What makes GRASP unique, other than its proven four year-old support group network, its educational outreach, and its use as an informational clearinghouse on issues relating to the autism spectrum, are the stipulations GRASP must adhere to in accordance with our bylaws — that the Executive Director, 100% of the Advisory Board, and 50% of the Board of Directors of GRASP must be diagnosed with either Autism, Asperger Syndrome, or Pervasive Developmental Disorder.

For one night each year GRASP holds an annual benefit dedicated to honoring a neurotypical individual that has accomplished much towards furthering goals similar to GRASP's. The award is called the GRASP "DNA" (Divine Neurotypical Award). The DNA acronym honors our belief in the primarily genetic nature of autism; and the award itself—the physical object—shall be a round peg in a square hole, in reference to the "square peg in a round hole" that we are often referred to as. This acknowledges that our honorees probably didn't fit so correctly into the societal mode themselves.

Sigourney Weaver made her film debut as the iconic Officer Ripley in
Ridley Scott's "Alien". Since then she has captivated audiences with a
succession of leading and supporting roles in film and theater,
winning enthusiastic reviews in comedy and drama. In the last year her
work has ranged from playing a woman with autism in the comedy "Snow
Cake" with Alan Rickman, to the fashion plate Babe Paley in
"Infamous", to an outrageous television executive in "The TV Set", and
coming up, "Vantage Point", with William Hurt, "The Girl in the Park",
written and directed by Pulitzer Prize winner David Auburn, and "Baby
Mama" opposite Tina Fey. She is currently working with James Cameron
("Titanic", "Aliens") on his new sci-fi film, "Avatar". The
organizations she works for include The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
International, The Natural Resources Defense Council, Human Rights
First, and The Flea Theater in downtown Manhattan. It is her great
privilege to receive the DNA Award and to work with the indefatigable
and resourceful staff of GRASP.

If you would like a formal copy of the invitation mailed to you (along with return envelopes...etc.), please reply to benefit@grasp.org and leave us a mailing address.

The award will be presented at a fundraising drinks and hors d'oeuvres event to be held at Arno's Ristorante in Manhattan (convenient to Penn Station for Long Island travelers) from 5-8 p.m.

We will soon be looking for a LOT of help:

1. Volunteers who will commit to selling tickets.
2. Sponsors to contribute to a book of well-wishes to be presented to Ms. Weaver and attending guests at the event.
3. We also encourage you to buy (or sell) $5 raffle tickets which we will be distributing soon. The raffle grand prize? A generously-donated week at a luxury resort on the Caribbean island of St. Maarteen (valued at $3,000.00; though airfare not included). The winner will be drawn live at the benefit.
4. Donate items for our silent auction.
5. Become an Organizational Benefit Sponsor.

Information on all of these opportunities will be posted soon.

Welcome!