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We Appreciate Our 2025 Sponsors!
A few of our Upcoming Social Chase Events
Listen to Founder Helen Taylor interview on iHeart Radio – Community Access program with Alison Demers. Every click and listen counts to support our community
- February 28 Social Chase Wine Class Fundraiser at Total Wines and More in West Hartford. Thanks we raised $2000!
April 26, 2025 – 4th Free Autism Education and Awareness Forum. Seeking vendors, speakers, sponsorship and volunteers. Sponsored by Connecticut Community Foundation
May 10 – 11 – Madison Overnight Retreat – Thank you to Joan Hartley for her donation!
June 28-29 – Fun at Casa De Deacon – Cookout and Camp out Day
Social Chaser, Chase Taylor, was interviewed by Alleah Red of WFSB Eyewitness to discuss the release of his Letter Critters Book, The Big Fight - Best Furry Friends, and we also discussed the upcoming Free 4th Autism Education and Awareness Forum on April 26!
The Social Chase Show Episode 40 – Discussing Special Needs Trust
Guest: Attorney Steven L. Rubin
https://www.drazenlaw.com/ Hosts: Chase, Jordan and Marco Executive Producer/Director/Editor: Helen Taylor Studio recording: Brass City Community TV
Certified Elder Law Attorney from the National Elder Law Foundation
Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Agency on Aging of South-Central Connecticut, Past President of CTNAELA Former board member of the Life Care Planning Law Firm Association. A neurodiversity and special needs planner and advocate.
Attorney Rubin has a personal connection to the issues his clients face, having been a caregiver, advocate, and provider for his mother. She was diagnosed with ALS while he was in law school.
He graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, and from Widener University School of Law in Pennsylvania.
Attorney Rubin has passed the Bar in Connecticut, New York, and Florida and is a member of various professional organizations.
His practice focuses on elder law, special needs planning, estate planning, estate administration/probate, Title XIX (Medicaid) planning/eligibility, as well as Life Care Planning. This includes business continuation, disability and trust planning/administration, and related tax matters.
2024 Social Chasers Trip to NYC to see the Rockettes and dine at Tony's on November 23, 2024.
GREAT NEWS!
FREE TO BE ART EXHIBITION EXTENDED TO DECEMBER 15
The Mattatuck Museum have had such a great response to the Social Chase Free to BE exhibition they would like to extend to December 15th.
The Waterbury Public School tours have been visiting the exhibitions and the teachers really enjoy that opportunity.
Opening Celebration day on Saturday, September 7 was amazing with big smiles.
The Social Chase is Proud to Collaborate with the Mattatuck Museum for the very first Free to Be Art Exhibition displaying the artistic talents of our autism/neurodivergent community.
Visit www.mattmuseum.org/calendar or by calling (203) 753-0381 x130.
Address: 144 West Main Street, Waterbury, Parking Address: 26 Park Place
Free to Be is being presented in partnership with The Social Chase, Inc., a volunteer non-profit organization, providing an inclusive community of support for young adults on the spectrum. The organization sponsors social “Free to Be Me” activities, advocacy, and supporting members in accessing resources, and fostering connections and awareness of programs and opportunities.
For questions, please contact Jason Forberg, Mattatuck Museum’s Director of Education at (203)-753-0381or jason@mattmuseum.org.
Social Chase “Free to Be Me” Event
Waterbury Urban Air & Adventure Park $10
Thank you to the Burns & McDonnell for making this joy possible!
Social Chase Founder, Helen Taylor, Speaking at the Captiol
for Autism Acceptance Month with Social Chasers
Chase and Terral. Start Video around 30 minutes.
In The News with
ORTV, Inc.
Crossroads Magazine!
The Social Chase
Free to Be Me Event
at the Brass City Raceway.
Interviewer: Eric McGrath
Sara Ziegler, Editor/Videographer
Current Articles
Click to find out about whether YOU Are You a Parent of a Child with Autism Struggling With Fatigue? Here’s How to Overcome It Written by Jenny Wise
Special Episode – Help Us Help You – Police Autism Forum
An open discussion with parents and police officers about police encounters with individuals on the autism spectrum. Special Panel Helen Taylor, parent/advocate and has a 22 year old son on the spectrum Cyndi Cruz, parent/advocate has a 21 year old son on the spectrum Chief Fred Spagnolo, Jr. – Waterbury Chief of Police Chief Vern Riddick – West Hartford Chief of Police Lieutenant Mike Connolly – Wethersfield – Patrol Division Commander Justin Cruz, self-advocate and college student Chase Taylor, self-advocate and college student Donna Cohen, parent/advocate has a 29 year old daughter diagnosed with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities Mike DeFosses – parent/advocate – two teenage sons on the spectrum Introduction by Chase Taylor Hosted by Helen Taylor and Cyndi Cruz.
Episode 37 – Welcome back Christine Faressa (1st Episode), Mother, Advocate, Founder and President of Sun, Moon & Stars.
We are happy to have Christine back on the show to discuss all the amazing events and collaboration she is spearheading for the autism community.Welcome to The Social Chase Show with Guest Christine Faressa, hosted by Chase, Sarah and Marco.
Christine Faressa, President & Chairman of the Board
Christine Faressa became the founder of Sun, Moon & Stars in January 2016 when she established the Supper Club as a way for families with children on the autism spectrum to a enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Supper quickly grew into support groups and activities for families. Christine’s son, who was diagnosed with Autism as a toddler, continues to be her driving passion
as she seeks to create a bright future for him and other children on the Autism Spectrum. Christine has served as an Advocacy Ambassador for Autism Speaks, has volunteered for dozens of committees and is currently serving on the Watertown Schools Board of Education.
She has a masters degree in business administration with a certificate in financial management for non-profits. She has extensive sales and marketing experience with almost 3 decades in medical device sales, and lives in Watertown with her husband, Mark and son, Domenic.
Helen Taylor , Executive Producer/Video Editor
Episode 36 – Social Squad Discussing Life Joys and Challenges
Social Squad – Chase, Jordan and Marco.
Helen Taylor , Executive Producer
Video Editor – Helen
Episode 35 – Dr Brian Boyd, Discussion Autism and Equity
Hosts – Helen and Chase Taylor
Dr. Brian Boyd is Interim Director of the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute and the William C. Friday Professor in Education in the School of Education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Helen Taylor , Executive Producer
Video Editor – Helen
Episode 33 – Autism Advocacy with Caio Ninja and his mother, Emanuela
Social Squad- Jordan and Marco
Helen Taylor , Executive Producer Recorded at Skye Cable XIII
Video Editor – Helen
Crew – Chase Taylor
Episode 32 – The Social Squad Discussing Mother’s Day, Vacations, Dating, and Hiking Mt. Washington and Interests
For the first time, our crew member Paul is in front of the camera!! Chase was controlling the boards.
Social Squad- Chase, Paul and Marco
Helen Taylor , Executive Producer Recorded at Skye Cable XIII
Video Editor – Helen
Episode 31 – The Social Squad Discussing Life and Sports
For the first time, our crew member Paul is in front of the camera!! Chase was controlling the boards.
Social Squad- Jordan, Paul and Marco
Helen Taylor , Executive Producer Recorded at Skye Cable XIII
Video Editor – Helen and Chase Taylor
Episode 30 – The Social Squad with Guest Podcaster Kyle Barboza Differently-Abled Cerebral Palsy
Kyle is a freelance, audio / video editor and podcaster.
He was born with Cerebral Palsy and as a result he had to deal with a number of physical, social and emotional issues.
Social Squad- Chase, Sarah, and Jordan
Helen Taylor , Executive Producer Recorded at Skye Cable XIII
Episode 29 – The Social Squad Discussing Friendships and Masking with Guest Marco
Social Squad- Chase, Sarah, and Jordan
Helen Taylor , Executive Producer Recorded at Skye Cable XIII
Episode 28 – Autism and Transgender
We had an open discussion on being Autistic and coming out as a transgender male with Social Chaser Jacob. Thank you Jillian Celentano for sharing your knowledge and experience as a transgender woman and the open conversation with Social Chaser Jacob
Hosts Helen and Sarah.
Thanks to our studio crew Chase Taylor and Paul Boulier. Check out Jillian’s latest book. “Transitioning Later in Life: A Personal Guide”. on her Website https://www.transawareness101.com/
Episode 27 – Talking about work, movies, college and living or not living independently
Social Squad- Chase, Sarah, and Jordan
Helen Taylor , Executive Producer Recorded at Skye Cable XIII
Episode 26 – Neuordivergent Author/illustrator Sivan Hong and the Super Fun Day Books
Episode 25 – The Social Squad discussing New England fairs, food and favorite shows
Social Squad- Chase, Sarah, and Jordan
Helen Taylor , Executive Producer Recorded at Skye Cable XIII
Episode 24- Life Coach and Autism with John Pollins
Hosts – Chase and Sarah
John Pollins is the owner and director of CT LIFE COACH SERVICES. His agency provides direct life coach services, mostly to adults on the autism spectrum. John has a bachelors degree from Duke University, and also has a masters degree in education. He started his career as a classroom teacher, and later worked for the Connecticut Department of Education training new teachers and then evaluating their performance to decide if they should be certified as professional teachers. He spent years working in alternative schools, helping students who needed to learn in a setting different than the typical large public school. He helped start Innovation in Education, an agency that created schools in CT jails for teens who had been arrested. He eventually became the Executive Director of Innovation In Education before starting his work with adults on the autism spectrum.
Helen Taylor , Executive Producer Recorded at Skye Cable XIII
Episode 23 – Jordan Lopez and The Social Squad!
BIG BRO & SIS CREATIVE ARTISTS MURAL EXTRAVAGANZA
Social Squad- Chase, Sarah, and Jaden
Helen Taylor , Executive Producer Recorded at Skye Cable XIII
Episode 22 -Art and Autism with Save Our Schools for Our Kids Foundation
SAVE OUR FOR OUR KIDS FOUNDATION with guests Donald L. Green, Jr., Founder and Yvonne Renee Davis, President, president. Hosts: Sara and Chase The event will be filmed and produced by Famiglia D’Oro productions & Entertainment Firm and hosted on Famiglia Doro Tv accessible on Roku, Amazon Fire Tv, Apple Tv, and mobile devices which will be visually documented in two parts. The first is the Mural Arts Extravaganza and the second will turn into a documentary about Art Expression, and Autism Awareness Crew: Angel and Helen Helen Taylor , Executive Producer Recorded at Skye Cable XIII
Episode 21 -The Social Squad!
Social Squad- Chase, Sarah, Jaden and Angel
Crew – Paul
Executive Producer/Video Editor – Helen Taylor Title Animation – Chase Taylor Recorded at Skye Cable 13.
Episode 20 -Guest Crystal Sacco
Episode 19 -Guest Social Activist Marcus Boyd!
Hosted by Chase and Jaden who are also on the autism spectrum along with Helen Taylor.
Episode 18 -Guest Victoria of www.AKALAKA.org.
Episode 17 -Segment 1: Holly is the mother of three adult children, one is on the Autism Spectrum. She has worked as a long term care nurse . Holly also worked for a year in a group home with the mission to understand what the whole family goes through when their family member moves into a group home. From these experiences (and more), she developed the content of the Vif app. Vif stands for Vital Information at your fingertips.
Segment 2: Beth Lambert, M.S. BCBA, LBA – Parent Beth is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Licensed Behavior Analyst (CT and NY) who works with students 3 to 16 years of age at the CREC River Street Autism Program. She received her Master of Science degree from Central Connecticut State University and completed her Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis at the University of Saint Joseph. Beth taught middle school language arts and math for ten years before taking a break from her career to raise her sons, one of whom is on the autism spectrum. Beth is a past President of Connecticut Families for Effective Treatment (CT FEAT). Segment 3: The Social Squad – The Social Crew, Sarah, Jaden, Chase and Angel talking about…shows.
Episode 16 –Sara Taussik – Director of Programs & Training – Autism Services & Resources is a licensed and Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) and professional counselor who has been working with the autism population for over 14 years. Her work includes inpatient behavioral health, development & facilitation of social skills training, and teaching special education within the private sector. Being a director at ASRC has fulfilled her passion for educating the public through training educators, first responders, and law enforcement officers. Sara also facilitates social and therapeutic groups at ASRC.
In addition to her commitment to her work at ASRC, Sara has a private counseling practice with a focus on ASD and LGBTQI+ intersectionality. In her spare time, Sara enjoys spending time with her daughter and husband, doing CrossFit, making art, and going on adventures of all kinds.
Episode 14 – Great discussion with Jimmy and Sharnae, star couples (married) on the Netflix reality series, “Love on the Spectrum”. They are so wonderful and inspiring. I just loved this interview! Thank you to Skye Cable XIII (www.skye13.com) for the live airing of the show. The Social Chase show is hosted by Chase Taylor (on the autism spectrum) and his mother Helen Taylor. A great discussion about young love, getting married, diagnosis of autism, and navigating autism. At the end there is a special taping of Sharnae singing one of her favorite songs by Miley Cyrus which she sings to help her get through tough times…teaching the power of music.The Social Chase Show is a not-for-profit monthly pay-it-forward show sharing the journeys of autism and special needs and abilities. Executive Producer: Helen Taylor
Episode 13 – Dr. Linda Rammler is a Research Associate at Transition, Postsecondary, and Adult Supports Coordinator Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities at UConn Health The Social Chase Ep13 -Skye Cable XIII (due to COVID-19 precautions, the session was not filmed in the studio) Host Chase Taylor We are discussing Adulting on the Spectrum and Special Abilities What is adulting? What can you do independently? Why is it important to get a job and how can you get one? What is social capital and why is it important? Executive Producer: Helen Taylor
Episode 12 – David Kearon, Director of Adult Services Autism Speaks -Skye Cable XIII Dave Kearon is Director of Adult Services at Autism Speaks. His work focuses on national initiatives promoting solutions for the needs of autistic people and their families across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan. In recent years, Dave’s has helped to develop an autism-led corporate employment consultancy, an online job search tool for autistic job seekers, and a small business accelerator. Current programs include the Workplace Inclusion Now (WIN) employment training initiative, the development of digital developmental pathways for the transition to adulthood, and a larger employment collaboration with other nonprofits for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities called Delivering Jobs. Hosts: Helen and Chase Taylor Crew: Jaden Recorded at Skye Cable XIII Executive Director and Video Editor: Helen Taylor
Episode 11 – Hosts Chase and Sarah talked with Shannon Knall, mom, advocate, and her son Jack sharing the importance of getting involved with your legislatures and the the transition of attending the University of Saint Joseph’s .
Visit Shannon for more information on Advocacy
As a parent of an individual of a child of the spectrum I have angst about certain studies. I thought I cannot be the only one! I asked Dr. Roger Jou if we can interview him to discuss what people mostly ask about the study and a few of my inquires. We also thank the Arezzini family for sharing their experience participating in the study.
- What is SPARK and why is it important? Who participates in SPARK?
- How easy is it to participate in SPARK?
- What is the time commitment?
- How long before I receive the results?
- Is it safe to give a saliva sample in the time of COVID-19?
Previous Shows
Episode 7 – Hosts Chase and Ali talked with Judith Ursitti, mom, advocate and the Director of State Government Affairs with Autism Speaks, about the journey with her son Jack who has severe autism, non-verbal and a intellectual disability. Andrew Arboe shares about his experience in learning how to drive and how he advocates for individuals on the spectrum. Andrew Komarow discovered he has autism as an adult and he is helping others on the spectrum with financial knowledge and valuable information about autism on his website