03/17/2026
Meet Mike Turkowitz one of our co-honorees at this year's AutismCooks taking place on 4/23.
Mike has a unique take on why he supports people with ASD and special needs. Read in his own words:
"I’m grateful to be considered for this award, as my work has always been grounded in a simple belief which is that every person deserves to be understood, supported, and given a fair opportunity to succeed. For those with autism and youth growing up in group homes, those opportunities are not always equal.
My commitment to this work is deeply personal. As a teenager, I spent three years living in a group home on Long Island. That experience gave me firsthand insight into the realities many young people face within systems meant to support them. It showed me how important stability, encouragement, and understanding are during formative years, and how easily young people can feel overlooked without consistent support and advocacy.
Because of this, much of my work focuses on helping children with autism feel seen, respected, and supported in ways that recognize their individual needs and strengths. Autism is not something to be fixed but something to be understood. With the right support systems, children on the spectrum can build confidence, independence, and meaningful connections with the world around them." 🏆👏💯
We look forward to presenting Mike with his award so come join us on April 23rd at Appliance World in Huntington. Link to sponsor or buy tickets here www.autismcooks.org
