1 in 31: Autism Today

Tune in to hear from two amazing Anderson's moms - Barbara & Jackie. Hear their firsthand experiences about placing a child residentially in our program, how and why they give back to Anderson, and their involvement in our family group, Anderson Family Partners.

Join us today to hear from Ben Levin, and his mother Susan. Ben was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at age 5. He is an avid reader and a published author, he has written over 150 books! Ben discusses a profound change he went through during the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020. His outlook and message about his status as a person with autism, has become one of self-embrace after many years of feeling “less than” as a result of his diagnosis. Tune in to learn more about Ben!

Nathan Gonyea, Ph.D. is the Officer in Charge for SUNY Empire State College. Before that, he was the Dean of the School for Graduate Studies at SUNY Empire, previously serving as Interim Dean and Associate Dean of the School for Graduate Studies. He joins us today to discuss SUNY Empire, and their current partnership with ACA in creating their Center for Autism Inclusivity. The Center provides educational support and conducts research to better serve individuals with autism in the classroom, the workplace, and beyond. Tune in to learn more! www.esc.edu

Roy is a former New York State Senator, representing the 43rd District, as well as Districts 100 and 112 in the New York State Assembly. He is also a huge advocate for the Autism community, as he has two grandsons on the spectrum. Tune in to learn more about Roy and his work & experiences in the capital region! www.nysenate.gov/senators/roy-j-mcdonald

Tune in to meet the team from Ability & Beyond Fitness! Gillian Christian PT, DPT, is Ability's Chief Operating Officer, Myrna Alcy, MOT, OTR/L, is the Chief Financial Officer and Crystal Mendez-Covington MOT, OTR/L, is the Chief Marketing Officer! Ability & Beyond Fitness is a forward-thinking LLC consulting business that addresses disparities that adults with developmental disabilities face. In a unique social and inclusive environment, they provide an individualized fitness plan to specifically address physical fitness concerns among adults 25 and older with developmental disabilities. You can find them on the web at: https://abilitybeyondfitness.com/

John & Caren are the co-authors of In a Different Key: The Story of Autism. Their book was recently made into a documentary film and debuted at the Oxford Film Festival! In a Different Key chronicles John & Caren's search for the first person formally diagnosed with autism to explore whether that patient’s life held relevance for their own loved ones who also were diagnosed with autism. Tune in to learn more, or visit: www.inadifferentkeythemovie.com

Meet the duo who combined their innovative ideas for helping children build functional skills and succeed in the classroom to design educational approaches that have improved lives around the world! Andy Bondy & Lori Frost are the co-developers of the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), as well as the founders of Pyramid Educational Consultants. Their goal is to help individuals with developmental disabilities, autism, and/or communication challenges learn to shape their own lives and participate in the world around them! Tune in to learn more, or visit: www.pecsusa.com

Shoshana is a high school student in southern Florida. She created the Wishing' U Well organization after seeing the social & mental health effects COVID-19 had on the special needs community. Wishing' U Well is a safe space where individuals can practice all aspects of their health from the comfort of their own home. They can potentially create new life skills, valuable lessons, and even make new friends along the way through Wishing' U Well's program, Fun With Friends! Tune in to learn more or visit: www.wishinguwell.org

Janine Kruiswijk is the Executive Director of the Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region, she has been with the agency for over ten years! The ASGCR's mission is to promote lifelong opportunities for people on the autism spectrum and their families, so they can be fully participating members of their communities. They are community builders... providing referral services, advocacy services, and so much more! Soon, they will be expanding to serve the Hudson Valley region as well. Tune in to learn more! https://www.asgcr.org/

Courtney Burke is the Chief Operating and Innovation Officer at the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS). As chief operating and innovation officer, Courtney oversees all of HANYS’ operations and ensures optimal alignment of the Association’s various functions – from healthcare policy and advocacy to quality improvement and data analysis. HANYS is a nonprofit working to ensure that every New Yorker has access to affordable, high-quality care. Tune in to learn more about Courtney, HANYS and how they help those on the spectrum!

Dr. Bambara is a Professor and Program Director of Special Education at Lehigh University. Her expertise in developmental disabilities spans over 30 years, and includes research in the areas of social and communication interventions, self-determination and self-management interventions, and positive behavior supports for individuals challenging behaviors. Tune in to learn more about Dr. Bambara and Home and Community Positive Behavior Support Network (HCPBS), a non-profit network support, providing free resources to families and providers interested in using PBS. Visit: www.hcpbs.org

Tune in to hear from Dani LoVecchio, the Executive Director and co-founder of Bridge Kids NY. Dani is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) in New York and New Jersey and is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). She is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and Licensed Behavior Analyst in the state of New York. Bridge Kids NY, located in NYC, offers a variety of services such as supporting parent knowledge and advocacy, offering professional training and supervision, and supportive services for children. You can find Bridge Kids online: www.bridgekidsny.com or on Facebook & Instagram: @bridgekidsny

Tune in to learn more about The Autism Nature Trail (ANT) at Letchworth State Park in Castile, NY. Loren Penman is the Co-Chair on this project which is six years in the making! The trail is scheduled to be completed for this years hiking season! The ANT is ADA compliant and accessible for visitors of all abilities and ages! This recreational trail will allow all visitors to push boundaries, explore new activities and develop skills. For more information visit: www.autismnaturetrail.com

Dr. Unadkat received his medical degree from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, and a Master’s degree in health administration and policy from New York University. He is a founding member and the Chief Medical Officer of StationMD. While working in the ER, he saw the great needs individuals with disabilities have when it comes to finding primary care and acute care physicians. This led to him joining with two other ER physicians to start StationMD. StationMD is comprised of all board-certified emergency medicine doctors with considerable expertise in caring for vulnerable populations. They provide treatment for the Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled in Group Residences via telemedicine. Tune in to learn more! https://www.stationmd.com/

Tune in to hear from a repeat guest! Harish Bikmal is the founder and CEO of Zenaviv, a social enterprise changing the way the world perceives people with autism, by celebrating their unique abilities and promoting their talent. Joining Harish is Yuvraj, the founder of the Buddy Program at Zenaviv. The Buddy Program strives to end the social isolation in people on the autism spectrum & the neurodiverse. Artists with autism are paired with neurotypical volunteer artists, the pair connect through their shared interest in art! Learn more or purchase art at www.zenaviv.com.

Tune in to hear from Becky Large, the founder and Executive Director of Champion Autism Network. CAN is a nonprofit autism awareness organization located in Surfside Beach, South Carolina. Their goals are to: raise autism awareness, reduce criticism and judgement and help families with children on the autism spectrum develop a network of like-minded people and supports. Visit them online: championautismnetwork.com

Dr. Miller is an assistant professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of California, Davis. She is a licensed clinical psychologist whose specialty is in early diagnosis of, and comorbidity between, autism and ADHD. She was the principal investigator on the MIND Institute's "Early Risk Study Team". Tune in to learn more about Dr. Miller's research study and their findings!

Michael has been involved in the ASD field for over 20 years! He is the former Executive Director of 'GRASP' - the largest organization in the world comprised of adults on the Autism Spectrum. Michael also sits on the board of directors for NEXT For Autism. Tune in to learn more about Michael and his experiences as an individual on the spectrum, as well as the parent of a child on the spectrum!

Patricia Wright is the Senior Vice President of Program Development at NEXT for AUTISM, Brad Walker is the Vice President of Community Living Supports. NEXT was founded almost 20 years ago! They work to create and support exceptional educational, clinical, and vocational programs for individuals on the autism spectrum. Tune in to learn more about NEXT for AUTISM's past, and their future!

Tune in to learn more about Jamiel! Jamiel has his own podcast: the Ausome Show. Their mission is to support families and those closely affected by Autism within the Tri-state area with direct access to resources through radio and other mediums, for a better outcome of life for their “Au-some” children. Follow them on online: Facebook.com/theausomeshow or Instagram: @theausomeshow

Tune in to learn more about Crew Binnette, President of Crew's Frozen Treats! Crew joins us with his older brother Cross, to discuss their growing ice cream business, based out of Pawling, NY. Follow them on Facebook to stay updated: https://www.facebook.com/CrewsFrozenTreats/

Andrew is the autism transition coordinator of Planning Across the Spectrum, a provider of comprehensive special needs certified financial planning service for individuals, families and employers. Andrew helps teens, young adults, and their parents navigate adulthood with autism. He also organizes a national autism event calendar, writes blog posts about his experiences as an adult with autism, and provides lectures/workshops about autism and driving! Tune in to learn more or check them out online: planningacrossthespectrum.com

Alexis is the CEO & Owner of Autsome Brushes, located in Lansdowne Pennsylvania! She is also the parent of a child on the autism spectrum. Autsome Brushes was designed to bridge the gap between those who are unfamiliar with autism and those who are diagnosed with autism. The business donates a 5% portion of their revenue, to various non-profit organizations that provide support to individuals diagnosed with autism. Tune in to learn more or check them out online: autsomebrushes.com/

Tune in to learn more about Sally & Mark Lyons from Hutto Texas! The Lyons opened SammySocks Etc. on Sept. 1, an online-only shop that specializes in the sale of men's, women's and children's socks. SammySocks Etc. was born out of providing employment opportunities to their son, Samuel, who is on the autism spectrum. Visit sammysocksetc.com/ to stop today!

Andrew is the Founder of Planning Across the Spectrum and specializes in helping any self-advocating client or families with autism and intellectual disabilities. He is a passionate advocate for autism awareness in his community and for his work as a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP™). Tune in to learn more about Planning Across the Spectrum, financial & estate planning and much more!

Want to learn more about our new partnership with SUNY Empire? Tune in! Anderson's CEO and COO discuss how this collaboration began and how it will help the autism community in our area!

Noor Syed, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA/LBS is an Assistant Professor of Applied Behavior Analysis, Clinical Coordinator, and founding Director of the Center for Autism Inclusivity (Research, Education, and Services) with SUNY Empire State College. She is also the Research Coordinator for the Global Autism Project and an Adjunct PhD Advisor in ABA with Endicott College. Tune in to learn more about Noor & SUNY Empire's new partnership with ACA!

Assemblymember Barrett has a long history with ACA and also advocating for individuals with developmental disabilities on the legislative and advisory levels. Tune in to learn more about Didi and her connection to ACA!

Gina Feliciano, Ph.D., BCBA-D, SAS, LBA has joined ACA as our new Senior Program Director! Gina has many years of experience working in the field of autism and IDD, especially in the areas of education, behavior analysis, and verbal behavior. Tune in to learn more about Anderson Center for Autism's newest team member!

Yes She Can Inc., a non-profit founded in 2013, is dedicated to helping young women with autism and related disabilities develop transferable job skills and workplace social skills. Marjorie is the organizations Founder & CEO! She is a parent of a child on the autism spectrum, which was her inspiration to begin YSC! Tune in to learn more. yesshecaninc.org

Gina Riley, Ph.D. is an educational psychologist and Clinical Professor of Adolescent Special Education at Hunter College. Dr. Riley has over fifteen years experience working with teens with learning disabilities and emotional and behavioral disorders. Dr. Riley is also a Faculty Associate for Supported Decision-Making New York, an alternative program to guardianship for individuals with developmental disabilities. Tune in to learn more or visit: sdmny.org

Matt Eyler is a NYS certified teacher in both general and special education and is one of the master instructors at Barley's Karate. Barley's Karate is a traditional martial arts school in Lagrangeville, NY which serves students of all ages and abilities, creating positive minds and strong bodies. Tune in to learn more about their special connection to the autism field!

Gary is the President/CEO of nonPareil institute located in Dallas Texas. nonPareil was founded 12 years ago, as a day program serving young adults on the autism spectrum, 18 years old+ Students are trained in hard skills (technology, building apps, video games) and soft skills (improving communication, interviewing skills, self-advocacy) and much more! Tune in to learn about nonPareil!

Juliana is the founder of MAF - Making Authentic Friendships, an app inspired by her brother, who is on the autism spectrum. MAF was created to help individuals with special needs, find friends based off their geological location, diagnosis, age and interests. Tune in to learn more about Juliana! www.makingauthenticfriendships.com/

Debbi Hudak is a local author in the Hudson Valley! She credits her daughter, Alicia, who has autism, with teaching her how to help others with this disability. She hopes her book, 'Why Doesn't Alicia Talk?' will help to educate children about autism. Tune in to learn more!

Bruce is a Reservations Representative in Dallas-Fort Worth as well as the Program Director & founder of 'It's Cool to Fly' at American Airlines. Since its launch in 2014, ICTFA has served more than 5,000 participants and 1,500 families! This program is essentially a mock travel experience, helping children and their families know what to expect from their air travel experience and bringing greater inclusion, awareness and understanding to those on the autism spectrum. Tune in to learn more about Bruce & ICTFA!

Tempa is the co-founder of Special Kneads and Treats, Inc. a nonprofit specialty goods company located in Lawrenceville, GA. Their focus is on providing special needs adults within the surrounding community a place to learn a skill and develop a sense of accountability and pride. Tempa and her husband opened Special Kneads and Treats in 2013, and have been giving back to their community ever since. Tune in to learn more about Tempa, her family and their special bakery!

Gina & Mary are team members at Anderson Center for Autism. Gina Williamson is the Health Services Coordinator and has many years of experience in the field. Mary Waldron is the Children's Services Nurse Supervisor and has been with the agency for 10 years. Tune in to learn more and get some behind the scenes information about ACA's Clinical Department!

Michelle has been the Director of Community Outreach at the Seaver Autism Center since 2013! She is also a clinical psychologist and an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Dr. Gorenstein is interested in bringing evidenced based social skills programming for children and adolescents on the autism spectrum to community centers. Tune in to learn more about the Seaver Autism Center's research or visit: Icahn.mssm.edu

Dr. Buxbaum is the Director of the Seaver Autism Center. He is also a professor of psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. His research focuses on using techniques of molecular genetics and neurobiology to identify genes that contribute to autism susceptibility. Dr. Buxbaum is also the author of more than 200 publications, and he is co-editor-in-chief of the journal Molecular Autism. Tune in to learn more about Dr. Buxbaum and the Seaver Autism Center's upcoming research!

Tune in to hear from Tiffany, a longtime ACA team member! Tiffany joins us this week to discuss "Career Tracks", a new agency initiative. Career Tracks is designed to provide team members the opportunity for career advancement, and to achieve professional excellence in fields like special education, behavioral services, and management & leadership.

Brenda is the executive director and co-founder of Aspiritech, a world-class quality assurance testing company that empowers individuals on the autism spectrum to fulfill their potential through meaningful employment combined with social opportunity. Aspiritech is based out of Chicago, Illinois and was founded in 2008. Tune in to learn more about Brenda and her inspiration for starting her own non for profit to help those with ASD.

Tawd is the creator of Tink Tank Animate. He has 25+ years of experience working in the animation field, as a writer, director, producer and animator. In 2018, he founded Tink Tank which exists to assist and develop Individuals of the Neuro-Diverse Community in the Arts of Storytelling. Tune in to learn more about Tawd and his work connecting autism & animation!

Jay is a reformed business author who was inspired by his daughter Bria to write and publish creative children's picture books! Without ever mentioning any particular challenge or disability by name, his stories help impress upon the reader the importance of showing kindness to those who are different. Tune in to learn more about Jay, and his next publication or visit www.jaymiletsky.com!

Melissa is the parent of a 19 year old young man on the Autism Spectrum. She is also the producer and director of the film 'Aging Out'. As Melissa became concerned about her own son’s future and the futures of thousands of other children with ASD, she knew the best way to bring awareness to this issue would be a documentary film. Aging Out examines the scarcity of options available to people with autism once they are no longer eligible for school district support. Tune in to learn more or visit: www.agingoutmovie.com

Gary Mayerson founded Mayerson & Associates in 2000, as the first civil rights law firm in the nation dedicated to representing individuals with autism and related developmental disorders. He saw firsthand the need for affected families to have the benefit of high-quality legal representation, Mayerson & Associates has represented more than 1,200 families in over 30 states! Tune in to learn more about Gary, and how his firm is helping those in need!

Led Bradshaw is a New York-based graphic artist, illustrator, and publisher of Jetpulse Comics. His Flagship title “The New Adventures of Jake Jetpulse” is a comic book adventure story that was inspired by his son Jacob who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at the age of four. Tune-in to learn more about Led, Jacob, and Jetpulse Comics! Visit his site at: www.jakejetpulse.com

Sean Ahlquist is an associate professor of architecture at the University of Michigan’s Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning. Most recently, he has created a sensory theater experience for children with ASD! Initially, he had sought out solutions to help his daughter with her autism, by learning more about her specific needs. Tune in to hear Sean discuss his research on the design of environments, and how it can relate to children with Autism.

Art is a member of the Rhinebeck Masonic Lodge. This group of Freemasons has been active since 1859! They are heavily involved members of their local community. Earlier this year, they offered fundraising support to Anderson through a community dinner. They are also members of the Autism Supportive Community initiative in Rhinebeck. Tune in to learn more about Art and the Rhinebeck Masonic Lodge!

Chris is the Executive Director of Rutgers Center For Adult Autism Services. He is also an assistant professor of Clinical Practice at Rutgers university. The Rutgers Center For Adult Autism Service offers adults with ASD a one-of-a-kind support program that makes an independent and fulfilling life possible. The center is located on Rutgers’ Douglass Campus and is led by the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology. Tune in to learn more about Chris & RCAAS!