Brooke Reilly 
April 2, 2024 Tuesday, April 2 marks World Autism Awareness Day, and the month of April is recognized as Autism Acceptance Month.
A center, based in Dutchess County, with other locations in the state, works with both autistic children and adults from around New York and the country on their educational, emotional and social needs.
Joseph (Joey) Hussey is 28 years old. He was born with autism, which is a developmental disorder.
It comes in different forms and can impact how an individual interacts with others, communicates, learns and acts.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 36 children are now being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
“Having a child with autism, having my son, Joseph, is a blessing,” Edward Hussey said. “I thank God for him because he’s such a blessing.”
Joey is the youngest of three boys to Edward and Connie Hussey.
Throughout the first 10 years of his life, Joey attended different schools and programs. But as he got older, Joey’s parents said he needed more specialized assistance.
“It was very difficult because he had self-abusive behaviors, where he would hit himself. And then we tried to stop him from hitting himself, at times, he would get aggressive,” Edward Hussey said.
In 2006, Joey began going to school and getting assistance at Anderson Center for Autism.
“I can’t even imagine where he would be without Anderson at this point. It was all they’re doing. I mean, they did an amazing job with him,” Connie Hussey said.
Anderson Center for Autism, which is in its 100th year, has a residential school program for children, as well as group homes and lifelong learning opportunities for adults.
Anderson Center for Autism CEO Patrick Paul said their programs are unique in that all the work they do is specifically for people with autism.
“We’re able to leverage all our training and all the skills and all the knowledge that we’ve brought to the table to really help folks who are very challenged,” Paul said.
Paul said that autism can impact individuals differently, and each person’s success may not be the same as another.
“We’re working toward making the individuals be in the least restrictive environment, so we want everyone to be as engaged in the community and accessing community resources,” Paul said.
Joey’s parents credit Anderson for helping their son overcome his abusive behaviors.
When he graduated from the children’s program at 21 years old, Joey received an outstanding achievement award for how far he’s come.
Joey now helps with Meals on Wheels, makes dog treats and does other activities with the support of Anderson staff members at his group home.
“The individuals are beautiful individuals, but the disease is an ugly disease,” Edward Hussey said. “If you met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism, ‘cause they’re all different.”
