The Bridge Autism Clinic began as a shared vision of three founders, grounded in the belief that every child deserves support to navigate autism’s challenges.
The inspiration for our name came during one of our founder’s metro transit bus journey across the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge in New York City in 2019. At the last stop in Manhattan before the bridge, he noticed a young mother struggling to board with three small children, her arms burdened with heavy shopping bags, a stroller, and a huge diaper bag. Offering a helping hand, he steadied her as she stepped onto the train, and helped her get situated with her chidren and belongings, creating a moment of connection that reflected the essence of our mission. With this small act of kindness, as the ironwork of the RFK Bridge filled the windows of the bus as it crossed the East River, the foundation of our organization—and its name—took shape.
Starting in 2019 with just one child and one BCBA, our clinic was modest—a single pier supporting a critical mission. Over time, we built strength, expanding the arches of our services to reach more families and broaden our impact. Today, The Bridge Autism Clinic spans multiple locations and serves nearly 50 children. Our team has grown to include over seven BCBAs, a BCBA-D, licensed social workers, and two current PhD candidates—each acting as vital beams supporting the structure of care we provide.
As we’ve extended our reach, we’ve also expanded our capabilities. With new girders of expertise and resources, we’ve added layers to our support, ensuring that every child’s unique needs are met with evidence-based solutions. In 2025, we will anchor new speech services into our offerings, adding another key component to our holistic approach. Much like the cables of a suspension bridge, this addition will strengthen the connections between communication and development, empowering children to achieve their full potential.