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Dear Friends,
It’s been a joyful and inspiring start to the school year. Our vibrant network of schools and programs is buzzing with opportunities to learn, connect, thrive, and grow.
This September, we were proud to publish our 2024–2025 Impact Report, celebrating the stories, achievements, and milestones that reflect our mission and the heart of our community.
None of this would be possible without you. Whether you’ve donated, volunteered, or simply stayed connected, your support empowers individuals and families to build resilience, create hope, and unlock their limitless potential.
As we look ahead, we’re excited to continue this momentum with one of our most impactful annual events. Now in its 29th year, Summit brings together leading experts in autism, ADHD, learning differences, neurodiversity, and emotional well-being to share the latest research and practical strategies. This year’s theme, Transformative Journeys, reflects our commitment to supporting individuals and families at every stage of life — and we hope you’ll join us.
Thank you for being an essential part of The Help Group community.
With warmest regards,
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Susan Berman, PhD
President and Chief Executive Officer
The Help Group
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Highlights in this Newsletter
Welcome
Impact Report
Summit 2025
Back to School
After School Enrichment
Family Fun Day
Knowledge Exchange
Autism Alliance with UCLA CART
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Our 2024-25 Impact Report
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Our 2024–25 Impact Report shares stories of students discovering their voice, young people gaining independence through vocational training, and families experiencing life-changing breakthroughs.
We invite you to read our Impact Report and see how, together, we are transforming lives and and unlocking limitless potential.
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The Help Group’s 29th Annual Summit
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Summit 2025 will bring together experts from around the country to share the latest advances in understanding and supporting emotional well-being and neurodivergence. This year’s Summit theme, Transformative Journeys, is about helping people thrive at every stage of life — from childhood through adulthood.
We hope you can join us for a day of learning, connection, and growth.
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The start of the school year always brings a special kind of energy — the excitement of new beginnings, the joy of reconnection, and the promise of growth ahead. For new Bridgeport student Finn, this fall marks a meaningful chapter in his academic life.
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Kids Like Me After School Enrichment
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We’re excited to share that we’ve built upon the success of our Kids Like Me program, expanding from summer camp to after school. Each afternoon on our Sherman Oaks campus, students dive into a mix of hands-on learning and social engagement. Designed for children and teens ages 6–17 with autism spectrum disorder and other learning differences, the program offers a welcoming space where every kid can build confidence, make friends, and discover new interests.
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The First Annual Family Fun Day
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Families, friends, and community came together on our Sherman Oaks campus for an unforgettable day filled with music, games, crafts, food, and even mini therapy horses! Special thanks to our partner Music for Autism for bringing the joy of interactive music to all.
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Knowledge Exchange with Student Teachers from Korea
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A group of student teachers and their professor from the Department of Special Education at Pusan National University in Korea visited our campus to learn more about special education practices in the U.S.—with a focus on cultural diversity, autism, and transition services. The visitors joined in classroom discussions, participated in activities, and experienced firsthand the warmth and openness of our school community.
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Advancing Autism Research
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We are excited to share that The Help Group is actively collaborating with the Kasari Lab, led by Dr. Connie Kasari, a leading researcher at UCLA’s Center for Autism Research and Treatment (CART). Conducted through the Help Group–UCLA Autism Alliance, this partnership supports cutting-edge research studies focused on enhancing social communication, joint attention, and other key areas of development in children with autism.
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ABOUT THE HELP GROUP
Founded in 1941, The Help Group is a Los Angeles–based nonprofit that has supported individuals and families across the lifespan for more than 80 years. We serve both neurodivergent and neurotypical children, teens, and adults with autism, learning differences, ADHD, developmental delays, behavioral challenges, and emotional struggles.
Our mission is to help individuals and families build resilience, create hope, and unlock their limitless potential. Guided by expertise and a deep respect for every person’s journey, we have developed a connected network of programs that meet people where they are—academically, emotionally, socially, and developmentally—providing compassionate, personalized support.
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