Stories
- Today's News: New Definition of Autism Will Exclude Many, Study Suggests
January 20, 2012
The New York Times Reports: Proposed changes in the definition of autism would sharply reduce the skyrocketing rate at which the disorder is diagnosed and might make it harder for many people who would no longer meet the criteria to get health, educational and social services, a new analysis suggests. - Corporate Partners Get Into the Holiday Spirit with YAI
December 30, 2011
Throughout December, many of the YAI Network’s corporate partners got into the holiday spirit by coordinating and volunteering at events that helped make the holidays even brighter for some young students who attend YAI preschools in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens. - Remembering Dr. Harold Michal-Smith
December 28, 2011
The YAI Network is saddened by the loss of Dr. Harold Michal-Smith, who devoted his life to people with developmental disabilities.
Voices
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When Celebration Itself Is Major Achievement
January 26, 2012
Contributor: Eti Znamirowski-LeMoullec
For the more than two dozens students from NIPD/NJ's Asperger's Skill Building Network throwing a party was just one of many accomplishments. -
Making Our Voices Heard
January 25, 2012
Contributor: Erica Martinez
Erica Martinez describes why it's so important for self-advocates to speak up at the local, state and federal levels of government. -
Don't Be Afraid
January 24, 2012
Contributor: Traci Strumph
Traci Strumph, a self-advocate, provides her perspective on life.
Videos
- A Home for the Holidays
December 8, 2011
After 10 long years of starts and stops, Jeffrey is finally moving into a home with 5 of his friends. Celebrate this milestone with Jeffrey and his family this holiday season. Make a gift to the YAI Network: www.yai.org/holiday - A Special Message of Thanks...
November 18, 2011
Staff are the heart of the YAI Network. Want to know why? We're sharing messages of thanks from the people who know best. - YAI Dream House
November 15, 2011
It began more than 10 years ago, when a group of young adults with developmental disabilities from Brooklyn dreamed of sharing their love for music, song and dance with the world. Today, thanks to the determination of these six individuals and their families, with the partnership of their friends, the government and YAI, their dream is coming true.
Featured Events
- How Anxiety Affects the Lives of Indivdiuals with Autism and Treatments that Help
January 23, 2012
Brooklyn Marine Park Health Education Workshop: 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Gain a greater understanding of the patterns of anxiety that impact the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorders as well as their families. Learn about therapies, strategies and the role of medication. Audience participation will be encouraged. - Play Skills and Imagination in Children with Autism
January 25, 2012
Bronx Health Education Workshops: 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. Since play is critical to a child’s capacity to understand and relate to the social world, providing opportunities for children with autism to become competent in play is of prime importance. Teaching play in a structured and systematic way gives the child the tools to play independently, and ultimately to interact with peers. This workshop will discuss how play skills and imagination for children with autism can be useful for families in the therapy room or on the playground. - Play Skills and Imagination in Children with Autism
January 30, 2012
Queens Health Education Workshops: Noon - 1:30 p.m. Since play is critical to a child’s capacity to understand and relate to the social world, providing opportunities for children with autism to become competent in play is of prime importance. Teaching play in a structured and systematic way gives the child the tools to play independently, and ultimately to interact with peers. This workshop will discuss how play skills and imagination for children with autism can be useful for families in the therapy room or on the playground.
