By Michael Rock Everyone likes to be entertained. Unfortunately, many of the common attributes associated with autism, such as sensory issues and stress stemming from unexpected changes or upsetting content, can make it harder for people on the spectrum to fully enjoy themselves in certain situations. There are several benefits to venues providing autism-friendly entertainment. […]
Read MoreAuthor: aabr
At Water Street, AABR Exceeds Expectations Once Again
After a stellar review of one of AABR’s intermediate care facilities (ICF), the organization has once again lived up to its 62-year reputation of providing excellent services and care for individuals with developmental disabilities. At AABR’s Water Street ICF in Manhattan, both staff and management received fervent accolades during a recent routine audit of the […]
Read MoreMSC to Care Coordination – Evolving to Meet Your Needs
Medicaid Service Coordination (MSC) has recently undergone changes that will result in a more specialized, person-centered process than ever before. For over 25 years, AABR has been providing these supportive services to families living within the five boroughs of New York and on Long Island. Now aptly named Care Coordination, Care Managers complete a “Life […]
Read MoreRemembering Rose Weldon – Teacher, Mentor and Driving Force at AABR
AABR remembers Rose Weldon (August 2, 1943 –August 2, 2018), a devoted and gifted teacher for over 50 years. Rose, the wife of Chris Weldon, AABR’s executive director, was a substantive force in her own right. While we all have birth and end dates, it’s what we do with “the dash” between the two that […]
Read MoreTaking Chances By Being Environmentally-Friendly
Marina Horan, CEO and Founder of CHANCES Environmentally-Friendly Products (EFP), a firm that creates employment opportunities for adults with Autism, knows first-hand the challenges and opportunities related to having a special needs family member. Horan’s son Joseph was diagnosed with Autism, and CHANCES EFP offers him and others the chance to learn real-world skills. How […]
Read MoreThe Harvest Ball Wows Again
In October, the people served by AABR celebrated at the annual Harvest Ball, a prom-like event generously hosted and supported by Queens-based International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union 3. The evening, often called the event of the season by the AABR family, came complete with dinner, dancing, tuxes, gowns, and the sight of […]
Read MoreAutism-Friendly Fun – Examples
The Theatre Many theater companies have started to create “autism-friendly” versions of various shows to better accommodate neuro-diverse audiences. Some key differences between these productions and typical ones include less intense lighting and sound effects to prevent sensory overload. They are also often less formal, with staff members giving audience members a heads up before a development […]
Read MoreConnections to Care
By Michael Rock Caring for an individual with an intellectual or developmental disability is often a challenge. Whether it’s addressing their unique educational needs or ensuring they’re housed and given the attention they need once they reach adulthood, the day-to-day care required can be stressful for their families or other caregivers. A recent study conducted […]
Read MoreAcclaimed researcher explored catatonia in adolescent girls with autism spectrum disorder.
New York Child Learning Institute Principal Published in Scientific Journal College Point, New York, October 15th: Susan M. Vener, PhD., S.A.S., Principal/Director of the New York Child Learning Institute (NYCLI), along with her colleagues, Alison M. Wichnick Gillis, Ph.D., B.C.B.A.-D., Diamante Badala, and Claire L. Poulson, Ph.D., were once again published in a peer- reviewed scientific […]
Read MoreAABR and IBEW Local 3 Celebrates Annual Harvest Ball
The annual volunteer-run event served nearly 450 individuals with developmental disabilities. Fresh Meadows, New York, October 9th: AABR, Inc., a College Point, Queens-based non-profit that serves individuals with developmental disabilities, once again partnered with International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union 3 to give a night out on the town with dinner and dancing […]
Read More