Bright Steps Mentorship
Forming connections through fun
#BrightSteps
Est. Brooklyn 2022
Locations in NYC with expansions to upstate NY
Mission
Children with ASD present unique needs in cognitive, physical and social, and emotional development. Appropriate pairing of tutors whose training meets the child’s specific needs is critical in setting the child up for success. TAC pairs volunteers with ASD children to provide quality tutoring through individualized attention, evidence-based teaching strategies, with particular focus on cognitive, social, and emotional developmental skills that will provide children with the support and encouragement they need to succeed in school and beyond.
Connecting with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be extremely challenging. The Autism Connection (TAC) is a not-for-profit organization which seeks to meet the unique needs of students with autism through meaningful connections between volunteer tutors and autistic children. Focusing on evidence-based teaching strategies to help prepare preschool children for success in a traditional school setting, TAC pairs volunteers and children with ASD, volunteer training, and provides ASD resources for families.
Pairing Volunteers with Children
on the Autism Spectrum
Volunteer Training for Tutors by Certified Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Therapists
Appropriate training is an important prerequisite for working with ASD children. TAC helps connect volunteers with certified therapists in applied behavioral analysis, speech, and occupational therapy by providing training sessions on evidence-based strategies and techniques for instruction of children with ASD. Training focuses on building skills to properly instruct children with ASD in acquiring skills to meet cognitive, emotional, and social requirements in a traditional educational setting.
Our Most Recent Event
Bright Steps Mentorship recently organized an exciting event. Filled with autism-friendly activities, including interactive sensory play, families and volunteers exchanged information and techniques to foster a collaborative environment for ASD children and their families. This gathering not only reflected the organization's commitment to valuing the individuality of each child but also reinforced the importance of inclusive and supportive community initiatives. Most importantly, the event provided a safe, welcoming environment where our children could be themselves in a non-judgmental setting.
Parental Resources
TAC will help guide families to specific preschool ASD resources best suited to their child’s unique needs. TAC will provide links to organizations and agencies that will determine your child’s eligibility for preschool special education services.
Our Team
Samantha Rabinovich
Founder
I am currently an alumnus of Cornell University. I have been working at an Alzheimer's research laboratory at Rockefeller University for the past year and am applying to medical school this cycle. I have a lot of experience working with students on the autism spectrum; I have tutored multiple children and worked alongside special education teachers. I also founded a mentorship club at Cornell, which makes me confident that I can make this organization a success.
Arielle Lipnitsky
Social Media Associate & Volunteer
Hi! I am a senior at Barnard College of Columbia University majoring in Neuroscience and Behavior. My journey into the world of neurodegenerative disorders has been eye-opening, and delving into the intricacies of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has equipped me to support children with ASD in their social, emotional, and cognitive development. I've also spent time tutoring kids of various ages through afterschool programs and education camps. I am excited to witness Bright Steps flourish and bring smiles to the faces of these amazing kids!
Come and join our team
Whether you're a high school or college student, faculty member, or educator, we welcome you to join our team of volunteers at the National Pre-Medical Association.
Together, we can make a positive impact on the pre-med community and help students achieve their academic and professional goals.