STEPS participant shares his interests |
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To celebrate Autism Acceptance Month, we sat down with Evan, a young man who participates in our STEPS program, to discuss his interests and experiences. STEPS, which stands for Success Through Engagement and Positive Supports, helps people engage in meaningful activities out in the community.
Q: Hi, Evan! Thank you for talking to us today. Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and what your interests are?
A: Oh sure! I like doing puzzles. I like playing video games. My favorite is Mario. I like going to places. We [STEPS] just went to Niagara Power Vista this week. That was a lot of fun.
I also like traveling to Disney World. I’ve been there a lot. My favorite ride is Guardians of the Galaxy. I like the movies, too. I’m going to Disneyland for the first time in September. There’s still a little ways to go, but it’s something to look forward to.
Q: I’m sure that will be a fun trip! How long have you been participating in our STEPS program? |
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A: I’d say about a year, maybe a little more. Q: What is your favorite thing to do at STEPS?
A: I like going places like Power Vista, the YMCA, the mall. It’s super fun. We walk and exercise at the YMCA. We also go shopping, and we learn how to save and budget our money. I also love going bowling. I’m a good bowling. My nickname is Evan the Great. Q: Do you also participate in volunteer work through STEPS?
A: Yes, we volunteer with Hope Rising. It’s meal packing for those in need. We package the meals. There are bins of rice, sometimes lentils, some broth. We weigh everything and seal it. It feels good to help out.
Q: That’s wonderful! Now, since April is Autism Acceptance Month, I wanted to ask you what does autism mean to you? A: To me, autism means how special I am.
Q: Is there anything the community can do to be more inclusive?
A: I just think everyone should be nice and kind to others. |
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With 1 in 36 children affected by autism spectrum disorder, chances are you know and love someone on the spectrum. Yet, despite the rising prevalence and increased awareness over the past 20 years, there is still a lack of understanding about this complex developmental condition. Autism is characterized by deficits in communication and social skills as well as repetitive or restrictive behaviors. It is present at birth, and early signs may be visible by the age of one. Symptoms tend to become more evident between two to three years of age. Signs that could indicate the presence of autism include: |
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- A lack of eye contact
- Little to no gestures, such as pointing or waving goodbye
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Echolalia (repeating words instead of responding)
- Not asking questions or engaging in back-and-forth conversation
- Not noticing other children and joining them in play
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Repetitive movements such as rocking, spinning, or hand flapping
Autism is considered a spectrum disorder because it doesn’t impact people in the exact same way. It encompasses a wide range of support levels, from the ability to work and function independently to the need for significant support daily. Picture autism as a color wheel rather than a line from not autistic to very autistic. The wheel is made up of skills and behaviors such as sensory sensitivities, executive functioning, and social difficulties.
Although autism affects everyone differently, people often expect all autistic individuals to behave similarly. Misconceptions persist for a number of reasons, including stereotypes in TV shows and movies. Additionally, the way autism is described has changed over time. For example, Asperger’s syndrome used to be a separate diagnosis. Now, it is part of the broader autism spectrum.
April is Autism Acceptance Month, an opportunity to celebrate the strengths and contributions of autistic people. Originally called Autism Awareness Month, it has been reframed to foster greater understanding and inclusion. By shifting from awareness to acceptance, we can reduce the stigma around autism and promote respect and belonging. |
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Donate in support
of Autism Acceptance Month |
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Joseph*—a student in our preschool program, struggles with verbal language and has challenges with transitions. Because he's unable to express himself easily, Joseph has developed challenging behaviors. That’s where our expert staff comes in. His teachers, aides, therapists, and behavior support team are working together to help him develop vital communication and emotional regulation skills.
Take action during Autism Acceptance Month by supporting programs that make a tremendous difference for children like Joseph. Your donation will provide crucial services like one-on-one instruction, speech therapy, job coaching, and more.
Every year, we support nearly 500 students through our educational programs. But we need to do more. Hundreds of children and adults are waiting for services; every moment spent waiting is a moment where learning is not taking place. With your help, we can deliver life-changing services to more children and adults in need of specialized support. Together, we can ensure that every individual with autism has the opportunity to achieve their potential.
*Name changed for privacy purposes. |
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What parents want you
to know about autism |
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Autism is not a one-size-fits-all diagnosis.
Autism truly impacts each person differently. Some people have very limited language, and others have a wide vocabulary. Some are hypersensitive to sounds and touch, and others crave sensory input. You can’t make assumptions about someone’s abilities, interests, or challenges until you get to know them. |
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Think twice before you offer advice.
It’s hard for parents of typical children to understand what we’re going through. This often leads to well-meaning yet unhelpful advice like "She’ll eat when she’s hungry" or "You really should cut back on her screen time." Believe me, I’m acutely aware of our struggles. Anything you suggest, I’ve already tried.
My child wants to be included.
Even though my son isn’t super social, he still wants to be included. Children with autism don’t always understand what it takes to build and maintain friendships, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t trying. Please don’t forget them when you’re planning a birthday party or organizing a play date.
Autism can be an invisible struggle.
My daughter experiences daily anxiety and intense emotions. She’s not being dramatic — it’s how her brain and nervous system are wired. That paralyzing feeling you get when you come across your worst fear is something individuals with autism deal with every day.
Support goes a long way, even for children who blend in.
Some children with autism can “blend in” with their peers. My son attends public school, and if I don't advocate for interventions, he’ll be overlooked. Autism affects the way children learn, so support and accommodations are critical to helping them reach their full potential.
My child isn’t being rude.
Individuals with autism have a different way of communicating. For example, my son doesn’t show a lot of facial expressions. When he speaks, his tone can come across as blunt. If he doesn’t look you in the eye or show an interest in small talk, he’s not trying to be rude.
My child doesn’t need to be disciplined.
When my son has a meltdown, it’s a cry for help. His nervous system is overloaded, and he can’t control his reaction. I can feel people judging my parenting. My son isn’t being manipulative — he’s highly distressed and needs compassion, not discipline.
See the person, not the diagnosis.
My son is full of hope and fear and joy and sadness. He also has a disability. Although autism is a big part of his life, it’s just one aspect. His identity and self-worth are not defined by it. |
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Join us on Saturday, May 10 for a 2-mile walk celebrating autism acceptance and understanding—alongside families, advocates, and community supporters.
Walk with us. Fundraise with us. Or donate to help make an impact. Below is a list of a few fundraisers you can attend to support this year’s event. Please see Upcoming Events for more details. -
Delta Sonic is running a round up campaign at 12 participating locations around Western New York. Customers will be encouraged to round up for autism acceptance when purchasing a car wash, interior detail, or other service.
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Build Foundations Fundraiser hosted by WNY Beer Trail will take place from 12-4 p.m. on Saturday, April 26 at Resurgence Brewing Company, 55 Chicago St., Buffalo.
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Aaron’s Allies will host a Skate for Summit event from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, April 28 at Rainbow Skating Rink, 101 Oliver St., North Tonawanda. The cost is $10 per person and $4 to rent skates.
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Théoden’s Fellowship will host an artisan and vendor market from 12-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 3 at Summit Academy-Stahl, 150 Stahl Road, Getzville.
Proceeds from each event will support the 2025 Autism Walk, which raises funds for critical programs and services. |
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Thank you to our sponsors! |
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PJ Cools celebrates World Autism Day |
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On World Autism Day, STEPS Tonawanda had a fantastic outing at PJ Cools. Everyone had the opportunity to enjoy an ice cream treat, play with sensory items, and participate in photo ops. The best part of the visit? A duet to a Mulan song between the owner of PJ Cools and one of the individuals we support. |
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Employee Spotlight - Presented by West Herr |
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Meet Becky Cervi! What is your role at Summit?
I am a behavior consultant for the self-contained preschool classrooms. I joined Summit four years ago as a behavior technician working at Summit Academy-Creekside with the older students. Then I came to preschool and have been a consultant for over two years.
What do you love most about your job?
I love the people that I work with. The best part of working in a school is the opportunity to collaborate with every member of the team. I also love getting to celebrate the small victories of our students. We never expect our students to climb mountains in a day, but rather, we take pride in the little achievements and small goals that they meet every single day. And when you add all those little achievements together and see how far they’ve come from the start of the school year to the end, it is so amazing to be a part of.
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What are you most proud of, personally and professionally?
I am proud of getting my degree and my certification in applied behavior analysis and the knowledge those have given me. However, I am just as proud of and place as much value on the things I have learned from working in the field at Summit. I learn something new every day from my colleagues and from experiences I have with my students. I never take for granted that so much of deciding what is best for our students depends on how well you really know them. I am proud that, even after four years, I continue to learn and grow.
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April 1-30: Delta Sonic
Location: Participating Delta Sonic locations across Western NY Round up for The Summit Center when you purchase a car wash, interior detail, or any service from our friends at Delta Sonic.
April 1-30: Your CBD Store/Sunmed
Location: 4154 McKinley Pkwy, Suite 800, Hamburg, NY 14219
Your CBD Store/Sunmed has chosen The Summit Center as their "Skip the Bag, Donate to Charity" recipient for April. Every time a customer skips taking a bag with their purchase, they will donate $1 to Summit.
April 1-30: Cup of Communitea
Location: 5416 Main St., Williamsville, NY 14221
Cup of Communitea will donate a portion of proceeds from the sales of its five featured teas of April, which include raspberry rose, mushroom chai, lavender chamomile, blackberry sage, and lemon ginger.
April 1-30: Wayland Brewing
Location: 3740 N Buffalo St., Orchard Park, NY 14127 Wayland Brewing will donate $1 for every pint sold of its flagship beer during the month of April.
April 23: Dining Out Night at Panera Bread
Time: 4-8 p.m.
Location: 3995 N. Buffalo Rd., Orchard Park, NY 14127
Grab dinner at Panera in the village of Orchard Park! Summit will receive 25% of sales that evening.
April 26: Build Foundations Fundraiser hosted by WNY Beer Trail
Time: 12-4 p.m.
Location: Resurgence Brewing Company, 55 Chicago St., Buffalo, NY 14204
WNY Beer Trail will host a fundraising event to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month and support The Summit Center. Resurgence will donate $1 per pint on two selected beers. The event will also feature a silent auction, a basket raffle, and special guests. April 28: Skate for Summit
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Location: Rainbow Skating Rink, 101 Oliver St., North Tonawanda, NY 14120
The Skate for Summit fundraiser will feature a sensory-friendly atmosphere and include contests, a 50/50 raffle, games, and door prizes. The cost is $10 per person and $4 for skate rentals.
May 3: Théoden's Fellowship Artisan Market
Time: 12-4 p.m.
Location: 150 Stahl Road, Getzville, NY 14068
Théoden's Fellowship will hold an artisan market and basket raffle. The event will include more than 20 artisans and vendors, a basket raffle, a 50/50 raffle, and more. Food trucks will be available throughout the event.
May 10: The Summit Center 2025 Autism Walk
Time: Check-in opens at 8 a.m.
Location: 150 Stahl Road, Getzville, NY 14068
Join us for a fun-filled day to celebrate children and adults with autism! The cost is $10 to register; children under 18 are free and do not need to register. Sign up and start fundraising today at SummitAutismWalk.org.
June 5: Transition Fair
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Location: 30 Hazelwood Drive, Amherst, NY 14228
Connect with more than 20 agencies on resources to support students in the transition to adulthood. Parents from all school districts are welcome. | |
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Over the past 13 years, The Summit Center Autism Walk has raised more than $3 million dollars to help fund critical programs for children and adults with autism and other developmental, social, and behavioral challenges. |
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Our Mission
Guided by evidence-based practice, we maximize life success for people facing developmental, social, and behavioral challenges. |
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