Autism Delaware names Stephen Kanefsky Scholarship Winner

2012 Jul 18

Autism Delaware awarded the Daniel and Lois Gray Memorial Scholarship to three deserving University of Delaware students, including Stephen Kanefsky of Middletown. With hopes of becoming a professional in the autism community, Kanefsky will receive a $1,000 scholarship for the 2012–13 academic year.

Stephen Kanefsky, Class of 2015, is majoring in elementary teacher education with a concentration in special education, an educational option first learned as a sibling with two older brothers with autism. "Throughout my entire life," wrote Kanefsky in his application, "I have helped teach [my brothers] conversational skills, life skills, and proper behaviors. . . . I understand that education for people with autism needs to be individually planned, specialized, intensive, goal-directed, research-based, and guided by student performance. The right kind of teacher must have a big heart, a strong desire to help people achieve, and a lot of determination. I feel as though I am more than ready to be that teacher."

About the Gray Memorial Scholarship

The scholarship was created in memory of Daniel and Lois Gray, loving grandparents of a child with autism. The goal is to support the aspirations of talented UD students who plan a career in teaching or other professional service to children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), such as psychologist or speech pathologist.

To be eligible for the scholarship, a student must be matriculated full time at UD as an undergraduate or graduate student; major in special education, psychology, linguistics, or speech pathology; plan on becoming a teacher or other professional in the autism community; and maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.

About autism and Autism Delaware

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. Considered a spectrum disorder, "autism" is actually a group of disorders with similar features. The symptoms range from mild to severe and present themselves in a wide variety of combinations. As of March 2012, Autism Delaware estimates that 1,300 Delawareans have autism (a conservative figure based on public reporting from state agencies).

Autism Delaware is a nonprofit organization made up of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), their family members, the professionals who serve them, and friends of people with ASDs. With offices in Newark and Milton, Autism Delaware serves the entire state. Its mission is to create better lives for the people and families living with ASDs throughout Delaware.

Autism Delaware's programs and services are supported by generous donations from individuals and corporations across Delaware. Fundraising events, like the Annual Auction for Autism and the Blue Jean Ball, also provide the income needed to make critical programs a reality. For more information on how to help, visit www.autismdelaware.org.