May 2026

Community Raises More Than $265,000
to Support Autism Services

Despite chilly temperatures, more than 2,000 people gathered to celebrate acceptance and inclusivity at The Summit Center 2026 Autism Walk on May 2.

Together, we raised more than $265,00 to support critical programs and services for children and adults with autism. We were joined by several special guests, including Congressman Tim Kennedy, Senator Jeremy Zellner, Assemblymember Karen McMahon, Amherst Town Supervisor Shawn Lavin, and Buffalo Bills players Dawson Knox, Dalton Kincaid, Khalil Shakir, and Javon Solomon.

This year’s top fundraising teams were: Claudia’s Club, Team Charlotte, Team MattMan, Team Jack Attack, and Théoden’s Fellowship. The top individual fundraisers were: Claudia Rosenecker, Candace DeMarti, Ellen Madsen, Michael Whitmarsh, and Théoden Chouinard.

Relive the day captured by Martin Malicki Photography and check out photos from the Buffalo Bills.

Thank you to our presenting sponsor West Herr; premium food and beverage sponsor Tops Friendly Markets; t-shirt sponsor Independent Health; breakfast sponsor Tim Hortons; gold sponsors American Eagle Fireplace & Playsets and New Era Cap Foundation; silver sponsors Buffalo Sabres Foundation, GEICO Philanthropic Foundation, and Rich Family Foundation; mission sponsors Buffalo Scrubs & Uniforms, Highmark BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York, The Home Depot, and RBC Wealth Management; and community sponsors ACSI, Barclay Damon LLP, The Bonadio Group, Copier Fax Business Technologies, North Forest Development LLC, Summit Pediatrics, P.C., Tiveron Law PLLC, and WNY Beer Trail LLC.

You can still help us reach our goal! Donations can continue to be made at SummitAutismWalk.org until June 1.

A group of people stand in front of a balloon arch outside.

A young girl in a blue jacket smiles as she holds a yellow balloon animal.

A group of people in white sweatshirts walk down the sidewalk.

Thank you to our sponsors image featuring logos from several different companies.

The Summit Center Featured Nationally on All Access with Andy Garcia

The Summit Center has been featured in the award-winning series, All Access with Andy Garcia. Airing on public television stations across the country, the short-form documentary series explores the driving forces shaping the future of science, education, and social change.

In February, a production crew from All Access with Andy Garcia filmed students and staff at Summit Academy Stahl. The resulting 3-minute episode highlights the incredible work happening at Summit Academy and showcases The Summit Center’s expertise in the autism field. We are proud to have a national platform to educate people about autism and the effective methods we use to support students’ learning and growth.

Catch The Summit Center’s episode on Buffalo Toronto Public Media or your local public television affiliate.

A man in a gray shirt films a teacher and her student at a desk.

Dr. Jablonski Highlights Acceptance
on Anti-Stigma Coalition Series

Dr. Amy Jablonski, president of The Summit Center, joined the Erie County Anti-Stigma Coalition during Autism Acceptance Month for a special segment titled “Understanding Autism and Breaking Down Stereotypes.”

During the discussion, Dr. Jablonski shared valuable insights on autism awareness, acceptance, and the importance of challenging misconceptions surrounding autism spectrum disorder. The conversation highlighted the value of education, understanding, and inclusive support for autistic individuals and their families.

As part of the coalition’s ongoing series highlighting important topics around mental health, Dr. Jablonski discussed the importance of education, support, and creating more inclusive communities. Watch the full segment on YouTube.

To learn more about the Erie County Anti-Stigma Coalition, visit letstalkstigma.org.

Summit Takes Center Stage
at Buffalo State’s RUNWAY Event

The creativity and talent of Summit Academy students were on display at the recent RUNWAY event hosted by Buffalo State University on April 25. Student artwork was featured in a striking fashion collection designed by Artis Wilkins, bringing their artistic expression to life in a unique and inspiring way.

As part of the annual fashion show, each Buffalo State student designer partnered with a nonprofit organization to create a collection inspired by that organization’s mission. The collaboration blended fashion, art, and advocacy, giving designers an opportunity to tell meaningful stories through their work.

Artis’ collection, titled “I’m Not an Artist; I Am What Art Is,” celebrated the creativity and individuality of Summit Academy students. The collection highlighted the vibrant perspectives and talents of our students while emphasizing the power of inclusion.

We are grateful to Artis for showcasing our students’ artwork in such a thoughtful and impactful way.

A woman with a yellow painted face and wearing rainbow colored clothing holds her hand up to her mouth on a runway.

Summer Institute to Provide Teachers with Tools for Student Success

This July, The Summit Center will be hosting its 2026 Summer Institute “Ready, Set, Thrive!” The Summer Institute is a two-day preparatory workshop for educators and school personnel working with students with autism, ADHD, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and other neurodiverse learning profiles.

This year’s workshop will be presented by David Meichenbaum, PhD, clinical director of the Behavioral Pediatrics Clinic at The Summit Center. An in-person only session will be held July 8 and 9 at 75 Pineview Drive in Amherst. A virtual only session will take place July 15 and 16. Both sessions will run from 8-11:15 a.m. and 12:15-2:15 p.m. for a total of five hours per day.

Registration is $350 and includes CTLEs and Psychology CEUs. Topics include preparing and setting up for success, establishing effective inclusion, supporting emotional learning, building positive thinkers, and more.

For more information, including an outline of learning objectives and additional details on Dr. Meichenbaum’s credentials, visit our Summer Institute webpage.

I Want to Register

Transition Fair to Help Families Bridge Gap Between School and Adulthood

The Summit Center will host its annual Transition Fair from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, June 4 at 30 Hazelwood Drive in Amherst. The event will feature numerous human service agencies and seminars for families to learn more about the programs and services available that help bridge the gap between school and adulthood for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.

There will be nearly 20 vendors at the event, including:

Person Centered Services
The Arc
Beyond Support Network
The Parent Network
Community Services for Every1

Person Centered Services will present the seminar Supported Decision Making at 5 p.m., and the presentation An Alternative to Guardianship and ABLE (Special Needs Savings) Accounts will be live-streamed at 6 p.m. The DMV will also be on site to process non-driver IDs for students. Reservations are required for this service.

For more information or to make a reservation, contact Phil Munson at pmunson@thesummitcenter.org or (716) 810-7773.

New York State Recognizes March 20
as Behavior Analysis Day

Assemblymember Karen McMahon and Senator Jeremy Zellner recently presented a New York State Legislative Resolution officially recognizing March 20 as Behavior Analysis Day in New York State.

Dr. Amy Jablonski, president of The Summit Center, joined representatives from local organizations in support of the proclamation, which highlights the importance and impact of applied behavior analysis (ABA).

The recognition helps raise awareness of the vital role ABA plays in supporting individuals with autism and other developmental, behavioral, and learning needs across New York State.

A group of people stand with Assemblywoman Karen McMahon and Senator Jeremy Zellner in a conference room.

June 4: Transition Fair

Time: 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Location: 30 Hazelwood Dr., Amherst, NY 14228

Learn about programs and services that help bridge the gap between school and adulthood. Numerous human service agencies will be present.

July 8 & 9: Summer Institute Session 1

Time: 8:15 a.m.-2:15 p.m.

Location: 75 Pineview Drive, Suite 200, Amherst, NY 14228

An in-person, two-day workshop for educators and school personnel covering a range of topics, including social emotional learning, responding to challenging behaviors, and building positive thinkers. Register today.

July 15 & 16: Summer Institute Session 2

Time: 8:15 a.m.-2:15 p.m.

Virtual Session

A virtual, two-day workshop for educators and school personnel covering a range of topics, including social emotional learning, responding to challenging behaviors, and building positive thinkers. Register today.

Fact of the Month

Autism varies greatly from person to person, meaning no two people with autism are exactly alike. Autism impacts the development of the brain in the areas of social interaction, communication skills, and cognitive function. Individuals with autism may have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. (Source: World Health Organization)

Our Mission
Guided by evidence-based practice, we maximize life success for people facing developmental, social, and behavioral challenges.

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