A Message from Our CEO: Recent Statements from the Presidential Administration on Autism

Dear BroadFutures Community,

At BroadFutures, our mission is to celebrate neurodiversity and create opportunities for neurodivergent young people to thrive. Autism is not a disease to be prevented or cured—it is a natural and valuable part of human diversity.

Recent public comments suggesting a link between Tylenol use in pregnancy and autism are not supported by scientific evidence. The FDA and other leading medical authorities continue to affirm that acetaminophen is the safest over-the-counter option for managing fever and pain during pregnancy. Framing autism as a tragedy or placing blame only deepens stigma and limits opportunities for autistic people to contribute their strengths in the workplace.

We urge leaders, researchers and the media to approach these conversations with care, evidence, and respect—always centering the dignity and lived experiences of autistic people. BroadFutures remains committed to building systems that empower autistic people to thrive at work and in life.

Sincerely,

Carolyn Jeppsen

Co-Founder, CEO & President

BroadFutures

BroadFutures Named a 2025 ChangeMaker

We are thrilled to share that BroadFutures has been recognized by the NCTA Education Foundation as a 2025 ChangeMaker: One to Watch.

The ChangeMaker Award honors those making a significant social impact and exemplifying the Foundation’s mission to Do Good. Be Better. Impact Tomorrow. Each year, honorees are celebrated at the Kaitz Event, the capstone to Leadership Development Week, which brings together leaders from across the media and communications industries.

We are honored that our work to create inclusive career pathways for neurodivergent young people has been recognized on such a meaningful stage.

Last Chance for Gala Invite Recognition

We are excited for our Fall Gala: A Renewed Vision. A Bold New Future. on November 22nd, where we will come together to celebrate the incredible community that makes our work possible. Sponsorships are filling quickly. To be recognized on the official event invitation, commitments must be received by October 13th (note the new deadline), which is coming up soon.

This is the perfect moment to show your support for neurodivergent young people while ensuring your generosity is highlighted on this important evening. Do not miss the chance to be featured. Your sponsorship will both celebrate your commitment and directly sustain our programming. Together, we can celebrate all we have accomplished and look ahead to an exciting, inclusive future. We hope you will join us.

Application Deadline for Winter 2026 Internship Program

Applications for our Winter 2026 Internship Program close on October 24, 2025! Are you a neurodivergent young person (ages 18–26) looking for early career opportunities? BroadFutures offers professional training, mentoring, and paid internships designed to help you thrive.

Know someone who might be a great fit? Help us spread the word by forwarding them the link below!

BroadFutures Monthly Info Session

Want to learn more about our internship programs? Don’t miss our last information session before Winter 2026 applications close! Join us on October 21st at 12:00 pm ET to hear how BroadFutures can help you achieve your goals.

Employer Spotlight

We are excited to welcome The Ronald Reagan Institute as one of our newest employer partners! The Institute works to advance the former President’s legacy through civic education, policy research, and national leadership initiatives.

Programs and Operations Coordinator Maggie McKinney, who welcomed a BroadFutures intern onto her team, shared the following:

“The Ronald Reagan Institute had an incredible experience with our Summer 2025 BroadFutures intern! She assisted with policy research, high-level event support, and critical data management efforts for the Institute team. Her positive attitude and bright smile made her a favorite face at our front desk, and we couldn’t have asked for a better team player. She never failed to impress, and the BroadFutures staff provided such a wonderful experience for both our intern and our team at RRI! We couldn’t be happier to have been an employer partner.”

We are grateful to Maggie and the Reagan Institute team for their partnership and for championing opportunities for neurodivergent young people.

Intern Spotlight

Meet Loukia, a BroadFutures Summer 2025 intern who spent her summer as a Quality Operations Intern at Merck!

At Merck, she worked on digital tools to optimize quality operations using Merck Production System principles, gaining hands-on experience in 5S, lean manufacturing, and the pharmaceutical industry.

Reflecting on the experience, she shared:

“One of the most valuable lessons I learned was the importance of reaching out to others, whether it be to network, ask for help, or access the resources you need, which I will continue to use throughout my career!”

We are thrilled to share that Loukia will be returning to Merck next July for the Quality Line Oversight Program. Keep up the amazing work, Loukia!

Alumni Corner

Calling all alumni! Want to be featured in our social media and newsletter? We want to spotlight you! Keep reading to learn how we are revamping the BroadFutures alumni experience and how you can be featured.

Reconnecting with Our Alumni

We are thrilled to share that BroadFutures is launching a renewed Alumni Engagement initiative! Our alumni are at the heart of our mission, and we are excited to strengthen connections, foster community, and celebrate the incredible journeys of those who have been part of our programs.

Through new opportunities for connection—like an alumni WhatsApp community, virtual and in-person alumni events, and ways to mentor current interns—we hope to build a vibrant network where alumni can continue to learn, grow, and support one another.

Stay tuned for more updates in the coming weeks, and if you are an alum, keep an eye out for an email with opportunities and a text inviting you to join the WhatsApp community!

Young neurodivergent people have limitless potential.

Let's unlock it.