NEXT for AUTISM is a non-profit organization founded in 2003 to address the needs of autistic people and their families. The organization was founded by Laura and Harry Slatkin and Ilene Lainer. One of NEXT for AUTISM's most well known accomplishments was opening the first charter school in New York to exclusively serve autistic students.[1]
NEXT for AUTISM | |
 Former logo | |
| Formation | 2003 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Laura Slatkin Harry Slatkin Ilene Lainer |
| Type | 501(c)(3) non-profit |
| Website | https://www.nextforautism.org/ |
Every two years, NEXT for AUTISM partners with Comedy Central to produce an autism benefit called "Night of Too Many Stars". The event features performances from various comedians frequently including Jon Stewart, Conan O'Brien, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and George Clooney.[2]
The organization also founded Project SEARCH Collaborates for Autism, a program to help autistic high school students transition from school to work. In June 2013, they opened the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain on the New York-Presbyterian Westchester campus to provide clinical services to autistic people throughout their lives.[3]
The organization began as the New York Center for Autism, then changed its name to New York Collaborates for Autism in 2012. It has since changed its name to NEXT for AUTISM.[4]
In April 2021, Mark Rober and Jimmy Kimmel announced they would be hosting a live stream in support of NEXT for AUTISM.[5] As of May 1, they have raised over $3 million.[6]
The organization has received criticism for its endorsement of Autism Speaks and applied behavior analysis.[7][8]
References
edit- ^ Schaeffer, Georgina, "Lighting the Way", Quest Magazine, November 2008, p. 92-93
- ^ "Comedy Central Official Site - TV Show Full Episodes & Funny Video Clips". Comedy Central.
- ^ "State-of-art autism center opens in upstate N.Y." USA TODAY.
- ^ "Autism Benefit To Air On HBO". Disability Scoop. October 27, 2017. Retrieved January 23, 2021.
- ^ Schneider, Michael (April 16, 2021). "Jimmy Kimmel and Mark Rober to Host YouTube Livestream Event for Autism Awareness". Variety. Retrieved April 19, 2021.
- ^ "Jimmy Kimmel, Conan O'Brien, Charlize Theron and More Help Raise $3M for Next for Autism". The Hollywood Reporter. April 30, 2021. Retrieved May 1, 2021.
- ^ "Boycott Color the Spectrum, Finance the Spectrum Instead". April 16, 2021. Retrieved December 14, 2021.
- ^ Crichton, Maddie (April 20, 2021). "Mark Rober Faces Backlash Over NEXT For Autism Fundraiser". Retrieved December 14, 2021.