For young adults with autism, turning 21 marks the end of vital school-based services and often presents a challenging path forward. “Any parent of a child with special needs starts worrying about this soon after diagnosis. It’s really the foremost concern,” her father Vikram, explains.

At REED, we’re dedicated to providing essential resources during this critical transition and beyond. We’re actively creating housing options that give parents peace of mind, knowing that their child will be well cared for at any age. We offer critical job training, supported employment opportunities, and meaningful community integration. But there’s more to be done, and we need your help.

Over the next decade, approximately 1 million teens will age out of their educational services. Vikram adds, “Supporting adulthood is essential for these individuals to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.”

Will you join us in making a profound difference for families like the Khemkas? By giving to REED, you’ll help us expand our programs and ensure individuals with autism can learn, live, work, and thrive at every stage of life. Together, we can turn hopes into reality.

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Hackensack, NJ— Greens Do Good, a hydroponic vertical farm providing meaningful job training and employment to teens and adults with autism, is proud to announce its partnership with Bergen Community College on the New Jersey “NextGen Farm to Table Education, Employment, and Career Pathway” project. The collaboration aims to advance opportunities for diverse student populations, including neurodiverse youth and adults, in the fields of food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences (FANH).

The federal government recently awarded Bergen Community College a five-year, $4.5 million grant to help contribute to the growth of FANH professionals. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) “From Learning to Leading: Cultivating the Next Generation of Diverse Food and Agriculture Professionals Program” sought proposals from colleges that would create pathways to employment in FANH fields, while prioritizing the selection of institutions that serve diverse student populations.

Among the initiatives, the college will create a farm to table pipeline of food grown at Bergen Community College. Through this partnership, Greens Do Good will collaborate with the college to expand and enhance program offerings. In addition to providing consultative services on hydroponic farming, Greens Do Good will focus on supporting neurodiverse individuals, offering Workforce Development coordination, job training, and mentorship.

PJ Ricatto, Principal Investigator of the NextGen For Sustainable Farming grant, and Professor of Chemistry, at Bergen Community College, stated, “We are very excited about partnering with Greens Do Good on our new USDA NextGen project; their expertise in vertical farming and workforce development for our neurodiverse population will help us create a diverse next generation of food and agriculture scientists, producers, engineers and logistics professionals.”

Chantelle Walker, CEO of REED Autism Services, explained, “We are honored that Bergen Community College chose to engage our expertise in hydroponic farming, as well as training and employing people on the autism spectrum. We are dedicated to expanding services to neurodiverse youth and adults, ultimately creating sustainable and scalable opportunities for individuals to thrive in the workforce.”

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Greens Do Good is a 501c3 non-profit organization and part of the REED Autism Services family of programs currently operating as a 3,000 square foot vertical farm located in Hackensack, NJ, growing a variety of lettuces, microgreens, and herbs sold retail, wholesale and direct to consumer. Since its inception in 2019, Greens Do Good has built a robust customer base of country clubs,restaurants and local markets and has grown its workforce development training program for teens ages 16-21 from 4 students to over 50 autistic students from 12 public and private school districts from three counties.

What inspired you to pursue a career in autism?

What motivated me to embark on a career in autism was a combination of academic exploration and hands-on experience during my undergraduate and graduate studies. As I started my undergraduate journey, I was drawn to fields that centered around aiding others, yet remained undecided about the specific profession I aimed to pursue. Ultimately, I elected to follow the Psychology-ABA track, driven by the desire to engage with and learn from a diverse array of professionals within the on-campus school environment, including speech-language therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and BCBAs. Through my experience as both an undergraduate trainee and supervisor within this setting, my dedication to working with autistic individuals deepened significantly. Witnessing the impactful efforts of the school staff and experiencing the profound connections formed while working with autistic individuals ignited a profound passion within me. Subsequently, upon completion of my Master’s degree, the natural progression was to merge my passion for speech pathology with my experience in ABA to pursue my professional aspirations.

What are the most rewarding aspects of your job at REED?

The most rewarding aspects of my role at REED are the impact of supporting effective communication among students and their families. Witnessing students acquire the ability to articulate their needs, preferences, and emotions not only enhances their communication skills but also empowers them to assert their individuality and advocate for themselves within their communities. Enabling individuals to navigate and engage with the world around them through communication is not only invaluable but serves as a cornerstone for fostering inclusivity and facilitating meaningful connections within diverse social contexts.

What skills and qualities do you consider essential for success in a career in autism?

Essential qualities for success in a career in autism encompass patience, persistence, compassion, and creativity. Given the non-linear nature of progress in education and life skills development, it’s imperative to maintain patience and persistence while navigating challenges and achieving goals. Specifically within the field of autism, it may take longer than expected to achieve a goal, gain access to a needed service, or come to the “correct” answer. Patience and persistence are key in these scenarios to ensure every individual reaches their maximum potential. Compassion plays a pivotal role in understanding and addressing the unique needs and challenges individuals face, fostering a personalized approach to their journey. Furthermore, the ability to think creatively and devise innovative solutions tailored to each individual is indispensable, as there may not always be a straightforward or universally applicable solution in this field.

Why does a career in autism make sense for students just entering the workforce?

As newly minted speech-language pathologists (SLPs) venture into the workforce, they encounter a diverse array of opportunities spanning various settings such as schools, early intervention programs, inpatient/outpatient facilities, and skilled nursing environments. Irrespective of the specific setting, it is probable that they will engage with autistic individuals requiring speech services. Opting for a career in autism enables these clinicians to refine their skills in tailoring assessments and treatments, fostering their creativity, and enhancing their aptitude for active listening. By investing time in understanding and learning from individuals on the autism spectrum, these new SLPs position themselves to become more adept clinicians, better equipped to meet the diverse needs of their clientele.

Where do you think the need is greatest in autism services? What potential areas within the field should people consider?

The greatest need within autism services, particularly concerning speech and language support, lies within Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). With technology continually evolving, the landscape of AAC is likely to expand and become increasingly complex. Comprehension of when and how to implement both high-tech and low-tech communication devices as supportive aids or alternative communication methods will be paramount. Focusing on Augmentative and Alternative Communication as a specialization within speech-language pathology presents a significant asset to the autism community, equipping professionals to be able to effectively meet the communication needs of individuals on the autism spectrum.

Considering a career in autism? Learn more about the many opportunities at REED Autism Services.

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I cannot emphasize enough what a lifeline this program has been for Evan and our family. Like any young adult, Evan desires more independence, freedom, and opportunities for socialization. Thanks to REED, he now engages in group activities such as trips to the YMCA, libraries, malls, parks and bowling with his peers. He is also gaining valuable work experience at Greens Do Good and Francesca Pizza. It is remarkable how much progress Evan has made both verbally and socially since his early days at REED.

Individuals with autism are often overlooked despite their many capabilities. Seeing Evan happy and flourishing has been our main focus therefore supporting REED for the last 13 years has been a natural choice for us. We have witnessed firsthand the incredible impact the organization has had on his development.

Please consider giving to the REED Foundation for Autism even if you are not directly touched by REED’s services. Every contribution helps create a more inclusive and supportive community for individuals like Evan.

Thank you for supporting REED’s life-changing work.

Warm regards,

Carol Winik

REED Autism Services has announced the launch of PATH, a two-year post-secondary certificate program in partnership with Felician University. Approved by the New Jersey Department of Education, PATH, which stands for Post-Secondary Achievement Through Hands-On Learning, is designed to impart crucial career readiness and life skills for students ages 18-21.

PATH blends dynamic classroom instruction with real-world application, emphasizing four key pillars: community engagement, employment, self-determination, and household/personal management. Classroom instruction is based on the licensed Learn4Independence® curriculum.The program also includes vocational training, equipping students with the tools for meaningful employment and independent living. 

Sarah David, Director, PATH explains, “The transition to adulthood can be challenging for many autistic individuals, and traditional educational models may not fully address their needs. PATH offers a supportive environment where students can develop essential skills, forge meaningful connections, and gain confidence, all while experiencing life as part of a college community.” 

Chantelle Walker, CEO, REED Autism Services, adds, “The launch of this critical programming is a testament to our commitment to addressing the needs of a growing autism community. We are thrilled to partner with Felician on this important initiative. As we continue to expand our reach in the autism community, PATH will undoubtedly make a profound difference in the lives of our students.”

Held on Felician University’s Rutherford campus, students can access Felician amenities, including the dining hall, fitness center, computer lab, gaming center, and study rooms. PATH students will receive individualized academic and social support to assist them with developing self-advocacy skills and integrating into the campus community.

Dr. Mildred Mihlon, President, Felician University states, “The PATH program aligns perfectly with Felician’s mission and vision. As an inclusive university, I am excited for the start of our collaborative effort with REED Autism Services and look forward to growing our support and programming for this important community of learners.”

To learn more about the program, click here, or email [email protected].

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From the moment Ryan and his parents stepped through the doors at REED Academy 12 years ago, they were greeted with warmth and compassion. The staff’s dedication to Ryan’s well-being has been remarkable—they’ve not only taught him vital life skills but have also provided the care and support he needs to thrive. 

Simple tasks we often take for granted, like brushing our teeth, have been taught to Ryan. He’s learned to shop at the grocery store and cook meals for himself. When Ryan required blood work, the staff invested significant time preparing him, creating simulations and mock exams so that he would understand what to expect.  

From teachers to administrators, everyone at REED puts the students first. Their commitment to constant improvement gives me hope for Ryan’s future, yet as he approaches adulthood and ages out of school-based programming, we are aware of the challenges he’ll face. That’s why I give to REED—it’s a lifeline for families like ours, providing vital resources and services.

Thank you for considering supporting REED. Your generosity makes a real difference in the lives of individuals like Ryan and so many others like him.

Regards,

Claire Tanzer

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Working at Greens Do Good has truly changed Liam’s life. It’s not just about the invaluable experience he’s gained in sustainable agriculture, but also a sense of belonging. Every day spent at the farm has given him an opportunity to hone critical social skills, while also fostering his independence and adaptability in ways we never imagined possible.

One of the most fulfilling aspects for Liam has been the pride he feels from his contributions to our family. Bringing home greens for us to enjoy reinforces the positive impact of his work. Witnessing his smile when we express our gratitude is a heartwarming reminder of how far he has come.

My greatest hope for Liam is that he continues to feel a sense of belonging and connection within our community. Loneliness can be a significant challenge for individuals on the autism spectrum, but thanks to Greens Do Good, Liam has found purpose and meaning. Supporting programs like Greens Do Good not only enhances the well-being of individuals like Liam but also contributes to building a more inclusive and compassionate society for all.

Your support can make a world of difference. Whether making a donation or simply spreading the word about the wonderful work being done at Greens Do Good, every little bit helps. 

Regards,

Christina Jones

This year, we are thrilled to honor Anthony Fasano, Former 12-Year NFL Tight End, for his ongoing support of REED and the autism community. Get your golf clubs ready and join us in making a difference. Click here to sign up now or find out more about sponsorship opportunities.

What inspired you to pursue a career in autism?

After college, I began my first job as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at an intensive residential program. At the time, I wasn’t sure of my career path, but I quickly fell in love with the field and couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I remember coming home every day and feeling immensely proud of our client’s successes. I was fortunate to receive amazing hands-on experience and supervision in that role. Eventually, I moved from DSP to ABA Specialist, and later, after completing a master’s degree in ABA, I became a BCBA. I can’t imagine doing anything else!

What are the most rewarding aspects of your job at REED?

I’m thankful to have the opportunity to come to work and know I positively impact the lives of the people we serve every day. Whether it’s enhancing functional communication skills, promoting independence in daily living skills, or effectively reducing challenging behavior over time, there is no greater feeling than achieving goals that enable our clients to live more independently, safely, and fulfilled.

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to pursue a career in autism?

Take that entry-level position! Hands-on experience gained as a DSP, applied behavior analysis (ABA) instructor, clinical associate, or paraprofessional is invaluable. I’ve observed that individuals who have gathered quality hands-on experience in these ABA-based roles often perform better in future careers as BCBAs, educators, program managers, and more. It’s essential to explore your interests within the field and make solid connections with those who can support your career goals. For instance, if you’re drawn to the clinical aspects, seek guidance from a BCBA through one-on-one meetings. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

What skills and qualities do you consider essential for success in a career in autism?

Patience, creative thinking, flexibility, and compassion are essential. There will be great days and difficult ones. What matters most is displaying patience and kindness. When clients become overwhelmed or frustrated, and challenging behaviors may emerge, it’s crucial to take a step back and remember that they are not doing this to bother you, to ruin your day, or for “no reason”. Behavior serves a purpose, and it’s our responsibility to analyze these situations and devise solutions. Facing unexpected challenging behavior, for instance, requires making on-the-spot decisions. This demands someone who can be creative, flexible, and resourceful.

Where do you think the need is greatest in autism services? What potential areas within the field should people consider?

There is a significant need in every area of autism services, but I cannot stress enough the importance of quality and accessible adult services for those on the spectrum. Disparities in funding can significantly impact the quality of care available, resulting in limited resources that profoundly affect an individual’s quality of life. It’s important to remember that autism doesn’t go away once a person turns 21. Symptoms may become more challenging to manage in adulthood. This next chapter of life involves many changes—such as living away from home, attending college, entering the workforce, and making new friends—that can be particularly overwhelming for those with ASD. Increasing the number of qualified individuals in the field of adult services is essential to address the complex needs of a growing autism community.

Considering a career in autism? Learn more about the many opportunities at REED Autism Services.