Skills Enrichment Center for Neurological Diversity & Autism
Welcome to The Difference 2-17!
We are a passionate organization dedicated to serving adults on the autism spectrum and those with neurodiversity. Our mission is to empower individuals by promoting self-determination, fostering inclusivity, and providing bespoke programming tailored to their unique needs.
We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive and lead fulfilling lives, and our team is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of those we serve.
Whether you are seeking support, resources, or simply want to learn more about our work, we invite you to explore our website and join us in our journey towards creating a more inclusive and understanding world.
How we serve
We understand that every individual is unique and has their own set of strengths, challenges, and needs.
With this understanding, we approach our services with empathy, compassion, and sensitivity, always striving to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.
By recognizing and celebrating the diverse ways in which our minds work, we aim to empower each person to reach their fullest potential.
WHAT WE DO
We tailor our services to meet the specific needs of neurodivergent individuals.
Community Service Development
This program offers a comprehensive approach that combines awareness, skill development, collaboration, and networking to empower communities in supporting and engaging with special needs individuals.
Personal
Supports
Our goal is to help each person live an independent or supported independent life by focusing on activities that bring them happiness, while also promoting basic self-help skills such as cooking, cleaning, bathing and more.
Employment Services
We offer a range of employment services including identifying strengths and skills, creating business plans, coaching and mentoring, check-ins and assessments, and assistance navigating workplace dynamics.
Transportation Services
Transportation is an integral part of one’s ability to expand horizons and partake, enjoy, and thrive in an inclusive community environment. Our top-notch transportation is conveniently provided from each individual's residence.
meet the founder
In 2023, as the world continued to evolve and progress, a remarkable organization emerged, driven by the story of one extraordinary individual. This is the story of Alexander Pidel, the founder of The Difference 2-17.
Born on February 17th, 1988, Alexander’s life was forever altered when he was diagnosed with autism at the age of three by the renowned Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in 1991. From that moment on, his journey unfolded through a path filled with countless obstacles and trials.
Yet, as the saying goes, adversity often leads to remarkable outcomes, and Alexander’s story is a testament to that truth. The challenges he faced gave birth to his awe-inspiring resilience and determination. From the ashes of his struggles, a phoenix rose.
The Difference 2-17, a skills enrichment center and haven for adults on the autism spectrum, stands as a testament. Under the leadership of Co - founders, and CEO’s Donna Pidel and Adebayo Sodunke, this organization has become a bastion of hope for the most vulnerable members of society.
Alexander Pidel
Founder of The Difference 2-17
Meet Our STAFF
We are a group of dedicated, compassionate, and highly skilled professionals who continuously strive to uplift and empower the special needs community through our exceptional standard of care.
Adebayo Sodunke
CEO, Executive Director
Donna Pidel
CEO, Development Director
The world needs you and what you offer.
I wanted to acknowledge you for navigating the maze of options for Alexander’s growth and causing a movement to transform the world of persons with differing abilities and their families. I’m clear that the nuanced creation of TD 2-17 is a gift for many, many folks. The world needs you and what you offer. Thank you for all you do.
– rachel o.
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We strive to empower adults on the autism spectrum and those with neurological diversity in their journey to find rewarding and fulfilling lives.
Together, let's build a more inclusive world!