Growing up with autism is tough. You feel uncomfortable around others sometimes, and struggle interacting with people and handling your emotions.
You don’t understand the things others do in the same way that they do. It gets even harder when you’re an adult and have to learn how to be independent and control yourself enough to qualify for a good job.
The Advocates for Adults with Autism Awards honors not only the people who have struggled with their autism and soared above their adversities to become functional, productive members of society, but also the compassionate, determined, wonderful people who have helped them get there.
Being honored at this year’s ceremony is our very own Baneesha Mukherjee, who is graduating from our program after many happy and fulfilling years. First diagnosed in elementary school, Baneesha overcame her struggles to graduate with honors in mathematics and gain respect from her neurotypical classmates. She has been a valuable asset to Yes She Can with her knowledge of American Girl, first as a trainee and then a peer mentor, leading various workshops.
Other amazing people being honored at the Awards include Caren Zucker, a grade-A journalist whose reporting topics took a new direction towards autism awareness after her son’s diagnosis; John Donvan, who has written stellar pieces to debunk the myths of autistic individuals and paint a kinder picture of those living with it; and Sandi Rosenbaum, who has been faithfully serving the autism community and advocating for opportunities for those in it for over twenty years.
The celebration was on October 20, 2021. But you can view Advocates for Adults with Autism Awards – click here.
Congratulations to our four heroes!
By: Colleen, Yes She Can trainee
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