ASPIRe N.Y., Inc. is a community based recreation and activity group for teens and young adults with Asperger’s Syndrome, High Functioning Autism, P.D.D.N.O.S. and other disorders of social relatedness. Julie Marks and Deb Garrelts, with backgrounds in education and occupational therapy respectively, and both parents of ASPIRe N.Y., Inc. participants do “in the moment” teaching of appropriate behavior when needed and plan structured activities to build those skills as well. We actively seek high school seniors without disabilities to join in our activities as peer mentors and give feedback to our young adults on how to demonstrate age-appropriate, socially acceptable behavior.

All ASPIRe N.Y., Inc. participants complete Interest Surveys and keep binders with the interests and contact information of other participants. We encourage our young adults to make contact with other participants with whom they share interests.

ASPIRe N.Y., Inc. asks participants to help plan activities within the scheduled events. Safety awareness, body language, and self-defense techniques are taught by a professional during our Winter and Spring Sessions.

Outdoor Activities
ASPIRe N.Y. participants have enjoyed biking, orienteering, swimming, picnics, snow tubing and skiing, boat rides, rodeos, mini golf, corn mazes, and much much more!

Indoor Activities
ASPIRe N.Y. participants get together for bowling, holiday and special occasion parties, board games, movies, shopping, family dinners and pancake breakfasts!

Skill Building Lessons
ASPIRe N.Y. provides skilled informational sessions with experts in safety awareness and self defense, cooking, job interview skills. ASPIRe N.Y. participants also attend lessons on “putting your best foot forward” and manners.

Birthdays
Every participant’s birthday is celebrated with a special party, and gift certificates to the store of their choosing.

Family Participation
The families of ASPIRe N.Y. participants are integral to the successful integration of their young adults into group activities.

ASPIRe N.Y. also communicates frequently with families to connect them to other community services and supports, and activities of interest to them.

ASPIRe N.Y., inc. is a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt organization