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ALEXANDRA ABEND

ATTORNEY

Alex Abend’s passion for special education began with her youngest brother who is on the autism spectrum. After numerous incidents with her brother in various public spaces, Alex created Autism Family Night—a night for families with a child or adult with autism could eat out as a family without feeling stigmatized or embarrassed. For over 10 years, Autism Family Night offered a night out at TGI Fridays for families nationwide. In 2008, Alex was invited to address the United Nations for the first World Autism Day because of her advocacy for children and adults on the autism spectrum.

Alex began her career in New Orleans as an ABA therapist for young children with autism as well as a special education and disability rights advocate working with Families Helping Families of New Orleans. In 2012, she founded The Prism Project of Greater NOLA, the first inclusive performing arts program for children in the region. In 2013, she co-founded Career Symposium, New Orleans’ first transition-oriented program for special education high school students, their parents, and educators.

Alex received her undergraduate degree from Duke University, and her law degree from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. At Cardozo, she was a Public Service Scholar, the Symposia Editor of the Cardozo Law Review, and organized the school’s first major disability conference. She completed her legal internships at Advocates for Children and Skyer Law. Alex was honored to receive both the Inspire! Award and the E. Nathaniel Gates Award in recognition of her legal advocacy work.

Alex lives in Manhattan with her husband. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Autism Healthcare Collaborative—an international organization committed to facilitating the medical and psychosocial stabilization of individuals with autism.