Amy Gravino 
Relationship Coach | Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services
Greater New York City Area, NJ, UNITED STATES
President, A.S.C.O.T. Consulting, Autism Sexuality Advocate, Writer, International Speaker
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Biography
Autism sexuality advocate and Relationship Coach in the Center for Adult Autism Services at Rutgers University. President of A.S.C.O.T Consulting, which offers autism consulting, college coaching, and mentoring services for organizations, schools, individuals on the autism spectrum, and their families. International speaker who has given TED talks, spoken twice at the United Nations for World Autism Awareness Day, and presented worldwide to audiences on a variety of topics related to autism, with a dedicated special focus and research on the subject of autism and sexuality. Obtained her Masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Caldwell University in 2010 and currently serves on the Boards of Directors of Specialisterne USA, Yes She Can, Inc. and the Golden Door International Film Festival of Jersey City, as well as the Scientific Advisory Board of Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research (SPARK). Award-winning writer whose work has been featured in Spectrum, the leading online news source for autism research, Reader’s Digest, special education textbooks, and other outlets.
Visit www.amygravino.com to learn more.
Industry Expertise (4)
Professional Training and Coaching
Writing and Editing
Education/Learning
Women
Areas of Expertise (10)
Public Speaking
Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Sexuality
Advocacy
Writing
Autism and Behavior Analysis
Applied Behavior Analysis
College Coaching
Blogging
Accomplishments (6)
King’s College Alumni Award (professional)
2020-08-13
Recipient of the King's College Leo Award as part of the Alumni Awards Ceremony.
Began working as a Relationship Coach in the Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services (professional)
2020-03-10
Began new job as a Relationship Coach in the RCAAS, New Brunswick, NJ.
Yes She Can Advocates for Adults with Autism Award (personal)
2017-03-03
Recipient of the Yes She Can Advocates for Adults with Autism Award, autistic adult honoree.
Named one of 10 Talented Individuals with Autism Who Inspired in 2014 (personal)
2014-12-17
Chosen by Autism Speaks as one of 10 Talented Individuals with Autism Who Inspired in 2014: http://www.autismspeaks.org/news/news-item/10-talented-individuals-autism-who-inspired-2014
Spoke at the United Nations (personal)
2011-04-06
Spoke on a panel of autism experts at the United Nations for World Autism Awareness Day in 2011.
Founded A.S.C.O.T. Consulting, LLC (professional)
2010-09-14
Started my own Asperger's Syndrome college coaching, consulting, and public speaking business, A.S.C.O.T. Coaching, LLC.
Education (2)
Caldwell University: Master of Arts (M.A.), Applied Behavior Analysis 2010
King's College: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), English, Writing 2005
Affiliations (4)
- Autism New Jersey (formerly COSAC).
- New Jersey Association of Behavior Analysis (NJABA)
- Association of Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)
- New York State Association for Behavior Analysis (NYSABA)
Links (4)
Languages (1)
- English
Testimonials (2)
Robin Portanova, President | Stamford Education 4 Autism
Amy Gravino is an inspiration to all! The lecture she gave our organization, Stamford Education 4 Autism, has stayed in the minds of many who attended. I especially remember her words of, 'You are a good person. Believe in yourself' as she explained how it was for her growing up with Asperger’s Syndrome. Amy speaks from her heart, speaks the truth of her life, and her lecture will no doubt touch your life in an unforgettable way. She has given me strength in understanding my son with PDD-NOS. The evening of her lecture, my goodnight to my son included Amy's words from her Letter to her younger self: 'It’s not your fault.' Amy, thank you! I have heard your message and may it be heard by all! It will truly stay with me forever!
Joanne McMahon, Autism Consultant | Bedford Central School District
What better way to celebrate Autism Awareness Month than to hear a firsthand account of the trials, tribulations and triumphs of an individual on the spectrum? I had recently read an article written by Amy Gravino in "Autism Spectrum Quarterly" and was impressed by her story. So, as we began to plan our offerings to celebrate April as Autism Awareness Month, everyone agreed I should contact Amy. We were not disappointed. Amy’s presentation afforded the students at Fox Lane Middle School an opportunity to walk a mile in her shoes. The students were truly attuned to her life story. Many were visibly moved by the various episodes of bullying and goading she experienced while in middle and high school. When she concluded her formal remarks, she was more than willing to answer questions, and there was so much interest and so many questions that we ran out of time, much to the dismay of the inquisitive students! Amy was a huge hit among staff as well, and the entire community felt enlightened and enriched by her visit. Surely the highlight of the day was when we were walking through the halls and a student called out to her, 'We love you Amy!'
Media Appearances (5)
Sex Ed, Dating, and Love on the Autism Spectrum
Autism Weekly Podcast online
2021-07-30
Interviewed about autism and sexuality on Autism Weekly Podcast.
Women, Sexuality, and Autism
The Illuminare Podcast online
2021-06-16
Interviewed about autism, women, and sexuality for The Illuminare Podcast.
Identifying and Understanding Autistic Girls
The Autism/ADHD Podcast online
2021-05-26
Interviewed on autism, girls, and relationships for The Autism/ADHD Podcast.
Amy Gravino Autism College Coach
Autism Live (Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD)) online
2013-01-03
Interview with Shannon Penrod about college coaching, my experiences growing up on the autism spectrum, and society's view of autism in the wake of the Newtown, CT massacre.
Normal People Scare Me (short film)
NormalFilms online
2006-04-01
Short version of "Normal People Scare Me," in which I was an interview subject.
Event Appearances (13)
Panelist, In A Different Key screening + Q&A
Teaneck International Film Festival 2021 Teaneck Cinemas, Teaneck, NJ
2021-11-12
Invited speaker, "Why Autism Is Sexier Than You Think It Is"
TEDxJerseyCity 2016 Loews Landmark Theatre, Jersey City, NJ
2016-12-03
Invited speaker
Professional Development Workshop NYU Steinhardt School, ASD Nest Program,
2015-05-11
Invited panelist and speaker
UJA-Federation of New York Hilibrand Autism Symposium, "Autism Grown Up: Building the Future Together" UJA-Federation of New York Conference Center, New York, NY
2015-04-28
Invited guest speaker
Peace and Diversity Conference Day MS 447, The Math and Science Exploratory School, Brooklyn, NY
2015-01-20
Co-presenter, "Sexuality & Sexuality Instruction for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders: What Everyone Needs To Know"
Autism New Jersey 32nd Annual Autism Conference Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, NJ
2014-10-23
Invited Keynote, "The Girl Behind the Curtain: A Journey Inside the Nooks and Crannies of Autism"
AHANY 24th Annual Fall Conference Eastern Suffolk BOCES Instructional Support Center, Holbrook, NY
2014-10-20
Co-presenter, "Sexuality and the Spectrum: Lessons on Sex, Dating, and Love, Autism Style"
Autism Society of America 45th Annual Conference Indianapolis Convention Center, Indianapolis, IN
2014-07-25
Emcee and Auctioneer
GRASP (Global and Regional Autism Spectrum Partnership) 11th Annual Benefit Hyatt Union Square, New York, NY
2014-05-21
Invited Speaker
TEDxSetonHall Annual Event 2014 Seton Hall University, West Orange, NJ
2014-04-11
Guest Speaker for "Gabrielle" Film Premiere
REELAbilities NY Film Festival The Jewish Community Center of Manhattan, New York, NY
2014-03-06
Co-presenter, "Sexuality & Sexuality Instruction for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders: What Everyone Needs To Know"
Autism Society of Central Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University community event River Road United Methodist Church, Richmond, VA
2013-10-19
Invited Panelist
World Autism Awareness Day: Solving the Autism Public Health Puzzle United Nations, New York, NY
2011-04-06
Style
Availability
- Keynote
- Moderator
- Panelist
- Host/MC
- Author Appearance
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