The mission of the Eagles Autism Foundation is to support the highest quality and most impactful autism research and care to improve the lives of affected individuals and families now, as well as foster the acquisition of knowledge, technologies, and discoveries that will bring new opportunities in the future. While we remain steadfast in our commitment to fund the most innovative research, we also recognize the immediate need to serve individuals through the community grant program. Stay tuned for updates regarding our 2024 funding process.
Our Impact 2024
2024 Panelists


Dr. Emanuel DiCicco-Bloom
Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Professor, Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Chair of the NIH Developmental Brain Disorders study section, member of the Society for Neuroscience Audit Committee, serves on Autism Science Foundation and the American Brain Coalition panels
Dr. Emanuel DiCicco-Bloom completed his MD at Cornell University Medical College. Dr. DiCicco-Bloom works as a pediatric neurologist, along with acting as the Eagles Autism Foundation Scientific Advisory, Chair of Review Panel. His research interests include gene growth and gene factor regulation of neurogenesis during mammalian brain development, with a focus on models of human neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism, schizophrenia, and environmental teratogens. One direction of research explores the roles of extracellular growth factors, such as IGF1, bFGF and PACAP, in regulating proliferation of neural precursors in cerebral cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum, working via cell cycle machinery, especially cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors. Another area of interest examines the effects of environmental teratogens, including methylmercury and neurotherapeutic valproic acid, on neural stem cell proliferation in prenatal cortex and postnatal hippocampus, defining effects on proliferation and programmed cell death, as well as neurogenesis and behavioral consequences. Finally, he is defining the roles of the autism-associated gene, Engrailed 2, in development of cerebellum and hindbrain, as well as secondary effects on forebrain structure and functions. These studies are performed in neural stem cell cultures, and in embryonic and postnatal rodent brains, altering growth factors, genes, and microRNAs by using knock out technology, gene over/under expression methods (transfection, in utero electroporation) and pharmacological approaches with subsequent analyses of mRNAs, proteins, cell and tissue morphology and animal behaviors.

Dr. Anita Bhattacharyya
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Associate Professor, Cell and Regenerative Biology

Dr. Eric Butter
Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Chief of the Division of Psychology in the Department of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Chief of the Section of Psychology at Nationwide Children’s and Director of Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Child Development Center

Dr. Lea Ann Chen
Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center
Assistant Professor of Medicine and Director of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Translational Research at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

Dr. Silvia De Rubeis
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Associate Professor, Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry, Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, and Friedman Brain Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

Dr. Adriana Di Martino
Child Mind Institute
Research Director of the Autism Center, Senior Research Scientist at the Child Mind Institute

Dr. Suzannah Iadarola
University of Rochester Medical Center
Associate Professor – Department of Pediatrics, Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics (SMD) Senior Instructor of Pediatrics

Dr. Kenneth Kwan
University of Michigan
Associate Professor of Human Genetics Research and Associate Professor University of Michigan Medical School

Dr. Chiara Manzini
Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and The Child Health Institute of New Jersey
Associate Professor of the Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology

Dr. Kimberley McAllister
Wake Forest University
Vice Provost for Research, Scholarly Inquiry, and Creative Activity, Professor of Biology and Translational Neuroscience

Dr. Eric Morrow
Brown University
Mencoff Family Professor of Biology, Professor of Brain Science, Professor of Neuroscience, Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior

Dr. Tomasz Nowakowski
University of California San Francisco
Associate Professor, Neurological Surgery School of Medicine University of California, San Francisco

Dr. Damon Page
Seattle Children’s Research Institute & University of Washington
Principal Investigator Norcliffe Foundation Center for Integrative Brain Research at Seattle Children’s, Professor Department of Pediatrics University of Washington

Dr. Ernest Pedapti
Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center
Associate Professor, University of Cincinnati Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience

Dr. Benjamin Philpot
University of North Carolina
Kenan Distinguished Professor, Associate Director of the University of North Carolina Neuroscience Center

Dr. Tim Roberts
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Professor of Radiology at the University of Pennsylvania/Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Vice-chair of Research for the Department of Radiology and the Oberkircher Family Endowed Chair in Pediatric Radiology at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Dr. Celine Saulnier
Neurodevelopmental Assessment and Consulting Services
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Founder & Owner at Neurodevelopmental Assessment and Consulting Service

Dr. Jason Stein
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Associate Professor, Genetics University of North Carolina Neuroscience Research Center

Dr. Peter Tsai
UT Southwestern Medical Center
Associate Professor, Director of the Cerebellar Neurodevelopmental Disorders Clinic at Children’s Health

Dr. Lonnie Zwaigenbaum
University of Alberta, Canada
Professor in the Department of Pediatrics University of Alberta, Associate Director of the Women and Children’s Health Research Institute

Dr. Sara Jane Webb
Seattle Children’s Research Institute
Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Seattle Children’s, Associate Director Eunice Kennedy Shriver Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Centers University of Washington

Dr. John Welsh
University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Research Institute
Pediatric Neuroscientist, Professor of Neurology Seattle Children’s
Eagles Autism Funded Projects

Primary Investigator: Carol Wilkinson
Pilot Project: Early identification of autism using biosensor recordings of infant cries: A pilot study

Primary Investigator: Jason Yi
Pilot Project: Engineered synthetic proteins for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders

Primary Investigator: David Mandell/Heather Nuske
Pilot Project: Testing the Independent and Additive Impact of Inclusive Educational Practices and Social and Emotional Skills Training on Inclusion and Social, Emotional and Wellbeing Outcomes in Children on the Autism Spectrum: A Pilot Trial

Primary Investigator: Jerome Clatot
Pilot Project: Targeting Nav1.2 associated protein interactions to rescue sodium current in SCN2A associated autism disorders

Primary Investigator: Sarah Shultz
Pilot Project: Eye-tracking-based measurement of real-time learning in autism: Towards the development of individualized interventions and objective outcome measures

Primary Investigator: Pierre Mattar
Pilot Project: Deciphering the role of chromatin remodelling complexes in ASD etiology

Primary Investigator: Helen Willsey
Pilot Project: Autism genes in ciliary biology

Primary Investigator: Naiara Akizu
Pilot Project: Uncovering the burden of chromatin dysregulation in autism spectrum disorders

Primary Investigator: Hirofumi Morishita
Pilot Project: Molecular and circuit basis of ASD-associated cognitive deficits

Primary Investigator: Guoping Feng
Pilot Project: Correcting cortico-striatal circuit dysfunction and related behavior defects by NR2B antagonists in a marmoset model of ASD

Primary Investigator: Simon Chen
Pilot Project: Restoring delayed motor learning in a mouse model of 16p11.2 deletion syndrome

Primary Investigator: Eric Levine
Pilot Project: Contributions of GABRB3 and HERC2 overexpression to Dup15q autism

Primary Investigator: Ravi Allada
Pilot Project: Genetic Architecture of Autism Risk Genes in Sleep and Circadian Rhythms

Primary Investigator: Evan Bordt
Pilot Project: Do sex differences in microglial mitophagy program male social behavioral vulnerabilities?

Harvard Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology
Primary Investigator: Jeffrey D. Macklis
Pilot Project: ASD and intellectual disability exemplar gene Bcl11a/Ctip1 regulates subcellular growth cone-synaptic RNA and protein localization, associative circuitry, and social behavior with aberrant interhemispheric and de novo circuitry to basolateral amygdala: discovery and toward therapy in mice and transplanted human neurons

Primary Investigator: Alexandra Key
Pilot Project: Enhancing clinical decision making in autism through gaze-linked neural markers of social information processing

Primary Investigator: Hakon Hakonarson
Pilot Project: Molecular Mechanisms of the Autism-Causal Gene, ADGRB3

Primary Investigator: Patricia C B Beltrao Braga
Pilot Project: Exploring Microbiome-Driven Epigenetic Changes in Autism and their Impact on Neuronal Glutamate Signaling

Primary Investigator: Maria Rita dos Santos e Passos Bueno
Pilot Project: Understanding neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration in autism with the use of chimeric brain organoids and blood-brain barrier models

Primary Investigator: Andrea Parolin Jackowski
Pilot Project: Maternal Metabolomic Changes Due to COVID-19 Hardships: Causal Implications for Offspring Neurodevelopment and Autism Risk
Post Doctoral Fellowships

Laura McGarry – The mechanistic basis of autism spectrum disorder in Dravet Syndrome

Marisa Patti – Examining the relationship between dietary exposure to plasticizers and autism-related traits in children
Community Grant Recipients 2024

A Step Up Academy
A Step Up Academy’s (ASUA) mission is to prepare students to become engaged participants in society by developing innovative academic, social, emotional, and behavioral programming as well as impactful community partnerships. The Eagles Autism Foundation previously funded a PAES lab, Spectrum Greenhouse, and Create Crew program at ASUA. In service of our mission and our move to a new location, ASUA is opening a new division of the organization called The Step Up Institute, which allows A Step Up Academy to provide services through thier unique methodology to students outside of thier direct school enrollment. One of the first initiatives of the Institute is the Transition Hub. This program will provide hands-on vocational experiences for young adults with extensive support needs, who otherwise would not have access to these opportunities. Vocational experiences will be given in the areas of facilities maintenance, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and hospitality. The Eagles Autism Foundation Community Grant will help build A Step Up Academy’s Transition Hub’s Agriculture Career Pathway program.

Valley Forge Educational Services
Valley Forge Educational Services offers a continuum of educational, social and employment-related programs for children and adults with special needs. The Vanguard School, a program of VFES, is a Pennsylvania licensed, approved private school for students 4 – 22 years of age, the majority (70%) diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. In 2022 The Vanguard School established the Pre-Employment Training Center (PETC), a program which provides on-campus job readiness training and opportunities to high school and transitional age students. The first phase of PETC – Phin’s Cafe was launched in the same year due to a previous grant from the Eagles Autism Foundation. The funding from the Eagles Autism Foundation this year will support VFES phase II of PETC’s “Auto Detailing and Bike Repair; Maintenance and Custodial; Shipping and Receiving; and Horticulture. The growth of PETC will be a critical part of preparing our students for life beyond Vanguard.

The Pathway School
For 3+ decades The Pathway School’s Career Education program has provided valuable career education, development, and exploration opportunities for students with disabilities including autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, other significant learning disabilities, and neurodiversities. In today’s rapidly evolving job market, career education plays a pivotal role in inclusivity and empowering students to make informed decisions about their future careers. However, for special education students, accessing comprehensive and engaging career education experiences can present unique challenges. Traditional methods often struggle to accommodate diverse learning needs, leading to limited engagement and retention of essential skills. Recognizing the pressing need for innovative solutions to address these challenges, The Pathway School plans to implement an enhancement to thier current program with the integration of virtual reality (VR) technology. VR offers a groundbreaking opportunity to enhance our delivery of career education and exploration, providing immersive and interactive experiences catering to diverse learning styles and abilities. Funding provided by the Eagles Autism Foundation will support the addition of the Transfr VR platform that addresses the need to provide a wider array of career exploration and education modalities. This enhancement will address the needs of students with autism, other neurodiversities, and learning challenges. Allowing Pathway to provide educational tools and an array of experiences to improve the lives and future success of Pathway students with autism.

Variety
Variety-the Children’s Charity of the Delaware Valley is expanding their innovative workforce development model VarietyWorks. VarietyWorks serves young adults with disabilities, ages 14-24 and beyond. This programming is guided by thier Theory of Change that states when young adults with disabilities have access to choices and engage in individualized instruction and employment experiences, they will become self-confident, independent, and better prepared for life. Variety is unique in that thier pipeline of services start at the age of 5 and vocational training begins at the age of 14. Funding from the Eagles Autism Foundation will support VarietyWorks, whose services are financially sustainable, but not resourced for expansion and enhancement. Specifically, funding will support the expansion of thier Farm to Table and supported group employment services (Mobile Café), enhancement of thier greenhouses for year-round usage to train participants in skills transferable to a variety of industries, procurement of additional technology for the program, training wages for participants in our supported group employment services, and a variety of educational materials.

Woods Services
Woods Services supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and acquired brain injury who also have complex medical and genetic conditions. Many of the children served have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a neurological disorder affecting social interaction and communication. With ASD being the fastest-growing developmental disability in the US, there is a critical need for specialized service providers. Woods addressed this by opening a Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility called START in 2013, offering short-term care for children with ASD and challenging behaviors. To enhance sensory and communication skills, Woods will utilize funding from the Eagles Autism Foundation to purchase school-based communication boards and sensory equipment for the START program. These tools will help create inclusive environments that support communication, social interaction, and therapeutic goals, aligning with the Eagles Autism Foundation’s mission to enhance the lives of those affected by ASD.

Theatre Horizon
Since Theatre Horizon’s founding in 2005, it’s Autism Drama Program (ADP) is the only arts education program of its kind in the Philadelphia region that inspires imagination, communication, and interest in personal relationships for youth and young adults on the autism spectrum. The ADP classes have historically consisted of three different sessions (Summer, Fall, and Spring) that meet weekly over six weeks. Since re-introducing in-person classes in Spring 2022, Theatre Horizon has served more people in the ASD community this year than ever before through new programs like its first-ever Neurodiversity Affinity Performance and our Autism Drama Summer Camp. Based on feedback from Theatre Horizon’s students, their caregivers, and Teaching Artists, they have recognized there is a need for a dedicated Sensory Space at Theatre Horizon that is quiet, private, and interactive. The funding from the Eagles Autism Foundation will provide the oppurunity for Theatre Horizon’s to create a flexible and adaptable Sensory Space in thier lobby to benefit the students participating in thier education programs and audience members attending thier professional theatre productions. The space will include interactive elements such as: a sensory cube, sparkle wall, moving marbles sensory wall, light elements, noise machine, furniture, foam mats, fidgets and toys; as well as soundproofing to reduce ambient noise in the lobby. This sensory space will offer a safe environment for individuals with ASD to re-regulate from overstimulation, allowing them to fully engage in our educational and artistic programs and aims to enhance individuals’ overall experience with Theatre Horizon and nurture their passion for the arts.

Philadelphia Orchestra
The Philadelphia Orchestra will present the Carnival of the Animals, a sensory-friendly in-person performance from our Family Discovery Series. Through funding provided by the Eagles Autism Foundation the concert will take place in March of 2025 and welcomes neurodiverse music lovers of all ages to Marian Anderson Hall. The Family Discovery Series showcases activities and experiences that are fun for the whole family, and our sensory-friendly performances maintain a judgement-free zone for neurodiverse audience members to express themselves as needed while supporting any sensory-sensitivities. The Carnival of the Animals, Camille Saint-Saëns’ most famous piece, served as the inspiration for John Williams’ score to the Harry Potter film franchise. With its enchanting musical expedition through the animal kingdom and influence on popular culture, this performance presents an excellent opportunity to expand arts access to the widest possible audience in our community. The Orchestra cultivates a safe, welcoming environment in which attendees are free to move around, leave the concert hall, vocalize, and more without fear of judgement. Prior to the performance, the Orchestra will host interactive pre-concert activities in the Plaza of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. The Orchestra will also provide a cool down space and sensory kits, including fidget spinners and headphones.

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Children in foster care are a population with a high prevalence of underserved special health care needs. The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Fostering Health Program was established to meet the health care needs of children in foster care in our community. The program commonly sees undiagnosed and undertreated autism spectrum disorders (ASD) among the children served. Timely ASD diagnostic and therapeutic services are especially critical for children in foster care to promote resiliency during a traumatic time and to support stable, nurturing placements during their course in foster care. However, children in foster care experience unique barriers to accessing ASD services including lack of health care information available to foster parents and providers, consent barriers, insurance changes upon foster care entry, communication barriers across the multiple systems involved in their care, and health care interruptions. There is a need to expand our program’s capacity to address the unique access barriers experienced by children in foster care with ASD. The specific aims of this project based at CHOP Fostering Health Program are to; (1)Provide case management for diagnostic and therapeutic ASD services to children with concern for ASD identified on evaluation by the Fostering Health Program multidisciplinary team which includes pediatricians and occupational therapists. (2) Mitigate transportation barriers to ASD services experienced by patient’s families. (3) Develop a resource guide detailing community services and strategies for mitigating foster care related barriers to accessing ASD services for distribution to foster parents, health care providers and child welfare agencies.

Institute for Behavior Change
The Institute for Behavior Change (IBC) delivers Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS) to children in their homes, schools and community to reduce or eliminate challenging behavior. For more than 25 years, staff have been helping children to reduce stigmatizing behavior associated with autism, ADHD and related disorders that inhibit learning and socialization. IBC delivers IBHS by using evidence-based interventions based on the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) model with individualized, intensive treatment plans. Their goal is to reduce negative behavior and improve the child’s overall quality of life. IBC currently provides services to 67 children, with ages ranging 4 to 18 in Bucks, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties. In October, IBC will lease new Electronic Health Record (EHR) software through CentralReach. This is the #1 software for enhancing the delivery of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Intellectual Developmental Disabilities (IDD) treatment services. As part of this implementation, the Eagles Auism Foundation Grant will support the purchase of mobile tablets for employees to interface with the EHR software. These tablets will enable staff to collect vital data, create detailed progress reports and improve billing efficiency which are currently done via paper and pen. These new hardware and software tools will offer improved client analytics and user-friendly reports while updating our treatment outcome measurement and ongoing assessment processes. This will inturn increase access to IBHS for children, enhance caregiver communication, update clinical data in real time and enhance employee work experience by reducing clerical time, increase retention, and enhancing IBHS delivery.

Kinney Center at Saint Joseph’s University (SJU)
The Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support has a long-standing history of providing high-quality, autism-friendly recreational programs. The funding from the Eagles Autism Foundation will be used to relaunch the Sports and Recreation Program at SJU offering participants with diverse recreational activities, including swimming, basketball, yoga, and more, tailored to their unique needs. The program is a dynamic initiative designed to enhance the physical, social, and behavioral development of children and youth with autism, ages 5-14 while maintaining high-quality services, and providing evidence-based support for children and families in the autism community.

Joseph E. Johnson Jr. Elementary School
The Joseph E. Johnson Elementary School’s Sensory Support Project will help students with disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum, by providing resources within classrooms to help regulate their emotions. With support from the Eagles Autism Foundation, two spaces within the school will be outfitted to be used as sensory spaces and classrooms will be equipped with Calming Corners and Reset Boxes. These strategies provide a welcoming space equipped with tools to help students regain their composure and continue to learn. By providing a nurturing and productive learning environment, Joseph E. Johnson aims to level the playing field so all students can learn and succeed.They understand supporting children’s emotional development and sensory needs will create a better school environment, a happier home life, and a stronger school community.

Special Equestrians
Special Equestrians offers individual and group programs to to serve those who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The therapeutic riding center offers a variety of services across the lifespan, including early Intervention, occupational and physical therapy, therapeutic horseback riding, equine-assisted learning, work and life skills training, and employment opportunities. Funding from the Eagles Autism Foundation will provide support for riders to explore program offerings.

Stratford Friends School
Stratford Friends School was built on the belief that all students have the right to succeed and for the past 48 years they have been a pioneer in educating unique learners. Stratford is moving forward to implement a new 9th-12th grade High School program for neurodiverse learners. The funding from the Eagles Autism Foundation will support this initiatve. It will include restructuring the current 9th grade program which in past years has been dedicated to a one-year transition program for students who needed one more year before moving on. Starting in 2025-2026 academic year, SFS hopes to grow one class year per academic year, with the addition of 10th grade as of the start of September 2025. The new High School Program would be for borderline intellectual disability students with strong adaptive skills. The goal of this program is to offer inclusive programming focused on fundamental academics with real-life experiences built into PA Standard HS requirements. This will allow for community engagement and project based hands on skills to prepare the students to become the best independent version of themselves possible.

Neurodiversity Employment Network
Neurodiversity Employment Network mission is to connect job seekers, employers, educators, and service providers to enable neurodivergent individuals to gain meaningful employment. This program builds on the 2024 Grant Project: Neuroinclusion Case Study Testimonials by creating a dynamic web-based platform that promotes continuous learning and actionable steps toward neuroinclusive employment. Users will self-identify target growth areas, be directed to relevant materials and individualized connections, and be able to collectively collaborate through facilitated discussion forums, social media, and virtual meetings. It will enable to Philadelphia Neurodiversity Ecosystem to expand meaningful connections based on user needs. Unlike static resources, this interactive space is designed to harness the collective knowledge of the Neurodiversity Employment Network (NEN) in an individualized way. NEN recognizes that there is not a “one size fits all” approach to neuroinclusion. It is imperative that organizations not only have access to a breadth of resources, but more importantly are able to engage with others. The platform will move beyond passive learning by enabling real-time collaboration, strategic networking, and the co-creation of customized resources that meet users’ unique needs. The testimonials are one part of a collective knowledge base that will inform the platform and its users. This initiative is a drive to action. Utilizing the collective knowledge to break down “What to do” and “How to do it” and move employers from being on the sidelines to being in the game.

Joe Hand Boxing Gym
Joe Hand Boxing Gym offers a variety of boxing classes, catering to men & women of all ages and ability levels. Originally located in Philadelphia, Joe Hand Boxing Gym has been a non-profit in existence since 1995. Now relocated, the brand new 6,000 sq. ft. open gym offers new equipment, including boxing ring, heavy bags, speed bags, free weights, Nautilus equipment, elliptical machines, treadmills & bikes. The funding from the Eagles Autism Foundation will support Joe Hand Boxing Gym’s Special Needs Programs. The gym provides both weekly and monthly group and indivudal sessions. The programs benefit participants by making a positive impact on their mental and physical health.

Autism R.E.C.
The mission of Autism R.E.C is to provide community education, programs, critical resources, recreational activities, and support services to the families of autistic children.
They envision a world where families of all autistic children receive support they need to ensure they and their children live the fullest lives possible in spite of the challenges of autism. The funding from the Eagles Autism Foundation will spport its community-based programs aimed at empowering autistic youth and their families through skill-building and wellness initiatives. The program focuses on enhancing life skills and promoting holistic health by offering hands-on workshops, including cooking classes, CPR training, and sewing sessions for children in the Before and After Care Program. These activities are designed to foster independence, safety, and creativity in a supportive and inclusive environment. With the support of the Eagles Autism Foundation, Autism REC will continue to create meaningful learning experiences that address the diverse needs of participants, while also encouraging community engagement and family involvement.

Special Olympics Pennsylvania, Inc.
The funding from the Eagles Autism Foundation will support Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) advancement of the Cities of Inclusion (COI) initiative in Philadelphia. The initiative focuses on creating a city where individuals with disabilities can access the resources and services they need in health, employment, education, and housing. By enhancing digital presence and expanding outreach, they aim to engage more businesses and stakeholders in inclusive employment strategies, ultimately fostering a citywide commitment to inclusion for neurodiverse individuals, including those with autism.Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) The Cities of Inclusion project is focused on taking a comprehensive citywide approach in our goal to ensure Philadelphia is a city where people with disabilities can lead healthy and fulfilling lives as respected members of an inclusive society. The focus areas we selected, education, employment, health, housing, and access to information & services, encompass our approach towards making Philadelphia a City of Inclusion.

Easterseals of Southeastern Pennsylvania
Easterseals’ early intervention program in Philadelphia addresses a critical gap in support for young children with autism and developmental delays. The increase in autism diagnoses’s rising from 22% to 52% of children served between 2020 and 2024 highlights the urgent need for enhanced early intervention services. The program uses a Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) model to address these complex needs. Funding from the Eagles Autism Foundation will reduce funding restrictions that only allow for the implementation of behavioral interventions to support only those children with behavior support specified in their Individualized Education Plans providing greater access to childen served. The program targets children aged 3-6, primarily from underserved neighborhoods, with 52% diagnosed with autism and 43% with developmental delays. These children often face socioeconomic hardships, with many families living below the poverty line and experiencing additional risk factors such as toxic stress and limited access to quality education and healthcare.Easterseals’s program aims to improve functional capabilities and communication skills through methods like Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS), which supports non-verbal children in initiating communication. The program also focuses on teaching self-regulation and transition skills to ease the children’s integration into various settings. Families receive support to enhance their ability to engage with their children and connect with additional resources.Easterseals prepares children for successful transitions into kindergarten and supports their educational and social development. By addressing the specific needs of children with autism and developmental delays through comprehensive early intervention with PBIS, Easterseals’ program fosters better outcomes and builds a foundation for future success.

Bancroft, A New Jersey Non-Profit Corporation
The Bancroft at Burlington Adult Day Program offers day and vocational programs for adults with autism and I/DD. Every person has unique needs and preferences so Bancroft offers structured day and employment programs designed to help each person achieve their individual goals. Bancroft at Burlington offers continued functional learning through structured activities, community inclusion, and a variety of therapeutic supports. Our aim is to prepare participants to develop the skills they need to succeed independently across residential, community and vocational or volunteer settings. An interdisciplinary clinical team carefully screens each applicant and works with them, their family and the Supports Coordinator to ensure they join a group that best meets their needs and personal goals. The 81 individuals who attend the Burlington Day program have very complex needs, and many have comorbidities, including sensory processing disorders/dysfunction. Sensory processing disorders and sensory processing dysfunction are very common among individuals with autism. The adults supported at the Burlington Adult Day Program often have difficulty regulating themselves to sensations and specific stimuli, which can result in them using challenging behavior to compensate. A sensory space provides an outlet for individuals to process and regulate feelings and emotions. Without this outlet, the individuals supported can become overwhelmed and have difficulty learning new life skills and connecting with peers and staff. Funding from the Eagles Autism Foundation will support a dedicated space and sensory equipment for Bancroft at Burlington Adult Day Program with the goal of improving social and emotional learning for each individual supported there.

Salus at Drexel University
With a strong emphasis in biomedical sciences, inter-professional education and clinical skills, Speech-Language Pathology graduates at Salus receive the necessary education and training to become integral members of today’s healthcare and education teams, and future leaders in Speech-Language Pathology. The project funded by the Eagles Autism Foundation seeks to expand free services and education to clients, educators and parents/caregivers of children and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the immediate community of Elkins Park and the community of North Philadelphia. The Speech-Language Institute will add support to The Early Education Institute for Early Intervention (EIEI) in North Philadelphia by adding necessary supplies and education to their professional team and families. In the community of Elkins Park, the project will offer unique programming in the form of social communication groups to young adults with ASD. In addition, education opportunities will expand to parents and families in the area of communication.Funding from the Eagles Autism Foundation will direclty support materials and supplies to be used in the EIEI classroom such as improved seating options, sensory materials, books as well as materials for the books to be adapted for the use with Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC), AAC devices, skilled time by a bilingual SLP to support programming and education to EIEI professional staff and parents, and an interpreter (Spanish) to be present at family training and education sessions.

Comprehensive Learning Center
The funding from the Eagles Autism Foundation will support The Comprehensive Learning Center in thier endeavor to replace their outdated playground with a new, more inclusive facility. This initiative addresses critical deficiencies in the existing 18-year-old playground, which no longer meets the needs of our growing student population with autism. Comprehensive Learning Center Leisure Skills Program is integral to preparing students to be independent, self-sufficient, and socially adept. The current playground, outdated and worn, fails to provide a safe, accessible, and spacious environment. Issues include deteriorated equipment, unsafe rubberized mulch, and insufficient capacity for our expanding student body. These shortcomings hinder our ability to offer essential developmental activities and leisure skill practice, crucial for student’s overall well-being and social integration. The new playground will replace outdated equipment with updated, inclusive structures and safer surfacing. It will accommodate a greater number of students simultaneously and include features to support activities such as bike riding and road safety education, aligning with our program’s goals to transfer skills into real-life application. This upgrade is essential for addressing safety concerns, improving accessibility, and enhancing developmental opportunities. The program has demonstrated success in promoting independence and social skills through leisure activities for nearly 25 years. By replacing the current playground, The Comprehensive Learning Center will continue to significantly improve student’s quality of life and support their integration into community activities. The grant will aid in the provision of safety and inclusivity, allowing The Comprehensive Learning Center to continue to deliver effective, impactful leisure skills education for years to come.

EmpowerU Specialty Fitness
EmpowerU Specialty Fitness (EUSF) looks to address the growing need for inclusive fitness programs for adults with autism and IDD. Research shows that up to 75% of this population leads a sedentary lifestyle, with far less than the recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise. This inactivity may contribute to reduced life expectancy, with adults with autism facing heightened risks for cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and related health issues. The funding from the Eagles Autism Foundation will support the “Healthy Living Series” provided by EmpowerU Specialty Fitness aims to address this concern by promoting fitness, healthy habits, and socialization through group activities tailored to this population’s unique needs. The program aims to improve participants’ quality of life by encouraging a more active lifestyle. Additionally, EUSF seeks to tackle the high unemployment rate among neurodiverse individuals by partnering with post-secondary programs to offer real-world paid experience for students that can help us build this new program. EUSF remains committed to creating a supportive environment that empowers its client’s both in fitness and in their broader life goals.

Intercommunity Action
The mission of Interact is to help people live fulfilling lives by providing resources for aging, behavioral health, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. The project funded by the Eagles Autism Foundation will support sensory inclusive therapy rooms. InteractCommunity Action believes sensory rooms should provide the right mix of sensory input for the person’s specific needs. A hybrid sensory space provides an array of activating and calming elements to accommodate a range of sensory needs. Calming elements support the needs of sensory avoiders, or those who are easily over-stimulated and need a break from sensory stimulation. The grant funding will support 1) fresh paint and carpeting in neutral, calming colors, 2) alternative lighting to replace harsh, fluorescent overhead lights, 3) soft, durable furniture to facilitate parent-child connection and co-regulation, 4) access to noise canceling headphones and/or a white noise machine/other equipment to calm auditory senses and promote relaxation. Activating elements support the needs of sensory seekers, or kids that are under-responsive to sensory input and require extra stimulation to regulate; this includes: 1) rocking chair or sensory mats to support movement and vestibular input, 2) Sensory stimuli including sensory boards and fidgets, 3) therapressure items including brushes, weighted lap pad, or sensory sock to support tactile needs for deep sensory input.

Goldey-Beacom College
The Eagles Autism Foundation will support Goldey-Beacom College (GBC)efforts its Sensory Inclusion Certification. Funding from the foundation will establish a Sensory Room to better support individuals with autism and other sensory needs. The project aims to enhance the campus environment by providing a dedicated space and training to accommodate sensory sensitivities, fostering a more inclusive atmosphere for all students, staff, and visitors. The Sensory Room and Sensory Inclusion Certification will aid in Goldey-Beacom College efforts in ensuring their campus is accessible and supportive, helping to bridge the gap for those with sensory challenges and improving their campus experience.

University of Pennslyvania – Penn Dental
The objective of our proposal is to organize three half-day events at Penn Dental Medicine (located at 240 S. 40th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104) to raise awareness about the dental services available at Penn Dental Medicine’s Care Center for Persons with Disabilities, specifically tailored for individuals with autism and intellectual and physical disabilities. The events will include oral health education and oral health literacy sessions for individuals with autism and their caregivers. Community organizers will also be invited to attend to educate them on our services. Given that patients with autism often struggle with finding suitable toothpaste due to taste and texture sensitivities, the events will also feature a variety of toothpaste options to help patients identify what works best for them. By spotlighting these resources, we aim to improve access to oral healthcare and promote better dental hygiene practices within the autism community.

Father Bill Atkinson Service Corps
The mission of Father Bill Atkinson Service Corps is to provide young adults with intellectual disabilities who have graduated from the school district’s transition programs the resources, environment, and support necessary to live every day with purpose and joy. FBASC was launched in 2021. Members meet three afternoons weekly for fellowship and fun while engaging in exercise, cooking, arts, music, and life skills development. The funding from the Eagles Autism Foundation will support community activities and programming.

ACEing Autism
Founded 16 years ago, ACEing Autism is committed to providing affordable tennis programming that helps children with autism grow, develop, and benefit from social connections and fitness. With headquarters now in Los Angeles, ACEing Autism operates 150 programs across 33 states across the U.S. and serves over 4500 participants annually, with 2500 volunteers nationwide. In Pennsylvania, ACEing Autism has three locations in Drexel Hill, Radnor, and Wallingford, with a new program starting in Skippack. Through these programs, we seek to serve over 60 children with autism and their families, providing them with the benefits of our adaptive tennis and social recreation. The funding from The Eagles Autism Foundation will support ACEing Autism’s adaptive tennis programs serving children with autism in the Philadelphia area. This project aims to support the sustainability and quality of existing programs while identifying new programs in the area to expand recreational opportunities and serve more children and families. The ACEing Autism adaptive tennis program fosters a sense of community and belonging, connecting participants and families who share similar experiences. The programs are designed not only to enhance tennis skills but also to promote physical fitness and overall well-being.

American National Red Cross
Home fires are the most common disaster faced by families in the United States; the Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania responded to over 600 home fire emergencies in the region last year. Ameican Red Cross of Southereastern Pennsylvania recgonizes these disasters are particularly devastating for individuals with existing vulnerabilities: low-income individuals, the elderly, children, and people with disabilities are disproportionately affected. The Red Cross House for Disaster Recovery is the only facility of its kind in the nation, providing wraparound recovery services and family-centered shelter for victims of disaster. At the Red Cross House, families are provided with free shelter, meals, and case management services that accommodate their unique recovery needs. The funding from Eagles Autism Foundation will support their program to aid in accessibility at the Red Cross House to ensure individuals with special needs receive the highest standard of service. The Red Cross House is a beacon of hope, offering more than just shelter; it provides a lifeline. The funding from the founation will create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for those who seek refuge and recovery at the Red Cross House.
Community Initiatives

Kulture City Barefoot Country Music Fest
Kulture city is the leading non-profit on sensory accessibility and acceptance for those with invisible disabilities. Kulture city trains venues and provides sensory inclusive certifications. This grant was used to promote accessibility at Barefoot Country Music Fest with sensory bags and the sensory activation vehicle for fans to be able to take a break before returning to the action.

Office for People with Disabilities, City of Philadelphia
This grant will continute to support to City of Philadelphia in the endeavor to become the first sensory-inclusive city. With the training and certification of Kulture City, over 16,000 city workers will be more equipped to promote accessibility and provide resources in their respective areas.

CHOP – Center for Autism Research
Funding provided directly from Huddle Up for Autism event, “The Center for Autism Research (CAR) coordinates and supports research on autism spectrum disorder (ASD). CAR’s goals are to identify the underlying causes of ASD in order to develop effective treatments, and support individuals with ASD and their families by providing evidence-based resources and education.”