November 30, 2023, Rockville, MD – The Autism Society of America is pleased to announce that the cast and crew of the new Broadway musical, How to Dance in Ohio will be honored with The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Leader in Adult Autism Award for 2023 on December 1st, 2023, at the Belasco Theater in New York City.  This new Broadway musical is poised to be groundbreaking as the lead actors are all adult individuals with Autism who along with their families depict their stories as they prepare for their first Spring formal. 

 “The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Leader in Adult Autism Award is presented in collaboration with the Autism Society of America to inspire the Autism community and the world by honoring adult individuals and endeavors that showcase the strengths, talents, and abilities of people with Autism. Our vision is to open doors and hearts to enhance lifelong opportunities and acceptance that value the individuality of each person with Autism,” said Linda Walder, Founder and Executive Director of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation. 

“The Autism Society of America could not be prouder to present The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Leader in Adult Autism Award to the production of How to Dance in Ohio. The cast demonstrates the incredibly diverse and empowered spirit that motivates us all to lead braver and more truly authentic lives,” stated Christopher Banks, President and CEO of the Autism Society of America. “At the Autism Society, we provide resources for Autistic individuals to live fully and with dignity, building human connections along the way.” Banks continued.     

From the thrilling “Building Momentum” musical number to the evocative backdrop of adolescents navigating the road to their first formal dance, How to Dance in Ohio boldly represents true expansiveness of the Autistic community and all its unique qualities.   

“We are overjoyed with this honor. For years, we’ve been working on creating a Broadway-worthy musical that would provide much-needed representation and accessibility for Autistic characters, Autistic actors, and Autistic audience members.  The musical is a very clear representation of the strengths, talents, and abilities of Autistic people and, that it resonates for all audiences, is the cherry on top. We’re grateful for this recognition from The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Leader in Adult Autism Award by the Autism Society of America and cannot wait for everyone to come see this show,” says Sammy Lopez, Ben Holtzman, Fiona Howe Rudin – the lead producers of  How to Dance in Ohio. 

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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, Facebook, Instagram or X. 

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 in establishing the first and only adult Autism focused endowment funds located at Yale, Brown, the University of Miami, Rutgers, and Arizona State University 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.  

How to Dance in Ohio

Based on the award-winning HBO documentary, How to Dance in Ohio tells the story of seven Autistic young adults and their families, as they prepare for their first-ever formal dance—a challenge that breaks open their routines and sets off hilarious and heartbreaking encounters with love, stress, excitement, and independence. The show is breaking significant barriers in accessibility & representation in entertainment – leading the cast are seven Autistic actors, all making their Broadway debuts, offering a visible platform for the Autistic community in a way that has never happened before on Broadway (both on and off the stage.) https://howtodanceinohiomusical.com/