What they call their work
What they do
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Autism and Neurodiversity Family Support Services 3 activities
- Hosts monthly support groups for families and individuals on the autism spectrumProvides ongoing support through monthly in-person and virtual meetings for parents, families, and individuals on the autism spectrum, including specialized groups for school-age children, teens in transition, adults, adult siblings, and women. Meetings are offered during daytime and evening hours in Nassau/Western Suffolk and Manhattan.
- Operates a resource library and information hubMaintains a lending library of books and periodicals and a comprehensive website offering curated information, referrals, and resources related to Asperger syndrome and high-functioning autism for individuals, families, and professionals.
- Provides one-to-one support via phone and emailOffers individualized support, referrals, and guidance to individuals on the autism spectrum and their families through direct phone and email communication, responding to thousands of inquiries annually.
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Autism & Neurodiversity Education Workshops 2 activities
- Organizes bi-annual educational conferences on autism spectrum disordersHosts spring and fall educational conferences, typically at Adelphi University, featuring keynote speakers, panel discussions, breakout sessions, resource exhibits, and book signings to share current research, strategies, and support for autism. These conferences serve professionals, individuals on the spectrum, and families.
- Provides guest speaker presentations and educational programmingOrganizes educational presentations and speaker events on topics related to autism spectrum disorders for families, individuals on the spectrum, and professionals, often integrated into conferences and support meetings.
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Community Event Fundraising 1 activity
- Funds programs through event-generated revenueFinances its programs in part through revenue from ticket sales generated by fundraising events such as the annual Mets Day at Citi Field.
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Facility-Based Service Delivery 1 activity
- Operates regional service offices in New YorkRuns physical offices in Long Island (Nassau/Western Suffolk) and Manhattan to deliver localized support services, programming, and meetings for individuals and families affected by high-functioning autism and Asperger syndrome.
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Inclusive Social & Recreational Events 1 activity
- Organizes family recreation and social events for individuals on the autism spectrumPlans and hosts autism-friendly recreational activities such as family bowling nights (including the annual ROCK ‘N’ BOWL event), Mets Day at Citi Field with pre-game parties and sensory-friendly spaces, and other community-building events to support social skill development and family engagement.
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Organizational Newsletter Production and Distribution 1 activity
- Produces and distributes publications and digital communicationsCreates and shares a weekly eNewsletter, a bi-annual print magazine titled "On the Spectrum," and email alerts to disseminate research, events, and resources to members and the autism community. Over 100 issues of the print publication have been released since inception.
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Who runs it
- PATRICIA SCHISSEL — FMR EXEC DIRECTOR
Who they work with
- Adelphi University Partner — Hosted AHA's 2018 Spring Conference at the Ruth S. Harley University Center.
- Adelphi University Partner — Hosts AHA's spring and fall conferences at its Garden City campus.
- American Psychiatric Association Government — Reference source for diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5 used to define Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- Castello di Borghese Partner — Hosted a Wine Makers Walk & Talk and VIP Wine Tasting event at the vineyard to support AHA.
- GRASP Partner — Co-hosts monthly support meetings for teens and adults with high-functioning autism or Asperger syndrome.
- Governor’s Comedy Club Partner — Hosted a comedy fundraiser event benefiting AHA.
- New York City Football Club Partner — Partnered to host a family-friendly match at Yankee Stadium for Autism Awareness Day.
- New York Mets Partner — Collaborated on a sensory-friendly game event at Citi Field for Autism Awareness Day.
- New York Mets Partner — Collaborates with the New York Mets to host Autism Awareness Day at Citi Field.
- Port Jeff Bowl Partner — Host venue for AHA family bowling events.
- Queens Museum Partner — Partnered to provide arts and crafts activities during the pre-game party.
- ROCK ‘N’ BOWL for Autism Partner — Annual fundraiser event supporting AHA's programs.
- Spectrum Services Partner — Co-hosts monthly support meetings for teens and adults with high-functioning autism or Asperger syndrome.
- Spectrum Services Partner — Hosts AHA's satellite office in Manhattan for support services and programming.
- Spectrum Services Partner — Provides space for AHA's New York City office and programming at 303 Fifth Avenue.
- Stony Brook University Department of Child Psychiatry Government — Provided founding auspices for AHA in 1988 under its Department of Child Psychiatry.
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Community-Engaged Information Exchangemethodology: community information exchangeBy facilitating structured forums and events that connect parents, professionals, and individuals on the spectrum, the organization fosters mutual learning and shared understanding, enhancing collective capacity to support neurodiverse individuals.
- Education Through Professional Conferencesmethodology: education-through-conferenceBy hosting educational conferences and programs, the organization improves professional understanding of autism spectrum disorders, which in turn enhances the quality and effectiveness of services delivered to individuals on the spectrum.
- Empowerment Through Self-Advocacy Educationmethodology: self-advocacy through educationBy providing education and resources, the organization enables individuals and families on the autism spectrum to become informed self-advocates, leading to greater personal agency, community awareness, and systemic acceptance.
- Lifespan-Spanning Community Supportmethodology: lifespan_supportBy offering services, education, and events tailored to individuals across all life stages, the organization addresses evolving needs from childhood through adulthood, promoting continuity of care and long-term community inclusion.
- Neurodiversity-Affirming, Individualized Supportmethodology: neurodiversity-affirming approachBy recognizing neurodiversity and rejecting a one-size-fits-all model, the organization tailors support to individual needs, improving relevance and effectiveness for those with high-functioning autism and Asperger syndrome who may otherwise be misunderstood or underdiagnosed.