January 7, 2026, Rockville, MD — The Autism Society of America is pleased to announce Felicity House was named as the 2025 recipient of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Leader in Adult Autism Award. This distinguished honor recognizes organizations and leaders who champion the autonomy of Autistic adults, celebrating those who create pathways for adult individuals to lead self-determined lives of purpose and meaning.
The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Leader in Adult Autism Award aims to inspire society to value the individuality of Autistic adults and foster awareness about outstanding strides being made by impactful leaders who have illustrated through their contributions the strengths and talents of Autistic adults. “Felicity House is worthy of our annual honor because of its commitment to providing a community space in New York City,” stated Linda J. Walder, Founder and CEO of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation.
“Felicity House is a remarkable organization providing an essential service to its local community. Their focus on empowering adult Autistic women through a safe and welcoming community space directly aligns with the Autism Society of America’s mission to ensure everyone has access to the support they need. We applaud their dedication and transformative work,” shared Joe Joyce, President and CEO of the Autism Society of America.
Located in the heart of Manhattan’s Flatiron District, Felicity House is a first-of-its-kind, non-clinical community space specifically designed for adult women with Autism. Founded in 2015, the organization provides a sophisticated and sensory-friendly environment where members can socialize, pursue personal interests, and connect with a supportive peer group.
When learning about the award, Felicity House expressed, “Felicity House is honored to accept The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Leader in Adult Autism Award for 2025. Since 2015, Felicity House has been dedicated to creating social opportunities for women with a diagnosis of Autism who live in the NYC area. Felicity House believes intentional spaces and a range of accessible social opportunities are essential for building meaningful connections and ensuring that Autistic women are seen, heard, and valued.
We thank The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation and the entire team at the Autism Society of America for recognizing Felicity House’s work.”
Autism Society of America
The Autism Society’s mission is to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community with the resources needed to live fully. As the nation’s oldest leading grassroots Autism organization, the Autism Society and its approximately ~70 local affiliates serve over half a million members of the Autism community each year. It envisions a world where everyone in the Autism community is connected to the support they need, when they need it – including education, advocacy efforts, and supports and services throughout the lifespan. For more information visit the Autism Society at AutismSociety.org
The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation
The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation was the first not-for-profit and only all-volunteer-run organization in the United States to focus on adult Autism and has been blazing trails since 2002. They create paths leading to fulfilling and potential driven lives. Their model programs, resources, public policy, and awareness initiatives are person-centered and derive from the needs and hopes of the diverse population of adults diagnosed with Autism and their families. The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation’s visionary leadership led to the creation of the first and only adult Autism focused endowment funds located at Yale University, Brown University, University of Miami, Rutgers University, Arizona State University and The Medical University of South Carolina College of Health Professions assures a global focus on cutting-edge program development, research, family support, vital resources and public policy for decades to come. The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Leader in Adult Autism Award is presented annually by the Autism Society of America to recognize and inspire the world by honoring exemplary individuals and endeavors that highlight the strengths and potential of all individuals with Autism to live their best lives. For more information, visit djfiddlefoundation.org.
