Testimonials

Fred Volkmar, MD
Professor, Yale University & Southern Connecticut State University, Board of Directors, Chapel Haven Schleifer Center
I’ve been involved in the ASAT program since it’s inception, and with Chapel Haven more broadly years before that, and now serve on the Board of Directors. Chapel Hven offers one of the best community focused programs in the country that helps students with Autism transition to adulthood in a supportive setting. It has been my great pleasure to be involved with this program and recommend it heartily.
Ami Klin, PhD
Director, Marcus Autism Center
Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar, Professor and Division Chief, Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics
The Chapel Haven revolution had to do with the very best of clinical science to design a program focused on individualized needs but also expect those individuals to achieve goals, that beforehand people had not dared to have…goals of independence. I believe that Chapel Haven is a national model.
Laurie Sperry, PhD.
I’ve traveled all over the United States and even all over the world, and in my estimation, [Chapel Haven is] the best of the best—and yet they never settle; they’re always asking, ‘How can we get better?
Kris B.
Parent
If you had told me ten years ago that my son would be this happy, this independent, and such a vital part of his community, I wouldn’t have been able to imagine it. Chapel Haven helped make a life possible for him that we never thought we’d see.
Ramesh V.
Parent
Chapel Haven didn’t just help my son make progress—it transformed him. After a lifetime of dependence and isolation, he is confident, independent, forming real friendships, and beginning to contribute to the world. For the first time, I have hope—not fear—about what happens after I’m gone.
Margot G.
Parent
Chapel Haven gave my son something I never knew how to give him: a real life. He has friends, confidence, independence, and a community where he truly belongs. For the first time, I don’t have to imagine his future—I can see it, and it’s full of purpose, joy, and possibility.
Ellen N.
The moment my daughter got back into the car after her tour, she said, ‘This is where I want to be.’ A year later, she’s more independent, making her own decisions, building real friendships, and living a life she’s excited to return to—even cutting visits home short because she loves it here so much.
Rudy V.
REACH Student
I love Chapel Haven because it’s teaching me how to take care of myself and live my own life.
Shelley H.
Parent
Chapel Haven has given all of us our lives—Daniel has his life, we have ours, and his brothers no longer carry the burden of wondering what will happen when we’re gone. Knowing he is safe, supported, independent, and happy here is everything.
Cheney R.
ASAT Community Member

Chapel Haven has helped me gain more independence through making my own meals and creating my own budget. Chapel Haven has also helped me learn more about myself through perspective-taking. I’ve become a better listener and gained more unique and interesting friends.

Harriet S.
Parent

It struck me immediately upon coming to chapel haven that it had the classroom structure I was looking for because you never stop learning! For David, the program had the constant development and the recreational opportunities I wanted. The kindness and understanding of the staff is priceless.

John W.
Parent

Our family searched in several states for a place for our son, but without success. Before we knew it, he was an older adult still living with us at home. And he wasn’t making much progress. Then we found Chapel Haven’s REACH program- and he loved it! Our family is grateful to the entire CHSC staff for their depth of expertise, genuine humanity, and professionalism.

Isaac O.
ASAT Student

I’ve learned a lot in the ASAT program. I’ve become very good at grocery shopping by myself, cooking and doing laundry.

Scott Cohen
Executive Director, Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Greater New Haven

They have such a positive impact on our work force. Our employees are glad they are part of an organization that is supportive of job training for people with disabilities.