BRONX, NY — The Academy for Autism, a new school designed to set a new
standard for autism education in the Bronx, is now accepting families for enrollment. The
Academy will open its doors to students ages 5 to 8 and grow with them year over year,
ultimately serving learners through age 21. Founded by Mordechai Meisels, MSEd, BCBA, LBA,
and Rivkie Meisels—the leadership team behind Encore and Hadran Academy—the Academy
is built on a simple promise to parents: every child deserves a program designed around who
they are, what motivates them, and the life they are working toward.
The Academy will be led by Dr. Lissarette Nisnevich,PhD, a developmental psychologist,
neurodiversity advocate, and longtime leader in early childhood and autism education. "The
Bronx is a vibrant community with families who deserve access to high-quality autism education
and care close to home," said Dr. Nisnevich. "Through the Academy for Autism, we're here to
deliver exactly that."
For families navigating an autism diagnosis, the question is rarely whether to find help—it is how
to find a setting that takes the whole child seriously. The Academy was created to answer that
question. Each student receives a learning plan built around their individual strengths, interests,
and abilities, with support for the uneven learning profiles many children with autism have,
including co-occurring learning challenges or areas of exceptional ability. Applied Behavior
Analysis (ABA) anchors the model, alongside the Reggio Emilia approach—an internationally
recognized early childhood philosophy that treats children as capable, curious learners and
shapes the classroom around their interests, questions, and discoveries. The result is a learning
environment that is structured and evidence-based, but also deeply child-led and joyful.
Around that foundation, rigorous academics in literacy, math, and higher-order thinking are
taught for real-world use, while social-emotional learning, communication, executive functioning,
and school counseling are woven directly into the day. Importantly for parents who have spent
years coordinating outside therapies, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and speech-
language services are embedded into the school day rather than added on after hours. Hands-
on STEAM learning builds curiosity and problem-solving, and—because nearly 80 percent of
adults with autism are unemployed—evidence-based vocational training begins early and
progresses intentionally, so students leave the Academy with transferable skills, confidence,
and a real path to independence.
Behind the family-facing experience is a multidisciplinary team of educators, BCBAs,
occupational and physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and counselors who work
side-by-side every day rather than in separate silos. The Academy is also already collaborating
with community partners across the Bronx—local providers, employers, and family-serving
organizations—to ensure that students and their families are supported well beyond the
classroom and that the school's vocational and community-based learning is rooted in real
opportunities close to home.
"Parents are not observers in this work—they are partners," said Mordechai Meisels, Co-
Founder. "Our job is to understand what motivates each child, build on it, and stay in close
communication with families so progress at school becomes progress at home."
The Academy is now welcoming inquiries from parents interested in admissions, from educators
and clinicians exploring careers and research collaborations, and from community leaders,
employers, and organizations interested in mentorship, vocational placements, and partnership
opportunities. Families and partners can learn more, schedule a visit, or begin the admissions
process at www.autism.academy, or by emailing contact@autism.academy.
About The Academy for Autism
The Academy for Autism is an evidence-based school in the Bronx, opening with students ages
5 to 8 and growing year over year to serve learners through age 21. Grounded in Applied
Behavior Analysis and the Reggio Emilia approach, and informed by more than a decade of
leadership in education and behavioral health, the Academy combines personalized academics,
integrated therapies, STEAM, and vocational preparation into one cohesive program—preparing
every student for a life of greater independence, fulfillment, and quality of life.