Dear friends,

I am writing to share my excitement and request your support for a new school that is dedicated to educating one of the most under served populations in our city: Autistic children. The Brooklyn Autism Center (BAC) is scheduled to open in the fall of 2007 and, given the dedication and expertise of the educators and activists who are its founding champions, this institution is poised to become an influential model for autism education in our city.

Autism is growing at an alarming rate and our education system is not keeping pace, despite concrete evidence that with the proper educational support, autistic children can blossom and thrive in ways that are truly inspiring. Until a cure is found, the only proven treatment for autism is education. Unfortunately, there is a shortage of schools to meet the rising demand. The wait list for most schools can delay a child for years from being helped. That is why I have become so committed to the creation of this new school.

At The Brooklyn Autism Center, we are not prepared to let these vulnerable children wait and miss the “window of opportunity” that can change their lives and the lives of their families.

Our curriculum will be based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), the only teaching method scientifically proven to give autistic children the reading, math, social and communication skills they need to succeed and prosper. Because ABA requires specially trained and qualified teachers, and frequently involves one-on-one lessons to be successful, the annual cost of schooling each autistic child is close to $80,000.

Our school will begin with 1:1 instruction and individualized curriculum with an emphasis on socialization and language. With specialized education, many of these children can lead near-normal lives and overcome the challenges they face with autism.

Board of Directors

Sydnee Jorgl - President
David Dunkleman - Co Treasurer
Max Smith - Co Treasurer
Susan Shatzker - Secretary

Margaret Boyer
Ray Cepeda BCaBA
Nesli Danisman
Cynthia Godsoe
Darlene Gray M.S.,CCC-SLP
Sherri Greenbach
Alison Hockenberry
Jaime Nicklas
Molly Nutter

Advisory Committee

Adrianne Fiala
Mike Howard
Mara Ingram
Jana Levin
Kimberly Marrero
Kate Smith

Timing is crucial: Research shows that early intervention using the ABA method helps children much more than treatment does in later years. Our kids will be five to nine years old. Some at this age make so much progress they lose most autistic traits and can integrate fully into a regular classroom. This is our goal.

We want The Brooklyn Autism Center and the stories of the results it yields to inspire others to embark on similar projects. With autism now the fastest growing developmental disorder among children, the demand for autism education is reaching new peaks. Because of the extraordinary cost in starting a school for autistic children, we must rely on private donations like yours to play an enormous role in making programs available to the many families with the challenge of finding a school for their child. Your support of our school will fill a critical need in this desperately under served community.

The Brooklyn Autism Center is a not for profit organization. All donations are fully tax deductible.

Please join me in providing a bright future for some extraordinary children by making a generous contribution.

Sincerely,

Sydnee Jorgl - Founder/Board President
Brooklyn Autism Center
www.brooklyn-autism-center.org

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