Staatsburg, New York (March 25, 2026)…The executive leadership team of Anderson Center for Autism today announced that Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has helped secure $1,064,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) for the organization’s Dellinwood Institute Facilities Enhancement project. The funds will be utilized to fulfill a required step toward Anderson’s construction of a healthcare training and workforce development center: addressing wastewater needs on its Staatsburg campus through the purchase and installation of a new septic system.
Said Patrick Paul, CEO and Executive Director of Anderson Center for Autism, “We are incredibly grateful to Senator Gillibrand for her tireless advocacy on behalf of our mission and vision. Our plans to construct the Dellinwood Institute for Global Advances in ASD Care have been contingent on the installation of a new septic system, which comes at a substantial cost. By providing access to funding for this purpose, Senator Gillibrand has paved the way for us to complete that step and then build our highly-anticipated training facility, which will ultimately provide the professional development opportunities that can transform care for autistic individuals locally, regionally, throughout New York State, and all over the world.”
Added Dr. Tina Marie Covington, Chief Operating Officer at Anderson Center for Autism: “Once complete, the Dellinwood Institute will be home to indoor and outdoor multipurpose training and conference spaces, trainee clinical, medical, and dental skills practice rooms, and a ‘living classroom’ for visitors who wish to see what an autism supportive environment incorporates – an ideal atmosphere for colleagues in healthcare, education, and behavioral health to come learn all about the evidence-based practices that will improve their service delivery outcomes. Our hope is to address the worldwide workforce shortage of properly-trained autism professionals, thus empowering us to further our mission near and far. But the project can only move forward with infrastructure development, namely this septic system – and Senator Gillibrand’s work to secure these funds will make that possible! We admire her dedication to our cause, and deeply appreciate all that she has done and continues to do for the many people impacted by autism.”
Reflected Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, “I’m proud to have secured $1.06 million in federal funding for Anderson Center for Autism to make critical infrastructure upgrades for their new health care and training facility. The Dellinwood Institute for Global Advances in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Care will address the increasing demand for professional autism care at both the regional and national levels through robust workforce development programs. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I’ll continue to fight for federal resources that will empower and advance the field of science and strengthen the health and wellbeing of our communities for generations to come.”
According to Paul and Covington, the training facility at Anderson is also expected to help reduce the cost of autism care, which is projected to be $1.36 trillion by 2040.
“By empowering professionals who are working with this population with expert training, they will be better-positioned to protect the health and well-being of autistic individuals. This will likely decrease medical and dental expenses for these patients over the course of their lifespans, as various health-related issues might be identified and resolved more quickly if a provider knows how to successfully navigate challenges that sometimes come with caring for autistic patients,” explained Covington.
“In addition,” noted Paul, “The Dellinwood Institute will be our region’s very first autism-focused behavioral health training facility, which has obvious benefits to our local economy and to the many people who will be able to easily access the expertise of our team. We are excited about the many ways we can contribute to our field and to to optimize the quality of life for individuals with autism and their families.”
Founded over 100 years ago in 1924, Anderson Center for Autism offers award-winning, evidence-based educational, vocational, residential, and consulting/training programs, drawing students and residents from all over the United States to experience its school and residential offerings. Affiliates of the agency include Anderson Center International (ACI), Anderson Center Consulting and Training (ACCT), The Anderson Center Clinic (ACC), and three Anderson Early Learning Academy (AELA) programs. In addition, Anderson Foundation for Autism (AFA) helps to support and sustain the aforementioned programs and services through fundraising, grants, and marketing. AFA also offers a grantmaking opportunity for eligible organizations in need of funds for programs that reflect a commitment to Anderson’s mission.
Learn more at andersoncenterforuautism.org.
About Anderson Center for Autism
Our mission at Anderson Center for Autism is to optimize the quality of life for individuals with autism.
About Anderson Foundation for Autism
Through grantmaking, fundraising, and marketing initiatives, Anderson Foundation for Autism helps support, sustain, and expand upon Anderson Center for Autism’s efforts to optimize the quality of life for individuals with autism.