NEXT for AUTISM

Tickets are selling fast! Join host Jon Stewart and Ronny Chieng,?Alex Edelman,?Susie Essman,?Jim Gaffigan,?Jeff Garlin,?Marcello Hernández,?James Austin Johnson,?Sam Morril,?Please Don't Destroy,?Chris Rock,?Adam Sandler,?Sarah Sherman,?Amy Schumer,?Max Weinberg's Jukebox?--?and too many more to come -- for Night of Too Many Stars -- a live comedy fundraiser to benefit autism programs nationwide. Monday, March 31, 2025 Beacon Theatre | New York City All Ticket Options: NEXTforAUTISM.org/NOTMS? Ticketmaster: https://lnkd.in/eZ8CGCKi

The NEXT team had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Joahnibel Reyes with SER de Puerto Rico, a NEXT for AUTISM grantee, to learn about the amazing work she and her team are doing to support autistic adults. SER de Puerto Rico is one of the few organizations providing essential services to adults on the island. Through their culturally adapted PEERS program, they are empowering teens and adults on the autism spectrum to gain independence while building strong partnerships with businesses. These collaborations not only create meaningful employment opportunities for individuals on the spectrum but also help address the island’s ongoing labor shortages. Learn more about NEXT's grants program at NEXTforAUTISM.org/grants #socialwellbeing #autisticadults #autismgrants #nextforautism #serdepuertorico @serdepuertorico

For many autistic individuals, their brains are in constant overdrive. Experiencing an autistic shutdown is a natural, protective response to overwhelming sensory input, emotional, mental, and/or cognitive overload. If you see someone experiencing an autistic shutdown, give them space. Or quietly ask, "How can I help?". You can learn more about autistic shutdowns on the "My Friend Autism with Orion Kelly" podcast at https://bit.ly/4i5QiYI #autismshutdown

? Last Chance! The NEXT for AUTISM FELLOWS work-based scholarship program closes for applications on Monday, March 9, 2025, for the 2025/26 cycle. NEXT for AUTISM FELLOWS is a work-based scholarship program for undergraduate and graduate students interested in supporting neurodivergent individuals. The program provides financial scholarships to qualified students while simultaneously ensuring new DSPs enter the workplace to support autistic adults. Scholarship recipients will also benefit from a peer network of other FELLOWS recipients at their school, ongoing support from the NEXT for AUTISM team, and the opportunity to gain paid, hands-on experience as a DSP. See eligibility, FAQs, and application at NEXTforAUTISM.org/FELLOWS or ?? in bio. #nextforautismfellows #workbasedscholarship #directsupportprofessional #dsp

NEXT for AUTISM is a proud funder of Autastic's #AutisticWhileBlack initiative. Focusing on individuals' shared experiences of being autistic and Black, participants came together to support each other and share resources around their multi-layered and persistently marginalized intersectionalities. The initiative brought together small groups of peers, each member in their first year of self-discovery and exploration of their autistic identities. "This funding allowed me to center the Black autistic community and in doing so, others saw that we could be centered and deserve to be centered.” Diane J. Wright, Founder, Autastic Learn more about the impact and success of Autastic, a NEXT for AUTISM grantee, at NEXTforAUTISM.org/Updates or ?? in bio. #autastic #autismbipoc #blackhistorymonth

The NEXT team met with Antonio Pagan, Ph.D., with the Lifespan Autism Center and UTHealth Houston McGovern Medical School, a NEXT for AUTISM grantee, to discuss their new "Launching! To Adulthood" Internship program. The goal of the 12-week bi-lingual program is to empower autistic adults to reach their full potential during the transition to adulthood, ages 18-25, and provide support for parents and employers. It was amazing to hear of the program's early success--including paid internships for 50 young autistic adults. Learn more about the NEXT for AUTISM grants program at NEXTforAUTISM.org/grants #autisticadults #autismemployment #allabilities #launchingtoadulthood #nextforautismgrant @uthealthhouston @mcgovernmed

Amy Schumer has been added to the Night of Too Many Stars roster! ?? She'll be joining host Jon Stewart, Ronny Chieng, Alex Edelman, Susie Essman, Jim Gaffigan, Jeff Garlin, Marcello Hernández, James Austin Johnson, Sam Morril, Please Don't Destroy, Chris Rock, Adam Sandler, Sarah Sherman, Max Weinberg's Jukebox, and too many more to come! Tickets are selling fast--GET YOURS NOW! Sponsorship & VIP Tickets: NEXTforAUTISM.org/NOTMS General Tickets (Ticketmaster): https://lnkd.in/eZ8CGCKi Or ?? in bio. #nightoftoomanystars #autismfundraiser #livecomedyevent #newyorkcomedy #nyccomedy #amyschumer

Happy Valentine's Day. ?? May your day be filled with love and kindness. #someoneyouknowlovessomonewithautism

Emergencies and natural disasters can be stressful and overwhelming, especially for autistic individuals who may experience heightened sensory sensitivities, communication challenges, or need for routine. NEXT for AUTISM created "Be Ready: An Emergency Preparedness Guide for Autistic Adults" which includes step-by-step resources to help individuals confidently prepare for emergencies and evacuations. Please download and share. Access the free guide at NEXTforAUTISM.org/BeReady or ?? in bio. #emergencypreparedness #emergencypreparednessguide #beready #sensorysupport

Mentorship is such a vital part of every professional journey. No matter where you are in your journey, you have important insight to share and receive. The model of NEXT CONNECTS focuses on a co-mentorship model and the importance of sharing the neurodivergent experiences, specific to hiring and employment. Learn more about the importance of co-mentorship and the NEXT CONNECTS program in this new paper written by Candace Weaver-Dowds, LMSW, Manager, Strategic Initiatives. Read now at https://lnkd.in/eGMNPGBX or ?? in bio. #comentorship #autismmentorship #neurodiversementorship #nationalmentoringmonth