About Milestones

Milestones provides autism strategies for life, offering guidance to get you through the day and help you plan for the future.

We understand the challenges and needs of the autism community because we live it every day. We improve lives through education and evidence-based strategies for school, home, community and at work.

Learn more about Milestones in our 2024 Annual Report.

Mission Statement

Milestones Autism Resources improves the lives of autistic individuals, families, caregivers and professionals by educating, coaching, and connecting them with trusted resources.

Vision Statement

A community in which autistic individuals reach their full potential as integrated members of society, with their needs supported and their abilities, strengths, and voices valued.

History of Milestones

It all started in 2003 when Milestones’ co-founders Ilana Hoffer Skoff and Mia Buchwald Gelles met in the waiting room of their children’s speech therapist’s office. As they began talking, they realized they both had a great deal in common and began mentoring each other through the ups and downs of autism.

They shared hopes and dreams for their children. But more importantly, they shared what was working with their children and they learned from each other. They realized small steps added up, and they saw their children make real progress using Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). The question in their minds shifted from “How can we help our children” to “How can we help other families?”

Ilana and Mia sat at Ilana’s kitchen table in her Cleveland Heights home to brainstorm ways to bring education and training to the local community. The determined duo decided that what Cleveland needed was a major autism conference. With that, the pair took on the task of planning the first annual Milestones Autism Conference.

Ilana and Mia enlisted the support of their families and friends. Rabbi Joshua Skoff, Ilana’s husband, brainstormed the name “Milestones.” And Mia’s husband, Joe Gelles, devoted hours of his time as a graphic designer creating conference materials for the organization.

On August 4, 2003, 400 people flooded Milestones’ full-day Conference on “Social Strides for Children and Teens with Autism.” The success of the Conference was a clear indication that an organization like Milestones was a necessity in Northeast Ohio and motivated the two to continue with their mission.

The past two years have included profound change for Milestones Autism Resources. Together, we have faced moments of transition, challenge, and loss. We mourn the passing of our Co-Founder and former Executive Director, Ilana Hoffer Skoff, whose leadership created and shaped our organization. We recognize the uncertainty that change can bring.

Today, we are embracing an exciting new chapter: Milestones has merged with Lifeworks Autism Services. This merger represents not an end, but a continuation and expansion of our mission. By joining forces with a strong partner who shares our values and vision, we are ensuring that the critical work of Milestones not only endures but grows — reaching more autistic individuals, families, and professionals with the resources and support they need.