Our Story: 50 Years of Autism Advocacy in Kansas City
Sherwood Autism Center was born from a simple but powerful belief: there has to be something better. More than 50 years ago, that belief changed the course of one young boy’s life and sparked a legacy of advocacy, education, and support that continues to shape Kansas City today. Where It Began In 1974, two UMKC […]
How Sherwood Helps Build More Supportive Environments
Supportive environments do not happen by accident. They are built with intention, communication, flexibility, and a willingness to better understand the people being supported. At Sherwood Autism Center, this work begins every day through direct services for neurodivergent individuals. Across Sherwood’s Special Education, Adult Day Services, and Supported Employment programs, staff work alongside students and […]
Sherwood Autism Center Partnership with The Coterie Theatre Shows How Collaboration Builds More Inclusive Community Spaces
Kansas City, Mo. — Sherwood Autism Center is celebrating a meaningful partnership with The Coterie Theatre that demonstrates how collaboration can help create more welcoming and accessible community spaces for neurodivergent individuals and their families. Last fall, Sherwood staff met with The Coterie Theatre team to discuss ways the theatre could make its environment more […]
Sherwood Autism Center Celebrates Lesleigh Cetinguc’s Selection for Centurions Leadership Program
Kansas City, Mo. — Sherwood Autism Center is proud to celebrate Lesleigh Cetinguc on her selection to the Centurions Leadership Program, a two-year civic leadership initiative of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. Since 1976, the Centurions Leadership Program has served as a training ground for emerging Kansas City leaders. The program prepares a […]
The ADA at 36: Celebrating Progress While Continuing the Work Ahead
On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law, marking one of the most significant civil rights milestones in American history. Thirty-six years later, the ADA continues to shape communities by promoting equal opportunity, accessibility, and inclusion for people with disabilities. The law has transformed schools, workplaces, public spaces, transportation, and countless […]
Pre-Vocational Training: Preparing for Life Beyond the Classroom
As students move closer to adulthood, learning extends far beyond academics. Developing the skills needed for employment, independence, and community participation becomes an important part of preparing for the future. At Sherwood Autism Center, pre-vocational training helps students with autism and developmental disabilities build the confidence, habits, and practical skills they need to navigate life […]
Sherwood Autism Center Named to United Way of Greater Kansas City’s Impact 100
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Sherwood Autism Center has been named one of United Way of Greater Kansas City’s 2026 Impact 100 organizations, recognizing the Center’s work supporting individuals with autism and developmental disabilities across the Kansas City region. The Impact 100 portfolio represents United Way’s investment in organizations making meaningful contributions in the areas of […]
Wellness at Sherwood Autism Center
Wellness at Sherwood Autism Center At Sherwood Autism Center, wellness is part of how we support the whole person. Our approach includes nutritious meals, access to drinking water, movement throughout the day, life skills-based nutrition education, family engagement, and employee wellness. These efforts are guided by our Local Wellness Policy, which outlines how Sherwood promotes […]
Summer Learning at Sherwood: What Doesn’t Stop When School’s Out
When many people think about summer, they picture a break from school, a slower pace, and time away from routines. But at Sherwood Autism Center, summer is not a pause in progress. It is a season of continued learning, growth, and opportunity. For the students and adults we serve, the skills built throughout the year […]
Caring for the Whole Person: World Mental Health Day at Sherwood Autism Center
On October 10, we join the world in observing World Mental Health Day—a global reminder that mental well-being is essential to living a full, empowered life. At Sherwood Autism Center, this isn’t just a one-day reflection. It’s something we commit to every single day. Mental Health Is Health At Sherwood, we believe in supporting the […]