Spotlight On: National Autism Association-New York Metro Chapter

The Disabilities Leadership Council is focusing today on the New York Metro Chapter of the National Autism Association (http://www.naanyc.org/). Unlike many other non-profit organizations, the main focus of the chapter is not on fundraising for families, research, and advocacy. Instead, its mission is to “educate and empower those in the Autism community.” In a recent interview, Sabeeha Rehman, the president of NAA-NY Metro, explained that the chapter is distinct in that “we work closely with families and parents that have been affected by autism. We are a parent-centered group that seeks to educate and support parents.” She also talked about how the chapter provides this support in four main ways. The chapter holds two sessions every month, each with a different purpose. One session is an educational session, in which the chapter brings in a nationally recognized expert to talk about an issue related to autism. Recent issues included the Tomatis therapy system, financial planning, and applied behavior analysis (ABA) treatment. The second session is a Parent Network Exchange Meeting, in which parents participate in a discussion moderated by an expert facilitator. At the latest meeting, the facilitator was an expert in Relationship Development Intervention, another type of therapy for children on the autism spectrum. These sessions are also designed to help parents network with each other. According to Mrs. Rehman, NAA-NY Metro is rolling out a third monthly session starting this September, which will be a support group moderated by a social worker. The chapter also runs a parent mentoring program called NAAvigators, where parents who have expertise and experience act as mentors to families who are new to the autism community. The mentors help them navigate through all the complexities surrounding having a child with autism. Mrs. Rehman said, “This program of one-on-one assistance really helps families cope.”

When asked about how effective the chapter has been so far, Mrs. Rehman said, “We have been very effective. Through our initiatives we have been able to educate parents on a broad range of topics, such as different treatment modalities.” After 18 months of existence, the chapter now has about 600 members, both families and individuals. She also talked about how the organization is active in the media: “We are solicited by the media each time there is a breaking story on autism.” Mrs. Rehman also explained how active the chapter is in lobbying for or against legislation in Albany. While the chapter is restrained by finances from launching big campaigns for or against various pieces of legislation, it does inform its members about pending legislation and urges them to email their local representatives echoing the chapter’s position on it. The chapter is also part of a statewide coalition of autism organizations who pool their resources to support bills already on the floor and try get others introduced.

The NAA-NY Metro Chapter has its own website and blog, where you can get more information on the organization and on past and upcoming events. Disabilities Leadership Council founder Stuart Flaum said, “NAA-NY Metro is very forward-thinking. Their seminars and sessions present outside-the-box solutions, which are the type of solutions we’re looking for too.”