Autism Society Greater Hudson Region, NY

06/18/2026

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program - New at the Albany International Airport.

Passengers can request sunflower-branded items at the terminal, which will discreetly let staff know they may need additional support, help, or time.

https://www.albanyairport.com/sunflower-program?fbclid=IwdGRjcAShVFpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeQz9p5TbZiKQmQ7upfPhoh_ohOLG_vWpLv1kMrSc-fFyhJOGRH6ru29K_dMI_aem_gdOD-MMLi6F1a2V_jHgRnA

Albany Airport has partnered with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Organization to provide staff with a better way to assist customers with hidden disabilities. Customers can pick up sunflower-branded badges from the Information desk, ticket counters, or the Ambassadors desk. This will discreetly let staff know they may need additional support.

Here from our very own Anna DeRosa and her experience with the Sunflower Program!

"Having my sunflower lanyard on my passport holder helps give me peace of mind at the airport – it’s a way for people to know that if I don’t make eye contact or get overstimulated and upset, it is related to my Autism in a normal way. I find that staff are more patient with me when I have my lanyard as a subtle visual queue that I might need additional assistance in some areas. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program has been instrumental in helping me work through my anxieties in a high-stress environment like the airport."

To learn more about the program, click here: https://www.albanyairport.com/sunflower-program

06/18/2026

Tomorrow night. No school. Almost summer. Father’s Day weekend. SEE YOU THERE!

06/18/2026

Happy ! Today, we are celebrating the vibrant diversity, strength, and pride of the Autistic community.

At the Autism Society of America, we believe in listening wholeheartedly to the community we serve. We are incredibly grateful for our Council of Autistic Advisors, who generously share their perspectives, insights, and lived experiences to help guide our direction.

True pride means ensuring Autistic voices are always at the table. Join us today in lifting up, listening to, and celebrating Autistic individuals everywhere!

♾️ What does Autistic Pride mean to you? Share with us in the comments!

06/17/2026

From our friends at Clemson University! Registration deadline is June 25, 2026. Program is FREE!

Register for the annual EdASE Summer Camp (Educating Autistic Software Engineers) — a free (funded by the National Science Foundation), fully virtual video game design and development camp for high school students on the autism spectrum. Over three weeks, students build a real video game while developing teamwork, communication, and collaboration skills that prepare them for careers in computing. Because it's virtual, any interested student can take part from home.

The details:
• Dates: July 6–24
• Format: Fully virtual
• Cost: Free
• Who: Autistic high school students
• Apply / learn more: edase.org/edase-summer-camp

06/16/2026

Please read the full statement from the Autism Society of America regarding today's announcement by the Department of Education to move special education and civil rights enforcement out of the Agency.

Contact Congress immediately to oppose the Administration's Interagency Agreements (IAAs). Use the link below to take action and contact your members of Congress.

https://www.votervoice.net/AutismSociety/Campaigns/138147/Respond

The Autism Society of America opposes today’s announcement by the Department of Education to move special education and civil rights enforcement out of the agency. For decades, Congress, across party lines, has kept these programs united under one roof.

Dismantling this system fragments the critical journey from school to employment, putting nearly 1 million autistic students at risk of falling through bureaucratic cracks.
We must protect the rights and futures of our students.

Read our full statement: https://bit.ly/4vhDZiJ

06/14/2026

The Walk for Autism & Safety Awareness is 2 weeks away. Mark your calendars.
Register for various sponsorship opportunities including to join us a resource table vendor and/or to attend and walk and have fun. Check out the link below.

https://onecau.se/_eyh491

06/12/2026

Get Outdoors & Get Moving Day is tomorrow, 6/13 from 10AM-2PM. The Autism Society Greater Hudson Region will be on site. Stop by our sensory tent. We look forward to seeing you.