Amy Gravino

Speaker and Relationship Coach Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services

  • Greater New York City Area NJ

Professional Speaker, Autism Sexuality Advocate, Author, and President, A.S.C.O.T Consulting

Contact

Biography

Professional speaker and Relationship Coach in the Center for Adult Autism Services at Rutgers University. Amy has given TED talks, spoken twice at the United Nations for World Autism Awareness Day, and presents worldwide to audiences on a variety of topics related to autism, with a dedicated special focus and research on autism and sexuality. 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. Obtained her Masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Caldwell University in 2010. Founding member of Autism Speaks' "Emerging Leaders" initiative, and currently serves on the Boards of Directors of Yes She Can, Inc. and the Golden Door International Film Festival of Jersey City. 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

Education/Learning
Professional Training and Coaching
Training and Development
Women
Writing and Editing

Areas of Expertise

Public Speaking
Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Sexuality
sex education
Advocacy
Writing
Autism and Behavior Analysis
Applied Behavior Analysis
College Coaching
Blogging

Accomplishments

Rutgers University Presidential Employee Excellence Award - Rutgers University Spirit Award (Team)

2024-12-12

Recipient of a Rutgers University Presidential Employee Excellence Award (Rutgers University Spirit Award - Team) in 2024.

Global Autism Advocacy Award

2024-02-16

Recipient of Marblejam's annual Global Autism Advocacy Award in 2024.

King’s College Alumni Award

2020-08-13

Recipient of the King's College Leo Award as part of the Alumni Awards Ceremony.

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Education

Caldwell University

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Applied Behavior Analysis

2010

King's College

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

English, Writing

2005

Affiliations

  • 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)

Languages

  • English

Testimonials

President

http://www.stamfordeducation4autism.org/

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!

Autism Consultant

http://www.bcsdny.org/

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

Exploring Cruelty and Kindness 'In A Different Key'

NPR  radio

2022-12-13

Amy appeared as a guest on The 1A Show alongside author John Donvan to discuss the film adaptation of "In A Different Key."

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How to Have Great Sex When You're on the Autism Spectrum

VICE  online

2022-07-22

Quotes from Amy are featured in this article about sex and autism.

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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.

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Event Appearances

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

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Style

Availability

  • Keynote
  • Moderator
  • Panelist
  • Host/MC
  • Author Appearance

Fees

$1000 to $2000