NEXT for AUTISM

07/31/2026

Thanks to NEXT for AUTISM Advisory Board member Natalia Lyckowski for sharing her thoughts with us on what people may often misunderstand or not know about how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) supports autistic individuals.

It's an important reminder that accommodations come in all sizes, and that simple, low-cost supports can have a big impact.

See Nat's full reply and all board members' insights at https://bit.ly/4pJiyF9

07/30/2026

Thank you to The Marilyn Lichtman Foundation for their generous support of NEXT for AUTISM and our mission. Their gift helps empower our Strategic Initiatives team to engage directly with the autism community at conferences, universities, and other key convenings, strengthening partnerships and expanding our impact.


The Marilyn Lichtman Foundation

07/27/2026

"Looking ahead, I would like to see clearer standards and stronger enforcement around sensory and communication accessibility in schools, workplaces, public spaces, healthcare settings, government offices, and digital environments." Dr. Kerry Magro's Autism Journey

NEXT connected with members of its Advisory Board to get their thoughts on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as we recognize its 36th anniversary. We asked 1) what do people often misunderstand or not know about how the ADA supports autistic people, and 2) what changes or additions would you like to see to ensure the ADA better supports autistic individuals?

See their insights at https://bit.ly/4pJiyF9.

07/24/2026

Whether you're requesting a quieter workspace or the use of AI supports, the process of requesting workplace accommodations can be intimidating.

NEXT's Requesting Accommodations resource can help with the process, available at NEXTforAUTISM.org/DEITools or 🔗 in bio.

07/23/2026

What does the path to adulthood look like?

At Norton Children's Preparing for Adult Life (PAL) program, the only program of its kind in Kentucky, the focus is to help young autistic adults, ages 7–26, learn key skills to make the transition to adulthood as seamless as possible.

In addition, the PAL program includes participation from caregivers, is fully virtual and inclusive, accessible regardless of language or intellectual ability, and offered at no cost to participants across the state, thanks to funding from NEXT for AUTISM.

Learn more at https://bit.ly/4vVEEGc or NEXTforAUTISM.org/Updates

07/14/2026

What do you look for in a manager?

Whether you hire someone in a management role or you report to a manager, what qualities are must-haves? Is it enough that they are diligent and know how to get the job done, or is how they get the job done important?

In Forbes' recent article, "Autism and Why Getting Hired is Only the Beginning," Johanna Murphy shares her insights on the importance of managers' behavior, as they are "the first line of defense in terms of shaping psychological safety in the office. The behavior they model and the behavior they accept from their teams goes a long way toward establishing group norms."

Read the Forbes article => https://bit.ly/4uCg9xE
Access ‘Inside the Autistic Workforce’ Survey => https://bit.ly/4uJJ3w4


Evolve Coaching Forbes Jennifer "Jay" Palumbo

07/13/2026

Many of us may be familiar with the "rising tides" reference, the idea that when we collectively work together, it benefits us all.

It's also important to be an impetus for change. Be the tide.

For example, are you a manager in a workplace that could do a better job of being more neuroinclusive? That's a great time to 'be the tide' by sharing the importance of cognitive empathy with your team, or the importance of establishing psychological safety with your upper management and HR groups.

Be the tide.

07/06/2026

Great question!

Check out NEXT's updated workplace resources page for the answers. Here you’ll find tools and resources, from worksheets to videos, specific to job, training, and workplace support for prospective employees, current employees, HR departments, employers, parents, and college programs.

Access here ➡️ https://bit.ly/46FTh5G

07/04/2026

🇺🇸 Wishing everyone a wonderful 4th of July!

Please keep in mind that fireworks are not for everyone, especially individuals with sensory issues. Enjoy safely and respectfully.

07/02/2026

“Any types of adjustments you may make in an attempt to become more neuroinclusive really are steps that are just going to embolden and empower the entire workforce.”

Thanks to Safety+Health Magazine for connecting with NEXT's Abigayle Jayroe to discuss how making small changes can create a more neuroinclusive workplace culture. In particular, at the manager level. Opening dialogue, breaking down barriers, and establishing trust benefits the entire team.

Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/3SJ7A6a

And NEXT's survey of autistic employees here: https://bit.ly/4uJJ3w4

Mutual trust can lead to a workplace culture with stronger psychological safety, NEXT for AUTISM says.