Eric — a bright, shy boy who loved the subway system — was diagnosed with autism at three years old. Despite being legally entitled to an education program geared towards his individual needs, he went years without one. But when Eric was 10 years old, after numerous frustrating meetings and dead ends, his mother was connected with Advocates for Children of New York (AFC) and finally saw a light at the end of the tunnel.
AFC provided Eric and his family with advice and legal representation to get him into an appropriate program and secure payment from the NYC Department of Education. With support from Eric’s AFC attorneys and a pro bono attorney from the law firm Arnold & Porter, Eric was able to move from his public school into a specialized school focused on educating neurodivergent students. At that specialized school, Eric finally had access to the instruction and help he needed and began to flourish both in and out of the classroom.
«Without [AFC], he wouldn’t be as educated as he is now. He’s amazing. He’s a child who didn’t even speak one word and now he’s a speaker advocate for the program he is in. I got really lucky.”
Eric's mother, Stephanie
AFC is proud to share that Eric graduated and is now attending a program at a local community college where students with intellectual disabilities have full inclusive access to higher education.
Eric’s current AFC attorney, Brie Kitchelt noted, “This is exactly the result AFC hopes to see for every student and why we are so committed to providing advocacy that parents and families can count on to make sure their children receive an excellent education that prepares them to reach their full potential.”