Priscilla Zammitto-Arena

And the moment has arrived...I implore people to read, sign and share

Equal Opportunity for Autism To help the Autism Community

I apologize in advance, but I am a bit outraged by this. Forget about politics for a minute. This human being is a real life living breathing man. A father, a husband and in some peoples minds...a hero. I happen to have met him a few times dating back before him becoming a Congressman. He has a beautiful wife and twin girls. In my dealings with him he has always been " down to earth ".
Then you have his running mate..Alison Esposito. Met her too. A 20+ yr vet of the " boys in blue club ". I WOULD NOT tango with her in a dark alley. Lol But I will say, again very humble, no nonsense and quite frankly a bada@! and no shock she was one of the key people that took this attacker down.
And our current Governor, Kathy Houchal is not only apologetic and empathetic, but in public sentiment NOT OKAY with this attackers behavior.
There is simply no place for this in our country. The man was immediately released...I'm sorry, not okay. Changes need to occur clearly. But this is about humanity and freedom.
Mental illness and other disabilities have become very serious issues in this country.I should know. Bi-polar and more severe mental illness is directly and scientifically proven genetically to impact the outcome of Autism. It is simply a fact of the Autism world. I see the irreparable damage the lack of resources and education it has had on my community...and if laws are not changed, along with education and resources becoming more available, it's going to impermiate many safeties that we took for granted prior.
Some days I feel like I am in " bizarro world " and all I believed prior was just a dream.

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/lee-zeldin-attack-suspect-hit-federal-assault-charge

Lee Zeldin attack suspect arrested on federal assault charge David Jakubonis, the suspect in the attack of Rep. Lee Zeldin of New York, was arrested on a federal assault charge Saturday, the U.S. Attorney's Office says.

Love this new song my girlfriend just dropped!!

Tell Meh Mamma | KOLEURZ featuring Anslem Douglas KOLEURZ newest track with veteran artist Anslem Douglas.

When someone in 2022 shows you to have racist qualities...RUN as fast as you can.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.e4a9f731-5cfb-7137-da84-22e4326a63a6?autoplay=1&ref_=atv_cf_strg_wb

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Gianni Versace Fall 1996 Fashion Show (full pt.2) More Brands Videos↓↓↓↓↓http://profile.imeem.com/YBRtzU/video/http://www.dailymotion.com/FBK1976/1Carla Bruni Helena Christensen Michelle HicksKate Moss Naomi...

Excited to be one of the first interviews for this incredible new network...Thank you Archie Snowden for the opportunity

These Mothers Are A Force To Be Reckoned With For these two autism moms, there is just no fiercer woman than the one who emerges to protect her child. Priscilla Arena and Montoya Rogers push for educati...

The most important piece of legislation we need to stop as New Yorkers..please sign and share

Sign Petition: STOP 12572-01-1 & CUOMO FROM HURTING OUR SPECIAL NEEDS KIDS!!!!! Governor Cuomo has proposed a "WAIVER" policy in the Executive Budget wich our Assembly and State Senators are currently going over, that school

This is a post from a wife of a " kid " I've known for over 35 years. Always kind, quite and respectful. Our worlds collided not too long ago. This one made me cry.

Yes..this happens way too frequently and sexual assaults.
Horrible
LI Group Home Employee Punched Autistic Woman In Head: Police | Half Hollow Hills, NY Patch
https://patch.com/new-york/halfhollowhills/li-group-home-employee-punched-autistic-woman-head-police

LI Group Home Employee Punched Autistic Woman In Head: Police The employees assaulted the autistic woman after she walked away from a group home, police said.

Perfectly stated and the mission of SASI...

Eventbrite link fixed...GO GET YOUR TICKETS!

Copy of SASI 3rd Annual Autism Conference Autism/ special needs conference

And again...please share
https://m.facebook.com/groups/SASILongIsland/permalink/2769553303289981/?anchor_composer=false #!/photo.php?fbid=3397120323712886&id=100002448546726&set=gm.2769553303289981&source=57&refid=18&__tn__=EH-R

THIS IS A JOKE---more good news😡

NYPD Officer Michael Valva, charged with murder after his autistic son froze to death in garage, quits police force Michael Valva, 41, resigned Wednesday after 15 years with the NYPD, a police spokeswoman confirmed.

SASI Conference Our 3rd Annual SASI Conference, covering an array of topics on Autism and the Special needs Community.

When will this country and law enforcement get proper training on how to deal with ASD. My son is 13, ...I can't imagine

https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/08/us/salt-lake-city-police-shoot-boy-autism-trnd/index.html

A 13-year-old boy with autism was shot by police after his mother called for help managing a 'mental breakdown' Linden Cameron, who has Asperger's, was seriously injured after a police officer shot him in Salt Lake City on Friday night, his mother confirmed to CNN.

Going into battle...can't think of a more perfect song

LL Cool J - Mama Said Knock You Out (Official Video) Best of LLCoolJ: https://goo.gl/eTijaj Subscribe here: https://goo.gl/TD6AA9 Music video by LL Cool J performing Mama Said Knock You Out. (C) 1995 The Island...

For my son and my community. I've watched him suffer and regress so much during this crisis. As tough as I am, watching him regress and struggle has made me definitely cry more tears than normal....but it's also ignited me to fight for educating and correcting the injustices that are rampid in my community..Johnny, I love you more than any mother could,...you're my inspiration💙

We saw this coming, like it's not bad enough. It takes some of my parents in upwards of 5 years to qualify, WHEN CLEARLY their child will never live independently and won't be able to function in the world without support. This is HUGE for all with true disabilities.

https://lm.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.liherald.com%2Fstories%2Fnew-yorks-opwdd-slicing-off-60-million-from-its-budget%2C126245%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0r0VNZNhwlUnFukFnFBt_hh7WRsuaA7i2hG7jcM967esuREIwr6RNTdF4&h=AT2LJ2TMCrorHcAIYmNkNQL8K1qTfXuV-OW7ymzwLOyFbytG58xF6qjtJnyEtqdBUTAE63vkVglYJJR2614pKprJzz8bgx15UuNUvAltfoV3pi_8W79GOQsheAUyp1zn8WSbpM1basjuYerZUYUk-koC8ox5kxywiTFYNF1qksItc9oRzeYOOKCk1oSJ20uTkxwXU5aypBRjqkw6kRNU0vpXmjbAOSxYrirrMFQVUw87DjySzG9oM7XU1ZU8czMDOkBbvnmAQkUwHy60zkk37h-5HIWizmos0d9kJ2sE1DnCSEubzlMa3ixS4onECYAWlMHXPfrrHae4l6wAW_bhUR-CQDDJe3Kw1Tq904mtzfjAnuNnc5cnsASvj6kuUqYZyMmcCGObA2bvtrYngSHihH5BDnOeDc2kq_vbEncFk2sil4K6nO451fsywZD5y6gKdyU1BuNUvQZfAU-8Ab0DwCmuk_k_fp3AmiFpD6aauiD6C7OdLfUWpIFFN8TBcUQFVTQPwwbXmzJI5ZqIo9ZDIdimSod_Vk_NkpxeRs4rzgYJU9-JOxBdR1vY53xR0K3-QCNP2fEBN9NUs4Yi4wYC8KTl9UryfCkrFGnKvUmNOK1tK_-E_zCGQDw5YZ-iaQohPJ7amnsXi031aa0ohWQ9tvRHhXoDl95ZSKIndmiM3ULsA3Wbz8uwlHu39X4KfZmQXEyRIYJ39egccN5Cei8tNfrpw7pmPlRw1nvTMAoe0t_0T70iErpnpOxgzXzLXrtIqy5LkUexJkeC5j0IybIK_xtq_Gze2va-1hlbRBbDzkfLVIH-_6_yu2735LOuB1BbxWklxwNJtdFRMNmttBqqLRTaBHDU7oeC9d17nvl3-iQRYLyWXmR6ljX22y9gKyZhSfN326fTmx28MyZ30G5-Fo4eNMsPEB5_RdNFQc4kwtBtm5cuzALYadk_KVIdJDgdUylm2QpefE7mTIfvzA1IwSXJkbwzlpomwvvfrxjFjcb_5tAqpx556O4XTd8C8chOcGb0b936XiZ-_qqZ0J2S0HUZT64DqWO-k2ONF8UiRoFkfKQKFoentqLqZU-qM02w1U1QUAzYZzRyfBknEbpUv6axWXTzDBEdmzYL0nqYKDq8Znbi-C3z1oUKG0ffOOFMBpNIno8MLfXxdDBptQd8IYFuXtmHcSAzP1uKgHXDOiy5lFQAHn2g4hLOtIpEyxo7TyHwwYrRKuHI2yyFxq8VTk6oh2MVDk9Zy4C88Uc81-W1SI6hlOzzSCPKG6995ouMP1CHYNTvSGTftwUw0A2m0KTk1sqzl12q4sgjCFoVR8U6SaCyZQh0KaqN3k7hRwG9T_phpm2GYpHrkNCK9gYVjgWV-vMX0OoFV0ZW4dczpVrfLojhYqOQTwENoMxZcACwkTF_M2M9Gdv5HEI2z3vblPWTGWlhBIkEpGXZNkdT9oNlW9p8QUdvxB1qodCAUVNYpY65zczXgs08fVo1i4eeaY_zfluDddMVDJkrnmNkHfYcmpx7Mm0azxzqCvnXmMYpkaQBRByrAHPqbkHjgHy2Pxc3dKgbw3eS-cjYAGVo4g280gKbZZm-PvMxWOhFFwSh41NYAUcpOPGV3hVCSH9szVU0BTwhE7v7e_3NxGyWDnD0-OqO7vV-WnIA-jAgqgOI

New York’s OPWDD slicing off $60 million from its budget As all New York state departments were mandated to cut their budgets by at least 2 percent because of the revenue loss endured during the coronavirus pandemic, the Office of People With Developmental Disabilities is slicing $178 million from the rates that group homes charge for resident occupancy.

I literally cried from I guess relief from all our hard work. I admit it, I fight like an animal for our community, I never want to let them down. I'm so happy for my parents. This SASI mom is one of the kindest women I have had the pleasure of knowing. Cathy, thank you

After the Thomas Valva " March for change " I organized, a CPS Autism task force was created and I was honored to be appointed along with several legislators, the head of superintendents and some of colleagues I respect. We were conducting very fruitful meetings and we held a press conference in March for the " CPS transformation act ", with 6 key points to it. Since Covid, everything is on standstill. I want to get back to meeting. This child could have also benefitted from Project Lifesaver. So this poor boys life could have been easily saved. Very sad. We call him in my community " an eloper ". Sadly many of our children die this way. Broke my heart to read

https://lm.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Flongisland.news12.com%2Fstory%2F42194269%2Fpolice-7yearold-boy-fatally-struck-by-hitandrun-driver-in-mastic%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0sfLbZdxs8VbcXSLazR6tnttDKB6XNWr3PSmwXhp7RdmfaXMnEiyOuwdA&h=AT2-5nGTQajK2_hzigjeH2bulXANuebpU_X02Yn3C4DMuDZEgTGfXOxPxmL-3DTUy6xttUk3UWGhSB1CziK9wdAheUhyhbR6GIixOT7BsHGye7expA4p51YAHi1FCpU39F0yu58GcrT2_5qcDo2WNQURPfik8W81_KkbgZT4Qz39Z7LKdmZ6B9N7r65S-ez4xZuqxcsbouLX8_7J6vaeyXOiuRTl0AvdTBw3YaFyL9bYTvjjzcvUg_j2sHWT6AdqEb9BpN7FkWb8RlZ2_ggFwZWHTplj3grXSX9fws7MQ2WaLR8aj9KkBU8bHgRYzHg_HI1vwkkSZVIMBFAXbQcYS8TKxRYH5jAE42RHJgWL4F3VH4UZzLC3NRQgJosP3tFH83qH34pv1C9KKoMvrz60gAC8lNglD0AwjcpBFSnEH2b1pXDkgVd1BzKDm4PVi-9AaQIm3i-BTN2UaG-vETuN-zstIiq2Iw7DDnRo0GlM1RpbTR2nlz-Df4ylEUSaqB2OA9DvUgOUqBXUTQ

Police: 7-year-old boy fatally struck by hit-and-run driver in Mastic Police say Sadq Aljomi wandered out of his residence unattended and walked onto eastbound Route 27.

From one of our newly diagnosed adults, it's a fundraiser for SASI...anyone who drinks wine, this will not only help SASI, but a courageous ASD woman. Thank you Charlotte Lisa

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Ive chosen to take ALL of my posts down about the previous subject matter. I will NOT be told what to do, nor say. Anyone that actually knows me, knows what I stand for. All I simply stated was that I wanted the violence to end. I fear for many that I love. I belong to a community that is ONE. I have always stated the same repetitive thing, " Autism doesn't discriminate regardless of socioeconomics, race, religion , skin color nor politics ". I stand on the side of " what's right ", and advocate and battle for what's wrong.
For me , my family is everything. Someone making a mockery of my cousin, ( one of the best people I have ever known that has been through their own struggles), is where I draw a line in the sand.
I am known to help and embrace all communities. That is my reputation and I am proud of it.
This is a time when we should be coming together, not divided. Enough said, I don't owe anyone else an explanation. I'm the person you WANT in the foxhole with you. I fight for the underserved constantly.
I pray for those with anger in their hearts, and comprehend their plight, and most of all...I pray justice is served. But I have the RIGHT to fear the violence that is happening, for myself and my family. I'm not the bad guy here and I respect ALL my friends and family of diversity.

Can you spare a minute to help Trish Costanzo? The Movement of the Forgotten Children

***IMPORTANT ***
SEVERAL OF YOU HAVE NOT ONLY POSTED BUT COME TO ME DIRECTLY ASKING ME FOR ADVICE OR TELLING ME ABOUT THE INJUSTICES THAT ARE PLAGUING OUR COMMUNITY. WITH THE HELP OF OUR SASI WARRIOR PARENTS WE WILL BE PUTTING FORTH A PETITION TO ADDRESS SEVERAL OF THE FOLLOWING, I AM ALSO ASKING FOR PERSONAL LETTERS TO BE SENT TO OUR EMAIL ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCES DURING THIS COVID CRISIS. PLEASE ADDRESS THE FOLLOWING POINTS FROM YOUR PERSONAL EXPERIENCE:

**VIOLATING IEP, ( SUPPORTS AND SERVICES..PLEASE INCLUDE THE IMPACTS ON YOUR LOVED ONES..REGRESSION, HOSPITALIZATION, BEHAVIORS, SU***DE ATTEMPTS ETC.)
** DENIAL OF SUPPORT AND SERVICES THROUGH EI, ( AGAIN PLEASE STATE THE IMPACTS)
**OPWDD, ( LAGGARD REIMBURSEMENT, CUTTING OF BUDGETS, ETC.)
**GROUP HOMES AND THE SAFETY ISSUES, ( REPERCUSSIONS DURING COVID CRISIS)

IF SOME OF YOU NEED TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS BECAUSE YOU WORK FOR AN AGENCY OR DISTRICT, I FULLY RESPECT THAT...HOWEVER MY MISSION IS TO BRING LIGHT TO OUR " FORGOTTEN CHILDREN " TO THE STATE.
This is something I WILL be addressing with the governor office....no picketing, just real stories and facts. I would like the petition to go viral and shared EVERYWHERE. Our voices WILL BE HEARD...THAT I PROMISE. PLEASE ALL LETTERS BY END OF WEEK, EMAIL TO [email protected] 💙

Just some of the free virtual things SASI is offering our community.

This virus never stops us on our mission to provide support and programs vital to our community. For 4 consecutive weeks in June, We will be providing on line music therapy for the month of June...please, join our closed forum to become a member.

How we support our SASI Family Virtually!!!

Announcing our new series over the next four weeks to help parents with strategies and answer questions from qualifies BCBA's/LBA's***Must be a part of the closed Facebook Forum: SASI Specialized Autism Support & Information

Some of my favorite women in politics, whom I admire and respect...many have become good friends. Some are missing, but it's hard to get everyone together. Lol

SASI Birthday Club Video Clips
This is one of the many programs we provide. Complete with favors, a sensory friendly time and accommodations, and of course a cake. Caregivers and Parents are free and it gives them an opportunity to be in a " judgment free environment ". SASI offsets the costs substantially so that all can participate. All of us experience the same things, meltdowns, stimming, sensory issues with noise etc.....all details are well thought out so not only the children can celebrate, ( whether it's their birthday or not, even as a guest). This program was inspired by a Facebook post where a teenage girl sent out invitations, no one responded, nor came. Also my son's last birthday invitation, approximately 6 + years ago, the child having the birthday and his friends told him that, " it was a mistake and that he wasn't supposed to be invited ", that week I decided to start the program. A few days later at our support group meeting a father of a young ASD man and the Uncle of a niece ( HF ASD), sent out over 60+ invitations...no one came, nor responded so her parents had to cancel her graduation party. Little did I know how many of us experience the same...Some, ( one of the moms in the clip told me that her daughter was NEVER invited to a birthday party.
This program means alot to me and allows kids to socialize with their peers and parents to connect, alleviating some of the isolation they have experienced.
Once this quarenteen is over, we will resume these celebrations. If you are interested in sponsoring a birthday or simply want to contribute to the program, you can email us at [email protected] or go to www.sasiny.org. All children deserve to be accepted and happy 💙

Although I live in Long Island NY, Ive had many messages from around the globe about Autism or the work Ive done. When I founded SASI, ( at the time it was Suffolk Asperger's Support and Information), it was because as I say just like the children feel, " alienated, isolated, alone and misunderstood....so do the parents ". SASI was inspired by my son whom after a long journey, ( from 15 mos old), at 6 yrs and 3 months I finally got a " formal diagnosis of ASD, OCD, Generalized Anxiety disorder, depression and of course ADHD. In addition his Nuerologist added coordination developmental disorder. He is for lack of a better description HF ASD, but through this journey I found that regardless of impairment, the majority of our community needs the same or similar supports.
I always refer to the fact that " Autism doesn't discriminate regardless of socioeconomics. race, religion, skin color nor politics all of our children need and our entitled to the same interventions and supports that are vital to ensure the best possible outcomes ". So the mission of my organization focuses on the " meat and potatoes " of what our children need and SASI offsets all costs associated, " making everything accessible, affordable and attainable for all.
I think I am most proud when our members started to refer to us as their " SASI family ". You see often we lose our family, and friends simply because they don't understand our children's disability. And often they aren't invited to family functions or birthday parties. There is also a tremendous amount of bullying, ( by kids and teachers), not to mention all of the injustices, the supply and demand of professionals and the down right corruption in schools and EI, ( Early Intervention) that plagues our community. I along with others continue to fight for those injustices and vet the professionals we refer out. SASI has become a trusted resource for the local community.
It has always befuddled me that Autism is the world's largest developmental disorder affecting approximately 2% of the world's global population, yet so laggard in progress and so misunderstood by so many. I have made it my lifes journey to help change that and the landscape of the future of our community.
On this page, you will not only be able to follow me personally but get a jarring education about the facts of our community.
Proudly in less than a 4 yr span, SASI has grown to serving approximately 5k families, making it one of the fastest Autism organizations not only in the state, but across the country. I thank all that support our efforts and we run over 90% on donations alone. If you would like to contribute any denomination you can visit www.sasiny.org.

SASI Specialized Autism Support & Information – Your SUPER-powered WP Engine Blog SASI is a place for families affected by autism to go for support, help, programs and to connect with other families. SASI is an organization run by parents of children with special needs themselves and we aim to be a central resource for parents to help them on their journey and to aid in creating....

Priscilla Zammitto-Arena updated their website address.

Because of of all of the incoming friend requests , I have decided to create a public page so Facebook will allow more than the 5k cap of friends. Thank you Shawn Hyms for helping me set this up