NEXT for AUTISM Launches Expanded Fellowship Program to Combat DSP Shortage

NEXT for AUTISM Expands Innovative Fellowship Program

The shortage of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) has become a pressing issue across the United States, affecting the quality of life for many autistic adults. In response, NEXT for AUTISM, a leading nonprofit organization aimed at enhancing services for the autistic community, has expanded its forward-thinking fellowship program. This initiative not only assists with the DSP shortage but also promotes educational opportunities for students pursuing careers in health and human services.

This fall marks a significant milestone for the NEXT for AUTISM Fellowship program, as it will welcome its largest cohort of students to date. The program is set to bring in 37 college and graduate students, doubling the total number of active fellows to 60 as it broadens its impact across the country. The fellowship, now in its fourth year, combines tuition assistance with paid job experience, giving students a unique opportunity to support neurodivergent adults while furthering their studies.

As many organizations grapple with high turnover rates and a lack of qualified DSPs, the role of these professionals remains crucial. DSPs provide daily support essential for individuals with autism and other disabilities, ensuring they receive the help they need to thrive. The NEXT for AUTISM fellowship aims to fill this gap by engaging students in direct support roles, thereby educating them about the specific needs of autistic individuals and best practices for support.

During their tenure as fellows, students are not only engaged in direct support work but also participate in group meetings where they learn about the NEXT for DSP framework. This framework emphasizes principles such as Choice, Belonging, Healthy Living, and Lifelong Learning. These principles are designed to guide fellows in their roles and prepare them for future careers in healthcare and related fields.

Gillian Leek, CEO of NEXT for AUTISM, emphasized the long-term benefits of such a program. “The need for skilled Direct Support Professionals has never been greater, but the impact of this work extends far beyond the time spent as a DSP,” she said. Leek highlighted that through the fellowship, students develop key skills in communication, leadership, and empathy, which are invaluable across various career paths.

Since its inception in 2023, the fellowship program has awarded 80 scholarships and fellows have collectively contributed nearly 40,000 hours of direct support, helping to bridge the gap in services. As the program prepares to expand further in the 2026-27 academic year, it is committed to building a robust workforce of professionals dedicated to serving autistic adults.

The program is set to launch its new regional expansions into Essex County, NJ; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Monticello, NY, joining existing partnerships in New York City, Westchester County, NY, Philadelphia, PA, and Chicago, IL. The introduction of the San Juan location represents a significant step as it marks the program's first outreach beyond the continental United States, addressing the critical need for trained DSPs in regions that are often underserved.

Nancy Elsohafy, a current fellow, shared her personal experience in the program, noting that it has allowed her to pursue her education while gaining a deeper understanding of the autistic community. “The scholarship support and hands-on experience helped me to complete my master’s degree and continue my studies into a Ph.D. program in cognitive neuroscience,” she said. Elsohafy’s journey illustrates the profound impact the fellowship can have on individual careers while simultaneously providing essential support to the community.

NEXT for AUTISM’s continued support from foundations such as The Louis J. and June E. Kay Foundation, The Taft Foundation, and the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation has been instrumental in funding this program. As the 2027 NEXT for AUTISM FELLOWS Scholarship cycle soon opens in January 2027, the organization remains committed to its mission of transforming the landscape of services for individuals with autism.

In light of the ongoing challenges in the healthcare sector, NEXT for AUTISM's fellowship program serves as a beacon of hope, fostering a new generation of professionals equipped to make a difference in the lives of autistic adults.