About Us
Learn about our group
PASSAGE is a support group launched in August 2008 to help promote education and networking for individuals with Asperger Syndrome and Non-Verbal Learning Disability and their families. Attendees include teens, young adults, parents, professionals, and members of the community. PASSAGE is organized and facilitated by parent and professional volunteers and is not a funded group.
Unique to our group is that Dr. Christopher Watson, Psy.D, a local psychologist with extensive experience working with individuals of all ages on the autistic spectrum, Linda Hoeck, Autism Consultant, and Retired NSSEO Autism Coordinator, with years of experience working with children, teens, and young adults on the autistic spectrum, Stacey Watson, a Licensed Clinical Counselor and Harper College Access and Disability Counselor, and Dr. Brianne Lukowski, Psy.D., Clinical Navigator for the Autism Spectrum and Developmental Disorders Resource Center, facilitate the meetings. This group addresses the concerns of parents, teens, and young adults.
We have one event per month. In January, March, May, and September we have a speaker to address a specific topic for the teens and young adults, as well as the parents and community members. In February, April, August, and October we have an open discussion night for parents and for the teens and young adults an open game/socializing night. In June, July, November, and December we have an outing for the teens and young adults, as well as their family.
Issues we address during meetings include:
College Transition and Accommodations
Job
Skills
Independent Living
Volunteer Opportunities
And More...
PASSAGE Team
Founder and Co-coordinator:
Teri Dudasik
Co-coordinator:
Donna Alexander
Co-coordinator:
Sue Demma
Co-coordinator:
Jean Bacarella
Group Facilitator
Licensed Clinical Psychologist:
Christopher Watson, Psy.D.
Messages from Dr. Watson
Group Facilitator
Autism Consultant:
Linda Hoeck
Messages from Linda
Group Facilitator
Licensed Clinical and College Disability Counselor:
Stacey Watson
Group Facilitator
Clinical Navigator For
Autism Spectrum and Developmental Disorders Resource Center:
Brianne Lukowski, Psy.D.
Group Consultant:
Patrick Winslow
Graphics and Web Designer and Outings Coordinator:
Alex Dudasik
Games Coordinator:
David Demma
Snack Coordinator:
Bill Bacarella