Human-Edge.ai and Autimatic Partner to Empower People with Autism Through AI on World Autism Day

 Human-Edge.ai, a leading innovator in generative AI solutions, and Autimatic, a specialist in providing meaningful careers for people with autism, today announced a groundbreaking partnership and release of an AI-powered chatbot designed to help individuals with autism explore their skills and potential career paths. This initiative will launch on April 2, World Autism Day, to raise awareness and support for neurodiversity in the workplace.

The new chatbot leverages Human-Edge.ai’s expertise in natural language processing and generative AI to create a tailored and supportive experience for individuals with autism. The chatbot will:

Assess Skills and Interests: Provide interactive questionnaires and assessments to help individuals identify their unique strengths and passions.
Match Potential Job Opportunities: Utilize Autimatic’s extensive knowledge base of autism-friendly employers and roles to suggest suitable job matches.

“We’re committed to harnessing the power of AI to make a tangible difference in people’s lives,” said Mohamed Anis, CEO of Human-Edge.ai.

“Partnering with Autimatic, we can provide individuals with autism the tools and resources to unlock their full potential and find careers they truly thrive in.”

Here’s Why – https://www.human-edge.ai/post/neurodivergent

Quote from Geert Pauwels, CEO of Autimatic about the importance of this initiative and the potential impact on the lives of people with autism:

“This collaboration is a game-changer, empowering individuals with autism to discover meaningful careers that align with their skills and interests. We believe that AI can break down barriers and create a more inclusive future,” said Geert, CEO of Autimatic.

AI chatbot for People with Autism to explore Skills – https://chat.human-edge.ai/share/chat/11eecb3e-bd4d-8890-8403-fd7d40d82a66/widget

AI chatbot for Clients to explore untapped Potential – https://chat.human-edge.ai/share/chat/11eecb3c-f165-2cc0-8936-bb990f9c7512/widget

About Human-Edge.ai

Human-Edge.ai is a pioneer in generative AI solutions for businesses. Our cutting-edge technology helps companies optimize sales, marketing, recruiting, and fundraising processes, maximizing efficiency and growth.

About Autimatic

Autimatic is dedicated to creating meaningful career opportunities for individuals with autism. Autimatic’s knowhow is in job crafting, assesment, matching and coaching both the autistic people and their customers ensuring a seamless integration. They hire autistic people and offer their services in data quality, data processing and AI to large multinational companies.

Contact:

Mohamed Anis anis@human-edge.ai

Geert Pauwels geert@autimatic.com

Human-Edge.ai
Mohamed Anis
+447795642256
Human-Edge.ai

ContactContact

Categories

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Cloud Computing
  • Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Data Management
  • Enterprise Software
  • Human Resources
  • Internet Technology
  • Technology

Autism Treatment Market In U.S. Is Larger Than Expected – $4+ Billion

Treatment Center Revenues Grow Through The Pandemic

Tampa – WEBWIRE

Demand for autism treatment programs is huge and growing.”



September 6, 2022: Marketdata LLC, a leading independent market research publisher since 1979, has released a new study, a 106-page report entitled: The U.S. Autism Treatment Centers Market (3rd Edition) . The study traces the market from 2009-2025 Forecast, examining ABA programs and medications used to treat children with autism.



According to Research Director, John LaRosa: “The market is much larger than we originally estimated. Demand far outstrips the supply of ABA therapists in the U.S., and new centers are being opened aggressively by the large for-profit chains.”



Major Findings:


* Market Value… The U.S. autism treatment market was estimated to be valued at $4.1 billion as of 2021, growing by 11%… This followed a slight contraction in the market in 2020, due to the pandemic and declining sales of medications used to treat autism. Marketdata forecasts higher revenue growth for the for-profit chains to 2025 – 7.0% annually. The non-profit schools and centers are slated to grow by 5.4% per year.


* A groundbreaking new analysis of non-profit programs, based on IRS 990 tax forms, finds that this group saw revenues rise by 6.8% in 2019 and grow another 1.3% in 2020. Revenues were an estimated $2.73 billion in 2021.They quickly shifted to more virtual visits and the impact on operations was moderate.


* ABA (applied behavioral analysis) programs are estimated to have generated $3.65 billion in revenues in 2021, and prescription drugs for autism symptoms posted sales of $459 million.


* Competition… Thirteen large multi-site ABA program providers operate an estimated 926 brick & mortar centers and are aggressively acquiring competing centers and building new ones. Together, they account for at least $946 million in revenues—a 26% market share of all ABA programs. At least 1,656 non-profit and for-profit treatment centers are operating in the U.S. today.


* Patient Demographics…. Based on new government data that finds that 1 in 44 children in the United States, aged 3-17, have autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Marketdata analysts estimate that there are 1.4 million children with autism. Another 5.4 adults have autism, having “aged out” of children’s programs. 81% of autistic children are male.


* There are basically three types of ABA program providers: brick & mortar centers, community providers, and In-home therapists. There is a shortage of ABA therapists – only 30,000 are certified. The per capita supply of certified ABA facilities falls below the benchmark in 49 states — thus, lots of untapped demand


* Program Metrics…The “average” ABA center grosses about $951,000/year. Many are non-profit organizations. Marketdata estimates that the average cost of treatment in an ABA program ranges from $4,428 to $9,002 per year, per student. It can be much higher.


* Insurance coverage has increased from 36% in 2016 to 64% today. In addition, the number of self-funded private employers covering autism treatment continues to grow.


* Private equity investors have been very active in this market, backing eight major for-profit chains. Changes to U.S. federal and state laws now compel insurance companies to reimburse autism treatments, making the field attractive to investors. A total of 60 private equity firms, including Blackstone and KKR, have invested billions into the ABA/autism treatment industry


* Medications… Approximately 58 percent of patients with a diagnosis of childhood autism spectrum disorder receive some type of pharmaceutical treatment. However, this segment of the market has been shrinking in value as concerns continue over side effects of drugs such as Risperdal. These drugs also face competition from cheaper generics, as patents have expired.



“This is truly a growth market/industry. The combination of demand outpacing supply of programs and centers, more favorable insurance reimbursement, private equity investment, and the rising incidence of autism among children all points to sustained growth over the next five years. Even the pandemic didn’t halt growth.”, according to John LaRosa.


About The Report


The U.S. Autism Treatment Centers Market, published in September, 2022, is an independent “off-the-shelf” market research study. The study is 106 pages in length, with 14 in-depth competitor profiles. It costs $1,395.. A 19-page Overview Summary report costs $99. A detailed Table of Contents is available by email and on our website. Contact: Marketdata LLC, 7210 Wareham Drive, Tampa, FL 33647, (813) 971-8080. John LaRosa is available for interviews and presentations.


About Marketdata LLC


Marketdata is an independent market research report publisher and consulting firm, founded in 1979. It specializes in commercial and personal service and healthcare sectors, and emerging niche markets. Its reports are sold internationally, direct and via several market research databases such as MarketResearch.com, ResearchandMarkets.com, and Global Information. Custom studies, telephone consults, and consulting are available. List of all studies at: MarketdataEnterprises.com.

Music for Autism Announces Candace Chien: 2022 Spotlight Artist

 Music for Autism is excited to announce their 2022 Spotlight Artist, Candace Marie Chien. The spotlight Artist distinction is Music for Autism’s recognition of not just exceptional musicianship but also dedicated service to autistic individuals and their families. “Music for Autism’s message resonates with me as a performer, teacher, and human who lives on the spectrum,” says Candace, who connected with Music for Autism in 2019.

Candace Marie Chien is a graduate of The Juilliard School and performs regularly with chamber groups Alighieri Duo, a violin piano duo, and piano trio Trio Portinari. Her chamber music performances have taken her all over the east coast of the US, Canada, and Sweden, and has performed with members of the New York Philharmonic and Sydney Symphony.

“Music for Autism, thank you for honoring me as your Spotlight Artist of 2022,” says Candace. “And more importantly, thank you for giving me the opportunity to touch the hearts of the neurodivergent community using the language of music. I look forward to many more concerts, hugs, and good cheer!”

Candace reflects on the impact that music had on her childhood, and how those early experiences inform her approach as a performer: “I listened to CDs featuring Chopin’s works constantly on repeat, and thought to myself, ‘if recordings could make me feel my strongest feelings, I cannot wait to become an artist who could make audiences feel that way.’ If I could communicate the unspoken to others, I would never feel alone, or misunderstood, because the music would say it all for me.”

“This news is just a fantastic ray of hope in this new year!! Candace’s artistry and humanity are extraordinary,” says Robert Accordino, US Founder and Chair of the Board of Music for Autism. “We are so lucky, as an organization, to have benefitted and to continue to benefit hugely from them in supporting the families we serve.”

Ryan Gardner, Artist Coordinator for Music for Autism, adds, “We absolutely treasure working with Candance Chien. Not only does she perform so brilliantly, but she is an incredible advocate and supporter of Music for Autism. She is incredibly deserving of this honor.”

Learn more about past Spotlight Artists and join Music for Autism in welcoming Candace to this incredible group of performers. For more information about upcoming concerts, please view the Concert Calendar.

About Music for Autism

Music for Autism is enhancing quality of life and raising public awareness through autism-friendly, interactive concerts developed specifically for individuals with autism and their families. The concerts feature professional musicians, including Tony Award winners, Grammy-nominated classical artists, and Pulitzer Prize winners. To ensure equal access for all, every Music for Autism concert is fully subsidized. Families note that the concerts help fill a major psychosocial void, enabling them to enjoy enriching activities that are inclusive and to experience the joy and power of music as a family.

Music for Autism

Laura Lazar

574-485-8409

https://musicforautism.org

ContactContact

Categories

  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Children & Youth
  • Disability
  • Mental Health
  • Music
  • Performing Arts
  • Philanthropy & Non-profit

Autism Fitness Founder Eric Chessen Speaks at Neoteric’s TechTalks Webinar

 How to run a fitness company that makes an impact?

Neoteric, an international technology leader, specializing in designing and developing online fitness solutions for personal trainers and gym operators, announced their next live event.

The webinar will feature Eric Chessen, the founder of Autism Fitness & a TedX speaker and will cover the topics related to running a socially responsible fitness business.

Date and time: August 3, 2021, 11:30 AM EST

The event is dedicated to fitness entrepreneurs who want to learn how to successfully run a fitness company for a niche group of users and how fitness businesses can make an impact.

During the webinar, Eric Chessen will share the story of building a unique product that supports training athletes with Autism. Together with Darek Kociecki, he will help fitness entrepreneurs understand how they can make their businesses inclusive and support people with various conditions. They will also discuss:

why we need socially responsible fitness businesses

how to build a product that supports people with disabilities

how to scale a product designed to serve a very specific group of users

the challenges of moving to a hybrid model

The webinar is open for registration. A limited number of seats is available.

About Eric Chessen:

Eric Chessen is the Founder & Lead Instructor at Autism Fitness.

Eric has spent nearly two decades developing successful fitness and adapted PE programs for the autism and neuroadaptive populations.

An exercise physiologist with an educational and clinical background in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Eric created Autism Fitness which has grown to be the educational and certification leader in the industry.

Eric has spent 18+ years as a consultant and fitness program director for Johns Hopkins Medical Institute. His programs have been featured on Yahoo News, VICE Media, and he has presented at TEDx. He is also the Co-Founder of strength equipment company StrongerthanU.com.

About Darek Kociecki:

Darek Kociecki is an experienced business developer who helps companies utilize technology as leverage for growth. As a triathlete and a tech evangelist, he explores the interaction of technology and fitness. As the Head of Growth at Neoteric, he supports fitness businesses in navigating the complex tech landscape. He is the host of the Neoteric Tech Talks series for the fitness industry.

Neoteric

Claudia Słowik

+48570044322

https://neoteric.eu/

ContactContact

Categories

  • Online Education

Canada – World Autism Awareness Day – April 2, 2021

On April 2, 2021, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, issued the following statement to mark World Autism Day.

Today is World Autism Awareness Day – a day to come together to raise awareness about autism, a condition that many Canadians live with. Autism affects how the brain functions, and those on the Autism spectrum have unique strengths and differences in how they communicate, interact with others, and see the world.

On World Autism Awareness Day, we recognize those on the autism spectrum, their families, caregivers, and communities. This year has been exceptionally difficult for many, but particularly so for those who have been managing childcare and home schooling without regular supports during the pandemic. To better support individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has invested $10.9 million to create the Autism and Intellectual Disabilities Knowledge Exchange (AIDE Canada) Network.

Through AIDE Canada, there are resources available for parents and caregivers of children and youth on the autism spectrum. For example, AIDE Canada provides online access to credible and evidence informed resources for the autism and intellectual disability community. This includes an inventory of services, local programming across the country, and a lending library that is free and open to everyone in Canada.

We also established the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Strategic Fund, to support positive health outcomes for those on the autism spectrum. This fund supports innovative community-based projects, which will provide opportunities for Canadians on the autism spectrum, their families and caregivers to gain knowledge, skills and access to resources. Eligible organizations are able to submit funding proposals for new projects until April 16, 2021.

Addressing the complex and diverse needs of people on the autism spectrum requires a coordinated effort with all levels of government and service providers. Our work is led by the experiences of autistic Canadians, families, stakeholders, provinces and territories toward the creation of a national autism strategy. On behalf of PHAC, the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences is leading a broad and inclusive public consultation that will inform the Strategy. We want to hear from you, to ensure that all voices and interests are included, especially those with lived experience, their families and caregivers. To get involved in the consultations, visit this website to learn more.

With the right information and support, individuals on the autism spectrum, their families and caregivers can thrive. On World Autism Awareness Day, I encourage everyone to learn more about autism and how we can support the diverse needs.

The Honourable Patty Hajdu, P.C., M.P.

Minister of Health