2016 Top-Rated Nonprofit

Technology For Autism Now, Inc

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Autism, Disabilities, Health

Mission: Improving the lives of children with autism and their families through innovative technology solutions.

Donor & Volunteer Advisory

This organization's nonprofit status may have been revoked or it may have merged with another organization or ceased operations.

Community Stories

53 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

22

tanmaryann, Advisor

Rating: 5

08/26/2016

Technology for Autism Now, Inc. (TAN) is Boston based and was founded in 2009 by Marie Duggan, a lifelong resident. She is the mother of a young adult with severe autism and has worked to develop teaching methods and expand opportunities for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in her community since her own son was diagnosed at a young age. After meeting Mayor Thomas Menino, they formed a relationship that led to the creation of a special program for low-functioning students with autism in 2006, saving Boston more than $300,000 per child per year in the cost of outside placements. Mrs. Duggan has been recognized for her volunteer and advocacy efforts in Boston and Massachusetts on behalf of children with special needs. Marie's dream was to provide learners with ASD, as well as other complex communication disorders, an optimized visual support system to approach challenging tasks step-by-step and also track progress toward their individualized goals. So, she assembled a team to create the AutiKnow app. TAN pilot tested AutiKnow during its early development in Boston Public Schools autism classrooms, in partnership with the City of Boston’s Office of New Urban Mechanics. This experiment demonstrated that teachers can integrate a new technology into an existing curriculum when provided the necessary support. AutiKnow was modified and many new features added as a result of this pilot. I was part of this project and analyzed its results. I remain in awe of Marie's selfless determination to improve the lives of persons with autism and other developmental disabilities through technology.

Comments ( 1 )

tech4autism 10/31/2016 Maryann, thank you so much for your kind words and such a nice review. I appreciate you, your support and your expertise. You amaze me with what you do with your two boys daily! I applaud your efforts enormously. TAN is very lucky to have someone on their TEAM that is so knowledgeable and clearly a major team player in our small charity with a very BIG mission. With you on our team, I am sure we will get there! You are very much appreciated!!! Thanks again! Marie

4

crewgirl Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/31/2016

Marie has been a tireless advocate for her son and others with Autism. She has worked hard to give each and everyone a voice . She gives her time to helping parents with newly diagnosed navigate the world that is an Autism maze . Educating others about how technology can be useful and used for individuals with autism and making technology accessible to all . Marie is incredibly passionate and dedicated to having TAN be an amazing organization that helps to better the lives of those struggling with Autism .

4

mobileUser398271 Donor

Rating: 5

10/31/2016

TAN is the best organization dedicated to the autism community. They help young children to mature adults improve their ability to learn and communicate. Marie has been the driving forex behind TAN and literally does not sleep in quest to help others. Amazing !

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9

Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/05/2016

TAN and its Founder, Marie have been dedicated to improving the lives of autistic children and adults. Her unique app assists autistic individuals to communicate and learn thus improving their daily living. The commitment and drive of Marie and TAN are unmatched and her willingness to help those without a voice never ceases ! A Five rating is spectacular - Marie and TAN are deserving of a 10 for the incredible job they do!!

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4

mobileUser398228 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/31/2016

Marie strives to help families through TAN. She takes the time to hear families concerns and puts their problems ahead of all else. Having her own son with Autism allows her to connect with these families and fully understand what they are going through. She is truly amazing!

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11

Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/28/2016

Marie has dedicated the better half of her life for being an advocate for Autism. Her non profit Technology for Autism Now has been instrumental in helping kids with Autism and their families communicate better with one another through innovative technology solutions. Her main concern is providing these kids and their families with a solution right now in order to make their lives better.

4

mobileUser408492 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/31/2016

This nonprofit is fantastic in improving technology that helps the autistic.

4

mobileUser408486 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/31/2016

This nonprofit is doing wonders for improving the lives of children with autism and helping in the school environment. Marie has dedicated her life to helping her son with autism and this app will make improve the learning environment for future generations!

4

Craig_MacWade General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/31/2016

Technology for Autism Now is doing inspiring work for the autism community. They are making a great difference and really helping families!

4

mobileUser408469 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/31/2016

It is doing everything very well, extremely helpful and well managed, I would recommend technology for Autism to anyone.

4

mobileUser408466 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/31/2016

The nonprofit is doing great helping advise the general public.

4

mobileUser408460 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/31/2016

Technology for Autism Now is a fantastic nonprofit. Their services and commendable and do great work with the challenges faced by people in the autism community and their families

4

mobileUser408457 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/31/2016

There is nothing to improve. It is a fantastic organization.

4

gryffindor4heisman General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/31/2016

This nonprofit is great. Superb work they are doing. Fantastic dedication to helping those with autism spectrum disorders.

4

mobileUser408442 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/31/2016

This non-profit is exceptional at providing those on the autism spectrum with a voice. With the app they have developed (Autiknow), they are paving the way for a brighter future for those affected by autism.

4

wjeffersons Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/31/2016

TAN is a STUPENDOUS nonprofit, simply STUPENDOUS! Many autism related nonprofits focus too heavily on small children, ignoring those that have grown up. TAN is doing a fantastic job providing technology to autistic individuals and helping them reach their potential.

4

mobileUser399418 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/31/2016

TAN is doing an incredible job bringing technology to individuals with autism to help integrate them into the community and assist them in reaching their full potential!

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9

Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/05/2016

This nonprofit is helping children and adults with autism get the tools they need to learn and communicate. They're doing fantastic work!

4

mobileUser406656 Client Served

Rating: 5

10/27/2016

I could not express in words the gratitude I have for your gift to my family. This gesture is one I will never forget! From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!! I look forward to speaking to you soon, Have a Wonderful Day!!

Comments ( 1 )

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tech4autism 10/31/2016

I am only happy our paths crossed last week from BOS to VA! It's amazing how things like this happen. I do believe in fate and I will be here to help you with whatever it is you may need for your son. We may be in different states, but we put on the same hat every day! They may look different, but there are so many similarities that I believe the AutiKnow app will help your son tremendously!

5

Writer Client Served

Rating: 5

10/27/2016

Thank you so much for your help with my son! Words cannot express the impact TAN has had on our lives......my gratitude to this organization is never ending!!

Comments ( 1 )

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tech4autism 10/31/2016

Thank you "Writer"! I am so glad TANN was able to help your son. Please stay in touch and let us know if there is anything else we can do to help you as you navigate through this journey. We're all in this together! Have a great day! Marie

5

Writer Client Served

Rating: 5

10/27/2016

I just wanted to write to let you know how wonderful it truly was to speak with you today. I am beyond thrilled to have made this connection with you, and I truly hope that we benefit each other's lives in the way that I think we will. I could not express in words the gratitude I have for your gift to my family. This gesture is one I will never forget! From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!! I look forward to speaking to you soon, Have a Wonderful Day!!

Comments ( 1 )

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tech4autism 10/31/2016

Thank you and I was just as pleased to share with you. I do believe in fate, there was a reason you selected our organization to email today and for that I am so grateful. I very much enjoyed our conversations. It's kind of funny when you talk mom to mom with an ASD kiddo you've never even met how comfortable you feel sharing! Remember, those wise words from Helen Keller, "Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much!" Appreciate the review!! TTYL, Marie

6

25470Glr Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/18/2016

Marie is doing a wonderful job, getting the word out about AT for those without a voice and helping families acquire the needed equipment. She is never afraid to seek a different way to help someone and their family and truly thinks outside the box.

Comments ( 1 )

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tech4autism 10/31/2016

Appreciate the review 25470Gir! The world will be a better place when there is NO BOX! Thanks for taking the time to write a review!

6

Writer General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/18/2016

I have known Marie on a personal level for over 15 years. I do not have a child with autism but have watched Marie advocate for her son, Michael as well as hundreds and thousands of children with autism. Marie has played a huge role in enhancing the lives of children with autism.I cannot say enough about Marie and her beautiful family. Marie puts her heart and soul into the teaching of children how to express their feelings and to interact with others. It is always in the most loving manner. A day never goes by without her sharing and improving the lives of others. Everyday is Autism Awareness Day for Marie. I am proud to say I am her friend.

5

mobileUser402925 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/18/2016

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6

Writer General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/18/2016

I am a mother of 3, none of who have autism. I am writing this review of Technology For Autism Now because I have recommended friends with an Autistic child to contact this organization and especially Marie Duggan. I can't tell you the difference Marie and her nonprofit has made in relieving some of the stress and worries these parents carry. TAN and Marie Duggan has shown these parents understanding, and eased some major anxieties parents of autistic children have with the unknown and what ifs....She is a wonderful example of giving and giving of herself with a never say never attitude. Anyone who has met and spent any time with Marie walks away in awe of her energy and relentless need to improve the lives of these children and adults alike. I think we all wish we could be more like Marie!!

7

Writer General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/18/2016

I've known Marie Duggan all her life . Her woes with dealing with adversity and roadblocks raising a child with autism has given rise to a new fresh awareness of this life altering affliction. Her 26 + years of Unbreakable will to see her child happy and safe in an uncharted world . for not only her Mike but hundreds maybe thousands of kids , bringing awareness to the masses has been her goal from beginning, It takes a village to rais e a child , and it takes a hell of a lot guts and devotion to teach the village what love really is . Re , I've told you this before and I'll say it again You are a saint and righteously so, you are a champion for mikey and all the children .. Thank you , thank you THANK YOU ,,
Your humbled neighbor and friend. Billy McManus ,

Comments ( 1 )

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tech4autism 10/31/2016

Billy, Thank you so much for your kind words. It has not been an easy road for sure and I sure have a lot more road to go but nothing is more important tome than my family and every child deserves to be treated with dignity and respect regardless of their differences. I will never stop and I will never give up, I have seen first hand the accomplishments, the smiles, the setbacks, the move forwards, but most of all I see a world that with the continued innovation in technology that will one day provide our special asd kiddos with all the tools necessary to be active participants at home, school in the community and in their adult life. When I get there Billy, let's go out for a drink?!! Thanks again for your kind words neighbor!!

7

Tammyd123 Client Served

Rating: 5

10/13/2016

This organization has been so helpful to our family. We have an autistic child and are trying to navigate the public school system in our city and it has been a nightmare. Marie and TAN are a wealth of knowledge and kindness and support that I don't know what we would do without them. Just her off the cuff suggestions of apps on our iPad have helped us! She is a tech guru when it comes to getting through to kids on the spectrum!!!

Comments ( 1 )

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tech4autism 10/31/2016

Thank you Tammyd123 for your thoughtful review. TAN is here for you always!

14

Mommysboy Client Served

Rating: 5

10/13/2016

I am a single mother trying desperately to transition back into the community and am living in a shelter with other women with kids. Marie has gone above and beyond for me, she provided me not only with an iPad 2 for my 3 year old son with a case but also came down to the shelter on Friday nights to help me use it with my son who has autism. Not only did she spend her own time, but she went above and beyond for me and my son. She brought us food for the evening, breakfast for the following morning and even provided some clothing for my son as it was in the middle of winter when we had our first interactions in person after me emailing her and then having her call me back and she offered to help me in any way she could. I am forever grateful for what she has done and continues to do for me because I am looked down upon because I have led a difficult and sometimes troubled life and when ppl know where I live it is embarassing for me to say and they treat me differently. It did not matter to her at all, she only wanted to share with me what worked for her son and provide me with the tools (as she put it) to help him learn. She gave me so much hope. This may not be a big giant non profit but this woman has a kid with autism too much older than my son, and I have learned more from her than since I got the diagnosis from the doctors. I will always be indoubted and greatful to her for not judging me and treating me & my son like we were family and with respect and nothing but kindness towards me and my son. This world not only needs more awareness but it needs more people like Marie Duggan who go that extra mile to help someone she didn't even know in need.....thank you so much Marie. I hope that you succeed, in your mission because you live it and you have taught me more than all those big organizations that are just looking for money and that is something as you know I don't have. Thank you so much and thank you for letting me use your computer too so I could learn some things from you to try and get a job. XO S&P and the rest of the shelter....(they love when you come!)

9

mobileUser401876 Donor

Rating: 5

10/13/2016

They are proving that people with autism are just that and once they have reached their full potential only then can we fully appreciate who they are. TAN provides the tools to break down these barriers

10

mobileUser400323 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/07/2016

Ms. Marie Duggan has done an amazing job with this nonprofit organization. It has brought awareness to people about autism.

10

mobileUser400285 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/07/2016

This non-profit is doing well at promoting autism and asperger's awareness

10

mobileUser400284 Client Served

Rating: 5

10/07/2016

As a person with Asperger's Syndrome this app has been a great help to me. If I could rate this non profit higher; I would. I can't imagine they could do much more, but if they do it will amazing!

Comments ( 1 )

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tech4autism 10/07/2016

We are thrilled that AutiKnow is helping you and appreciate your kind words. We won't stop...we have a lot of work to do on behalf of individuals like you and others on the spectrum. Thank you for your thoughtful review.

10

mobileUser399908 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/06/2016

They are helping families who really need some direction or advice or encouragement as well as practical help as they deal with a child living with Autism. Marie gets it and is such an amazing resource for these kids and their families.

10

mobileUser399457 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/05/2016

This non-profit is improving and changing the life of children with autism. Technology for Autism is an amazing non-profit!

10

mobileUser399448 Client Served

Rating: 5

10/05/2016

Marie Duggan ,has dedicated her entire life to improve the lives of children and young adults with autism. Having 6 children of her own of which one has autism. She has found time to make it her life's work , advocating for her son ,also helping mother's.with the diagnosis. Of autism ,find there way through this difficult time. Having a guideline to make life a bit less stressful.

9

mobileUser399447 Client Served

Rating: 5

10/05/2016

Ms. Duggan has been a God send. The support she gave my daughter and our entire family has been and continues to be incredible. I don't know where she gets her energy. She is truly dedicated to helping anyone she meets who is affected by autism.

9

mobileUser399427 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/05/2016

Great non-profit helping to improve the lives of children with autism!

9

mobileUser399421 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/05/2016

Marie Duggan works tirelessly on behalf of the autistic community within Boston and beyond. She has already helped so many families and is always willing to take on more.

10

mckatie21 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/01/2016

Marie Duggan works tirelessly and selflessly to improve the lives of children and adults on the autism spectrum. Her assistive technology initiative has provided many families in the greater Boston area and beyond with a means to communicate with limited or nonverbal family and friends.

11

dugganjf Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/30/2016

Technology for Autism Now (TAN) is an incredible nonprofit. Marie Duggan is doing phenomenal work on behalf of parents and children with autism and ensuring that individuals with autism are provided with the tools that will help them succeed in living and learning. Marie has extensive firsthand knowledge of autism since her own son, Michael, is living with autism. She has raised six children with love and devotion (I should know - I'm her oldest!) and has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to raising awareness for and helping those with learning disabilities. TAN is doing truly wonderful work, partnering with school systems and industry to develop apps and educational programs that will help autistic individuals, from childhood all the way through adulthood, realize their God-given potential.

11

Julie276 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

09/29/2016

I met Marie shortly after my son was diagnosed with autism. She quickly got me the appointment I needed at Children's Hospital. She came to my home after she dropped her son at school and stayed with me for hours, making visuals on my computer and setting up my house to help my son. She had trouble finding Winthrop, she got lost on the way, but she still persisted and made it here and spent her whole day with me after meeting me once. Thank you Marie ❤️❤️❤️

13

john.1 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

09/27/2016

Technology for Autism has helped my brother with autism to do the daily tasks he once struggled with!! Awesome non-profit!

13

Deborah159 Client Served

Rating: 5

09/27/2016

Marie Duggan has been an inspiration to my family for many years!! She has personally taken time to help my 11yr old with many struggles. I am forever grateful she has created TAN to advocate for ALL people on the spectrum. Thanks to Marie I have so much hope for our kids future! Marie took action to help assist with EVERY day living!!

16

wpbaam Client Served

Rating: 5

09/24/2016

Marie Duggan has worked tirelessly to assist my daughter, a young adult with Aspergers, to obtain a full time meaningful job. All the paperwork has been completed with her assistance and know we are just waiting for a call from her potential employer. She has been a God send.

Comments ( 1 )

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tech4autism 09/26/2016

I will ALWAYS be here to help your daughter move forward and live a meaningful fulfilling life. She is an amazingly talented young woman and deserves everything life has to offer her regardless of her label!

15

teamlevine General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

09/23/2016

The tireless effort of Marie Duggan has made Technology for Autism Now an innovative force for Autistic individuals, their families and educators. Through T.A.N., Marie has been able to empower this population by giving them a voice.

Comments ( 1 )

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tech4autism 09/26/2016

Thank you teamlevine. However there is so much more work to be done and I won't stop until the day they shovel on the dirt! All children and adults with autism deserve a voice, to be respected, challenged, loved and employment opportunities. Appreciated!

15

Susan52545 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

09/23/2016

Marie Duggan has devoted her life to helping her son who is autistic and in that endeavor has pioneered great strides in technology to help these children and adults in the autism spectrum. Her non-profit TAN is the culmination of her efforts. She is a great advocate not only for her son Michael but for all people in the autism spectrum.

Comments ( 1 )

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tech4autism 09/26/2016

Susan, thank you so much for taking the time to share your review on behalf of myself and technology for autism now. Autism is one of the most misunderstood disorders out there! Thanks for the support! I will continue to fight for the rights of individuals with autism with a special focus on assistive technology and the ability to raise funds to fulfill our mission to give all children regardless of the socio economic circumstances a voice!

18

tripled General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

08/27/2016

Marie is relentless in her pursuit to make life easier for those that live with Autism and their caregivers! She is innovative in her ideas to create technology to make everyday life and learning accessible to kids and adults with Autism. You would be lucky to have her on your team!!

Comments ( 1 )

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tech4autism 09/26/2016

tripled, I very much appreciate your kind words. I will continue to advocate and be a voice for those who do not have one. For as long as I have one, I will be standing strong with the special needs families and speaking out, that is one thing I am NOT afraid of and will do anything to make sure these individuals have the tools they need to express themselves.

19

Randi7 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

08/27/2016

Marie has always shared her experience creating solutions for her son with autism. We all have benefitted from her experiences and her app is a compilation of her expertise.

Comments ( 1 )

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tech4autism 10/08/2016

Thank you Randi. This comment goes right back at you!!

19

kfmurrayhome Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

08/26/2016

As the mother of a young man with autism I have long appreciated Marie Duggan's passion for providing those without verbal abilities with a means to communicate their needs, wants, & thoughts. I have watched from the sidelines as Marie forged forward with her ideas - then turned her ideas into realities. Technology For Autism Now (TAN) is the culmination of over 20 years of a determined mother's efforts to not only improve the life of her son with autism, but to graciously share her time, knowledge, and abilities to give a voice to others. I am happy to contribute financially to TAN whenever I can because I know, without doubt, that any funds this nonprofit receives will be used prudently to make life better for others.

Comments ( 1 )

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tech4autism 10/07/2016

Dear kfmurrayhome I want to thank you so much for writing this review. You know you are one of my favorite people in the world and one I know I can always count on when I feel like throwing in the towel. Your amaZing son and kids are clearly as brilliant, compassionate and understanding as you! The apple(S) didn't fall from the tree when God blessed you with your au-some family! xo

19

Cathy115 Client Served

Rating: 5

08/17/2016

I am a childhood friend of Marie Duggan's so when my precious grandson Ethan was diagnosed in January 2016 with Phelan McDermid Syndrome (at age 5 months) I contacted her for support. Phelan McDermid (also known as 22 q 13, after the chromosome area that is deleted) is a genetic syndrome that includes hypotonia, absent speech and likely autism (95%). Possibly 1% of Autistic people are Phelan McDermid (and may have just not had genetic testing), since it was only "discovered" in 1988. At any rate, I knew Marie had experience with Autism because we grew up together in Boston. (In fact, when my daughter was 9, she had a TAN fundraiser birthday party, at which Marie supplied puzzle piece necklaces for favors!) I knew she was a fierce advocate who took on the city of Boston, getting very politically active and generating some major changes. Because of her paving the way since the 1980's, newly diagnosed families have so much more support! Marie immediately offered suggestions from how to contact the DMR, what social services which were available, personal emotional support and encouragement, and an IPAD loaded with TAN's communication app. She encouraged us to attend the Phelan McDermid Syndrome Foundation family conference, which we did. It was the first time since receiving the diagnosis that I felt we would all be ok with this devastating (at the time) news. Since January, Marie & I have been in touch via Facebook and in person, she is deeply commited to helping each child as if it were her own.

19

Writer Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

07/12/2016

Marie has an unbelievable passion and zest for her cause. She never slows down in her pursuit of meeting with potential partners, institutions, advocates to expand Tech4AutismNow.

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IsabelMexico General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

04/22/2016

Sharing is a great and wonderful living experience. When i share I feel complete, honest, humble. I feel gratitude because the life or universe shared with me and now it is possible for me, to share... to learn about that experiencia. Donate money represents success, because I was productive and I had a work blessing, then I accept the money came for sharing to others. I have to be honest that other people need more than me, and I am such as filter for giving others. To share with a cause, makes me feel complete, because it had a plan, research needs, responsability. Sharing for iPadTAN for Autism Kids and their education, has a purpose. The Autism needs to be more investigated and meanwhile, people with autism and asperger, need to be helped. It is a great experience to share, because is a wonderful experience to understand why I came to this beautiful world and find out a personal and colective transformation.

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