The Gersh Experience
Melville, NY

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Gersh To Expand
Autistic-Spectrum Disorder Services

The Gersh Experience, a New York-based independent-living, college, and vocational program for young adults with autistic-spectrum disorder, announced today its intention to make its services available nationally. The Gersh Experience will expand beyond the northeast through a combination of consultation services for existing programs and professionals, partnerships with schools and colleges, free web-based resources for parents and professionals, and possibly acquisitions and/or new programs.

"There's a huge service vacuum for young people struggling with autistic-spectrum disorder," said Kevin Gersh, founder and president of The Gersh Experience. "As a result, they're often shoe-horned into programs that lack the specialized expertise and care necessary for their success." The result of misplacing these young people, says Gersh, "can be extremely counter-productive."

Kevin Gersh owns and operates several schools and programs for young people with autistic-spectrum disorders; together, these programs can support a child from kindergarten all the way through college. In addition to The Gersh Experience, Gersh's programs include several K-12 schools called Gersh Academies and a summer-camp program called Gersh Academy at West Hills Day Camp. In addition, Gersh operates a consulting firm called Gersh Consulting which helps schools, programs, and practitioners work more effectively with children suffering from autistic-spectrum and related neurobiological disorders.

"These children can make enormous, seemingly miraculous progress," says Gersh, "as long as those providing their care are well-trained, fearless, and have a real love for this population."

The Gersh Experience, in partnership with Daemen College, offers fully accredited, college level courses leading to a Bachelor's Degree in a variety of majors.