About Us

Our Story

💖 About Us: Supporting the Caregiver Behind the Care

Autism And Us was started out of a need to find community. After my son, DeAndre, was diagnosed with autism in 2010, I needed to be surrounded by others who “knew”. I started with an online community support group, giving other parents just like me a safe space to share their journeys with their loved ones. Eventually with the support of others, started a once a year meet up for parents, which we call Sweat Pants and Mimosas, where parents can “get away” from it all for just a couple of hours to enjoy the company of our community and have a little fun. “Autism And Us” is a dedicated lifeline for parents and caregivers of loved ones on the autism spectrum. One of our moto’s is “Sometimes you just have to step away and breath”.

Although we do not offer direct services or events to those loved ones on the spectrum, we do provided resources to those who do. Our primary focus is on the parents and those who care for them.

We understand the unique and often demanding journey you navigate. While supporting your loved one is your priority, we know the immense importance of keeping your own cup full. Our core mission goes beyond just community, it’s about strengthening you, the caregiver, so you can show up fully for your family.

Our Focus: Parent/Caregiver Self-Care

Caring for someone with autism requires immense emotional and mental energy. Too often, the caregiver’s own well-being is overlooked. We are passionately focused on the self-care and mental health of parents and caregivers because when you are supported, rested, and resilient, you are better equipped to provide the compassionate care your loved one deserves.

The Reminder of Respite: Our Parent Care Boxes

We gift Parent Care Boxes to members of our community. These thoughtfully curated boxes are filled with self-care items—a tangible reminder to take a moment for yourself, pause the demands of caregiving, and prioritize your well-being. It’s not just a gift; it’s a statement that your mental health matters.

Annual Time Away: Sweatpants & Mimosas

We host our annual Sweatpants & Mimosas – An Autism Parent/Caregiver Time Away event. This special get-together is a chance for parents to step away from the daily routine for a few hours, connect with others who truly understand, relax, and focus entirely on themselves in a fun, relaxed environment. It’s an essential moment of fellowship and true respite.

Book Club (New): We have started a new way for us to get together, to learn, share, discuss, and socialize. The Autism And Us book club was created as another way for us to learn more about autism. All books we read are about or related to autism. Currently, we have an online book club group where we have our discussions virtually. The goal is to include an in person meet up. If this is something that interest you, please contact us. More information available soon.

Other: – Community Resources (Give us a call or check our online directory)
– Gift Cards: As funding allows, we periodically give away grocery gift cards to those in need

🌟 Our Vision for the Community

• A Safe Space: We foster an inclusive, welcoming, and judgment-free environment where you can share your stories, challenges, and triumphs with others who truly understand.
• Collective Strength: We empower parents to share resources and insights, building a collective wisdom that strengthens our parenting, advocacy, and ability to navigate the spectrum journey.
• Positive Change: By standing together, prioritizing self-care, and supporting one another, we build a resilient community dedicated to ensuring our loved ones with autism can thrive.

If you’re seeking connection, support, or a much-needed reminder to put yourself on the care list, we invite you to join us. Together, we empower the caregiver to empower the child.

** Mission: To strengthen parents and caregivers of loved ones on the autism spectrum by prioritizing their mental health and well-being through self-care, providing essential time to share, events like Sweatpants & Mimosas, and tangible self-care reminders via Parent Care Boxes.

Parent Support Team

Beth F. – Support Team AAU Parent Support Group

Dinah G. – Support Team AAU Parent Support Group

Lorienda E. – Support Team AAU Parent Support Group

Michelle G. – Support Team AAU Parent Support Group

Monique H. – Support Team AAU Parent Support Group

Pam C. – Support Team AAU Parent Support Group / Support Team AAU Home School Group

*Charles G. – AAU Community Support Host