About Us
Our Why
For the love of Ethan and to support the ever growing Autism Community.
Ethan was born in New Jersey on July 6th 2001. He had a head full of curly brown hair, smokey grey eyes, and the sweetest disposition. Ethan reached all of his milestones until 15 months when repetitive behaviors and speech delays became noticeable. Ethan's was diagnosed with autism before his 2nd birthday.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is over 3 times more common in boys.
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An estimated 50,000 teens with autism become adults – and lose school-based autism services – each year.
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Around one third of people with autism remain nonverbal.
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Around one third of people with autism have an intellectual disability.
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Certain medical and mental health issues frequently accompany autism. They include gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, seizures, sleep disturbances, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety and phobias. Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences. We now know that there is not one autism but many types.
The term “spectrum” reflects the wide variation in challenges and strengths possessed by each person with autism.
Autism’s most-obvious signs tend to appear between 2 and 3 years of age. In some cases, it can be diagnosed as early as 18 months.
Our Mission
We are dedicated to supporting families with children and adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) by addressing the gaps in traditional services. We believe that every individual with I/DD deserves the chance reach their potential alongside their peers in a safe and nurturing environment. We are here to guide and support them every step of the way! If you need any more sections or, feel free to ask!
Our Journey with Autism
The Ethan Foundation for Autism is a non-profit organization. It was established in 2006 by Kimberly Ryan and Mark Debrowski on behalf of their son Ethan and his peers.
The Ethan Foundation has advocated for the special needs community for over 14 years by addressing and bridging the gaps of traditional care through creative solutions. In 2004, we realized there were no summer camps available for special needs children in her community, so she created one called Frogs, Flowers, and Friends. This camp provided parents with peace of mind by catering to the special needs of children in an accepting, structured, and safe place of their own during the summer. The Ethan Foundation Association established a camp that had one-to-one volunteer to camper ratio, music therapy, art, swim lessons, daily crafts, and exercise.
Over the years, as the needs of Ethan and his peers evolved, so has the focus. Through The Wrestle Against Autism annual fundraiser, which started in 2007, they have worked to gross over $100,000.00 and donate to 4 Paws for Ability. The goal is to bring children with autism and service dogs together.
As the looming reality of the special needs housing crisis approaches, The Ethan Foundation Association has shifted our focus to provide vocational opportunities and create supported living communities for adults with Autism and other Intellectual Disabilities.
