May 31, 2022 Anderson Center for Autism announced today that it will host its 98th annual commencement on Friday, June 24th at Anderson Center for Autism in Staatsburg, New York. A total of 13 will graduate from the organization’s educational program; one of those students, Kyler P., will be honored with the VV Anderson Outstanding Achievement Award.
Said Patrick Paul, CEO/Executive Director at Anderson Center for Autism, “Although the event is not open to the public this year due to continued pandemic-related safety measures, we hope that our entire community joins us in applauding these hardworking students as they celebrate this special day. We are honored to share so many milestones with our students and families, and graduation is always among the list of favorites.”
Graduates of the program at Anderson all share a primary diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, which presents with a wide range of communication, sensory processing, and behavioral challenges and impacts 1 in 44 people (Centers for Disease Control, 2022).
School Principal at Anderson, Jayson Pistritto, reflected: “This is a group who demonstrate remarkable resilience and perseverance; no matter what challenges they have faced, these students give their best every day. They have all made wonderful progress in our education program, and we will be so proud to hand each of them their well-deserved diplomas.”
Anderson Center for Autism’s Class of 2022 includes: Stephen B, Derek D, Dennis H, Carlo M, Caitlin M, Spencer O, Kyler P, Jesse P, Jason P, Harrison P, Sam R, Daniel S, and Victoria S.
This year’s keynote speaker will be Katy Kollar, parent of an Anderson Center for Autism resident, volunteer and prior president of Anderson Family Partners.
Shared Kollar, “Anderson Center for Autism and its residents, students, and team members have all been an extension of our family since the day our son was first enrolled, and it is a great privilege to have been asked to deliver the keynote this year. The commencement ceremony is a very important milestone for Anderson students, and for everyone who works so hard to optimize success for them. We are so proud of our graduates, and want them to know how much we believe in them – on graduation day and every day.”
Anderson Center for Autism’s collaborative, interdisciplinary education program incorporates behavioral analytic teaching strategies, interventions, and evaluative data review; visual, environmental, sensory, and communication supports are utilized as needed by the team of behavior specialists and analysts, speech and occupational therapists, and certified special educators. Classroom content is developed in the context of New York State Learning Standards, and progress is measured against goals set forth in IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) developed and adopted annually for each student.
Anderson launched a program for preschool-aged children this year as well, which is housed at Cold Spring Elementary School in Stanfordville, New York; plans are also underway to open another program in Latham, New York.
Said Paul, “It is our hope that we can continue to grow and expand in ways that will allow us to offer a continuum of service throughout the life span. In doing so, we can truly carry out our mission of ‘optimizing the quality of life for people with autism.’”
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the graduation event will not be open to the public. Safety protocols will be followed to ensure safety for graduates, staff, and guests joining in person.
For more information, call 845.889.9208 or visit andersoncenterforautism.org.
About Anderson Center for Autism
Our mission at Anderson Center for Autism is to optimize the quality of life for people with autism.
