The Autism Council in the News

Rochester Business Journal reporter Todd Etshman authors an April Autism Awareness article in In Good Health newspaper sharing how Lawana Jones, Founder and CEO of The Autism Council of Rochester, has impacted Autism Awareness in the Rochester community.

Full Article

The Autism Council will soon be opening a NEW Autism Information and Referral Service Center. The service center has been dedicated in the memory of Trevyan Rowe and the entire Rochester autism community.

The service center will offer training, certifications and resources for autism families and professionals. It will also serve as a place to let families with autistic children know what to do and where to go.

The Autism Council will host its grand opening for the Autism Information and Referral Service Center August 30th.

See the full story here

The Autism Council of Rochester is proud and excited to announce the formation of a Monroe Countywide Autism Task Force. This team of agencies, parents and self-advocates will collaborate to formulate recommendations to Monroe County in support of individuals of all ages living with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

The areas of focus include:

  • Health & Human Services
  • Access & provision of services, including diagnostic assessment
  • Physical and Mental Health Services for both individuals and caregivers/parents
  • Addressing the general needs that accompany the disorder.
  • Safety In The Community
  • Employment
  • Education
  • Housing

Additionally there is a plan to create an Autism Countywide Resource Guide, intended to bring awareness of the services available Countywide to families that are new to Rochester and also to those who live here in the City but may not be aware of all that is available to them.

To learn more about this group, please feel free to reach out to the Autism Council of Rochester at info@theautismcouncil.org

Norma Holland from Many Voices, Many Visions discusses the unique partnership between local police and autism advocates with Lawana Jones, Founder and CEO of The Autism Council of Rochester and Irondequoit Police Chief Richard Tantalo. The partnership focuses on offering training for first responders so they’ll know how to best handle a situation involving someone on the spectrum. The idea is to improve understanding and build community.

Watch the Video

This article from HealthSource Magazine (May 2015) discusses the first business to get all their employees Autism Certifications

First Organization in US to have fully Certified Autism Staff

Golf great Ernie Els spent 8 years with his own money to build a school for children on the Autism spectrum.

The Obama administration is warning state and local officials not to discriminate against people with disabilities who have children or would like to.

Upcoming Events

Past Events

May 4, 2024

On Saturday May 4, the Monroe County Clerk's Mobile DMV Unit was at The Autism Family Information & Referral Services Center in Chili to provide Non-Driver NYS Approved Identification Cards for any individual in need of one.

We had an amazing turn-out!

Nov 3, 2018

Event included Fine Arts and Artisan Crafts made by our areas most gifted and talented artists, jewelry makers, and others with Autism.

And the free ice cream was delicious!!

Oct 27, 2018

This course was created to bring knowledge about ASD’s characteristics to individuals interested in learning more. Information contained within this course includes specific characteristics found within individuals on the spectrum, commonalities across the spectrum, as well as co-morbidity. It’s a basic course tailored to meet the needs of parents, caregivers and others interested in ASD.

Sept 8, 2018

Fun day at the “CrossFit Ambition” Open House at 2147 Buffalo Road, (Westmar Plaza) Rochester, NY 14624.

Sept 18, 2017

Today was an great all-around learning experience and information sharing event for all involved.

May 31, 2017

Our 2nd Annual Job Fair for Individuals with Autism/Asperger’s was held at the Memorial Art Gallery on May 31, 2017.

April 8, 2017

What a fantastic event this turned out to be! Over 100 runners and walkers participated.

April 6, 2017

October 22, 2016

Hosted by The Irondequoit Police Department and The Autism Council of Rochester.

Building community relationships one handshake and hug at a time.

What a great day this was! Children and families living with Autism were able to interact with the police in a non-emergency and non-threatening environment.

The day included:

  • tours of the Irondequoit Police Department
  • opportunity to sit in a police car or 4-wheel ATV
  • dress in a uniform and gear to see what the officers experience
  • simulated call to 911
  • an interactive station showing how fingerprints are taken
  • coloring, balloons, snacks

September 13, 2015

Our friends had Autism Appreciation Day at Stokoe Farms!

July 17,201

Our Annual Family Fun Night was a success! The skies cleared up just in time for Jordan to throw out the first pitch! The RPO was in fine form and the fireworks were spectacular! If only the Red Wings had pulled out a win!