ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The pandemic put many things on pause, but not AutismUp. The non-profit organization provides resources, programs and support to families and people with autism.

What You Need To Know

  • AutismUp is a non-profit organization that provides support, programs and training for people with autism and their families

  • Currently help 2,500 people across WNY

  • Hoping Autism Awareness Month changes to acceptance and inclusion 

"We were having virtual meetups daily instead of weekly or monthly to help families make the best of it for kids...helping kids learn how to wear a mask, etc," explained Rachel Rosner, director of education at AutismUp. "I think pivot is probably the word for 2021 right?"

The Golisano Autism Center building is new, opening in Rochester in late 2019. Then, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they had to leave their new building on Friday, March 13, 2020.

Though the organization isn't fully back to pre-pandemic operations, with some adult programs still virtual, Rosner is glad to be back.

"Being here in the building, seeing the people that we serve, definitely gives me that sense of hope that we will be back up to full force soon," she said.

There are about 2,500 AutismUp members. It's a growing community that Rosner has been a part of since 2004. Before working at AutismUp, she took her own kids, who have autism, to these events and programs.

"The vast majority of the people who work here are family members," said Rosner. "We are moms of people with autism. We are siblings, we are family members, so that gives us that little extra special touch."

And their "extra special touch" goes extra lengths with the help of Lisa Ponticello, their marketing and development director.

They even play ding dong ditch sometimes! Spectrum News tagged along to the super-secret destination. 

We went to the first house to receive AutismUp's "Wandering Wreath." The lucky family gets a sign and a pretty wreath with AutismUp's signature colors of bright blue and green. Later, that family passes it on to another family.

"We ring the doorbell and run away," the two women laughed, as they sneakily tried to place the wreath.

The ding dong happened...not so much the ditch.

"Hi guys! We got your a surprise and you guys get to pick who gets it next!" explained Rosner and Ponticello to the family.

This is just one of the many ways AutismUp supports its members. Not just through teaching, but going out of their way, proving they will show up and be there.

For more information on Autism Up and its programs, click here.