding reputation for working with underserved families, many with limited English proficiency, who may be homeless or impoverished, or who may be struggling with insecure housing and income, lack of services and discrimination based on ethnicity, language status, immigration status, gender or poverty. Sinergia has created a number of innovative programs, including, transitional housing for homeless families who have children with disabilities, community residences for adults with developmental disabilities, parenting classes for adults with developmental disability, Day Habilitation, Family Support Services, Home Care, Family Care Programs, Housing Assistance Programs, and a Neighborhood Preservation Program and more.

Autism Science Foundation (ASF) provides funding directly to scientists conducting cutting-edge autism research to discover the causes of autism and develop better treatments. ASF also provides information about autism to the general public and supports the needs of individuals with autism and their families.

SPARK is the largest genetic study of autism ever. Our mission: We want to speed up research and advance the understanding of autism.

New York Center for Infants and Toddlers, Inc. is a leading expert in NYC for providing therapeutic and educational services for young children with special needs. Through the New York State Early Intervention program, we provide a wide range of services to children in home, community, and classroom settings at no charge to parents for children eligible for the Early Intervention Program. Our schools offer year-round services to young children with Autism using a unique approach that includes a combination of the ABA and JASPER methodology as well as Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy. Individualized ABA and JASPER instruction designed to address goals in language and social communication development is offered in a variety of classroom routines. Grounded in evidence-based treatments, our programs focus on building social communication, play, and learning skills crucial to early development.

New York Center for Child Development (NYCCD) serves Infants and Toddlers through our Early Childhood Mental Health Program, which provides mental health screenings, referrals and treatment for children in East and Central Harlem.

United Neighborhood Houses (UNH) is a policy and social change organization representing 44 neighborhood settlement houses that reaches 765,000 New Yorkers from all walks of life.

Now in our 100th year, UNH is stewarding a new era for New York’s settlement house movement. We mobilize our members and their communities to advocate for good public policies and promote strong organizations and practices that keep neighborhoods resilient and thriving for all New Yorkers.

UNH leads advocacy and partners with our members on a broad range of issues including civic and community engagement, neighborhood affordability, healthy aging, early childhood education, adult literacy, and youth development. We also provide customized professional development and peer learning to build the skills and leadership capabilities of settlement house staff at all levels.

The  Community Support Network (CSN) at Westchester Institute for Human Development is the Hudson Valley’s resource for individuals with disabilities, their families, and the professionals supporting them. Our experts are knowledgeable about all of the disability systems serving individuals with disabilities across the lifespan, and are available to help YOU. We provide resources, training, direct services, and support and guidance to families, schools, agencies, and individuals themselves on disability related issues and topics.

Felicity House is a social community in New York City for women (ages 18+) with a professionally documented diagnosis of autism. It’s a unique and supportive space where women come to socialize, pursue interests, and connect to other women. To learn more, we invite you to contact us.

Phone: 646-362-0007  |  Email: [email protected]

The City University of New York, with over 25 campuses throughout the five boroughs, serves over 11,000 students with disabilities and provides reasonable accommodations through an Office of Disability Services at each college to help students succeed academically. Additionally, CUNY offers the CUNY LEADS program on all undergraduate campuses, Linking Employment, Academics, and Disability Services, to assist students in preparing for internships and jobs both during and after college. For autistic students at CUNY, Project REACH (Resources and Education on Autism as CUNY’s Hallmark), provides support tailored to address some of the unique challenges students on the spectrum may face. CUNY Unlimited is a non-degree credential program for students with intellectual disabilities, and serves students with an IEP high school diploma. Our newest program, CUNY LEADS Plus, is a partnership with ACCES-VR and provides neurodiverse CUNY students with a higher level of individualized support and a job readiness curriculum to help students both get through college and discover their career path.

The 14th St Y (Educational Alliance) is a community center located in the East Village that offers inclusive social and recreational programs for children 4-17. Our classes and programs are structured to provide support for children of all needs and abilities, including children on the Autism Spectrum. Classes include soccer, art, music, tennis, swimming, ballet, and more! We also currently have an inclusive Youth Center open to children grades k-5th on remote learning days and New Country Day Camp, our inclusive outdoor summer camp.

Operating since 1973, the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) is the liaison between New York City government and the disability community. In partnership with all City offices and agencies, MOPD consistently ensures that the rights and concerns of the disability community are included in all City initiatives and that City programs and policies address the needs of people with disabilities. Through its work and advocacy, MOPD has steadily improved services and programs for the over 920,000 New Yorkers who self-identify as people who are living with a disability as well as the approximately six million annual visitors to the city who have disabilities in all facets of life including transportation, employment, healthcare, housing, education, access to City services, and financial empowerment. Working to make New York the most accessible city in the world, the office regularly engages in advocacy and policymaking at the local, state, national, and international levels to make certain that accessibility and full inclusion are key priorities for all public and private stakeholders alike.

YM & YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood (the Y) is a not-for-profit, community-based human services organization that serves an ethnically and socio-economically diverse constituency with a mission to improve the quality of life for people of all ages. Our programs offer a variety of enrichment activities to all participants and provide support to those with special needs through additional resources, social skills groups, behavior plans, and individualized goals in order to cultivate programs where all students are able to grow and thrive in the same environment. The Y is committed to creating inclusive environments and programming in both our after school program and summer camp, leading us to further develop the infrastructure within each.