My expertise in mental health and autism comes from a variety of life and professional experiences. As a child of a parent struggling with mental illness I understand the lifelong battle and the interconnected challenges those with autism and a co-occurring mental health diagnosis face daily. Working in the special education system has allowed me to see the challenges our schools face from both the school district and parent point of view. As a disability advocate and a parent of a child on the autism spectrum for over 18 years, I have seen how resources have grown and access changed for families in our community.

When my son was diagnosed in 2003 at two years old, autism resources were scarce in NE Indiana and the internet was dial up! My local support group was the lifeline I needed for information on how to help my son. Through them I connected with local disability providers in my community not only to just help my son, but also to raise autism awareness and create more inclusive opportunities for families in my community.

My hope for this site is that you find the answers you are looking for so you can help yourself, or your loved one affected by autism, reach your/their full potential. Knowing that for each individual on the autism spectrum, that looks different.