Eden II School for Autistic Children

Eden II Programs is an American Nonprofit organization founded in 1976 which aims to support autistic children and adults throughout New York City and Long Island.

History

Eden II was founded in November 15, 1976 by six families, initially beginning on Staten Island with just six children and one special education teacher.

Eden II developed its Adult Services Program in 1982 to meet the needs of individuals with autism who have aged out of the school system. This program is designed to serve those individuals with the most significant challenges, often excluded from all other options. Today, Eden II serves over 90 young men and women in its Adult Services Programs.

Eden II developed its Family Support Department in 1984. This program began with a small parent training class and some respite trips serving approximately 15 families a year and has grown into a combination of programs, including respite services, summer camp, after school programs, holiday trips, service coordination, and in-home habilitation programs. Currently, the Family Support Department assists more than 200 families.

In 1994, Eden II opened its preschool program to serve children with autism, ages 3–5. This intensive program focuses on learning readiness skills, academics, social and self-help skills.

Realizing a need for services on Long Island, the Genesis School, an educational annex of Eden II, opened in Plainview, New York in September 1995. Initially serving twelve students, the Genesis School now provides educational, residential and outreach services to more than 100 individuals throughout Long Island. Eden II employs more than 400 full-time and 200 part-time staff and benefits from a number of volunteers, including its board of directors.

Residence programs

In 1993, Eden II developed its first residence for ten young men with autism. This house was developed in response to Eden II's mission statement: to serve individuals with autism and their families across their lifespans. Eden II opened its second residence in 2003, serving six children with autism, and had opened three more residences by 2010.

References

• Taylor, Julie Lounds; Seltzer, Marsha Mailick (2011-05-01). "Employment and Post-Secondary Educational Activities for Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders During the Transition to Adulthood". Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 41 (5): 566–574. doi:10.1007/s10803-010-1070-3. ISSN 1573-3432. PMC 3033449. PMID 20640591.

External links

• Eden II