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.
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
Jon Stewart (born Jonathan Stuart Leibowitz; November 28, 1962) is an American comedian, political commentator, and television host. He hosted ''The Daily Show'', a satirical news program on Comedy Central, from 1999 to 2015 and now hosts ''Th ...
,
Conan O'Brien
Conan Christopher O'Brien (born April 18, 1963) is an American television host, comedian, writer, and producer. He is best known for having hosted late-night talk shows for almost 28 years, beginning with ''Late Night with Conan O'Brien'' (19 ...
,
Tina Fey,
Amy Poehler, and
George Clooney
George Timothy Clooney (born May 6, 1961) is an American actor and filmmaker. He is the recipient of List of awards and nominations received by George Clooney, numerous accolades, including a British Academy Film Awards, British Academy Film A ...
.
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.
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.
In April 2021,
Mark Rober and
Jimmy Kimmel announced they would be hosting a live stream in support of NEXT for AUTISM. As of May 1, they have raised over $3 million.
The organization has received criticism for its endorsement of
Autism Speaks and
applied behavior analysis.
References
External links
* {{Official website, https://www.nextforautism.org/
Autism-related organizations in the United States
Mental health organizations in New York (state)
2003 establishments in New York City
Organizations established in 2003