The faces behind Autism Family Friends

The faces behind Autism Family Friends

Co-Founders

  • When my daughter was born, I had an unshakeable gut feeling that something was different. I tried to share my concerns with my family, but they dismissed them as postpartum blues and imagination. The shame and doubt lingered, worsening as my instincts grew stronger each day.

    Finally, her diagnosis brought relief, but also overwhelming helplessness. I felt lost, struggling to connect with my child. Suddenly, I had to navigate an unfamiliar world, becoming an expert in her needs.

    My journey was marked by heartbreak, betrayal, and distrust. Yet, I persevered, driven to support my daughter. Now, I'm dedicated to creating a village for other families like mine - a community where they can find empowerment, understanding, and support.

    No family should face this journey alone, plagued by shame and doubt. Together, we can break down barriers and empower each other.

  • At my son’s 20-month wellness check, I learned he was speech delayed and scored high on the M-CHAT-R autism screening. As a first-time mom, I didn’t realize it was a concern until the worry and anxiety of the unknown set in.

    Navigating the screenings, diagnosis, funding applications, and finding service providers felt overwhelming and isolating. I felt like I was on a lonely island with no one to turn to.

    Everything changed when I met other parents at my son’s inclusive preschool. For the first time, I felt understood and less alone. We all agreed it was a relief to connect with others who truly “get it.”

    That’s when I knew I wanted to create a support group for parents on this journey—to show families they’re not alone and help them find connection in our growing community.

Our Story

AFF began when the two of us met at Little Pilots, the inclusive preschool our kids attended. As preschool moms navigating the early stages of autism, we quickly realized how isolating the journey could feel. What we needed most wasn’t another pamphlet or program… it was other parents. Real conversations. Shared experiences. Support that felt human.

We kept coming back to the same truth: there wasn’t enough parent‑to‑parent support in the autism community. So we started brainstorming. The more we talked, the more we realized our values, hopes, and ideas aligned. We both wanted a space where families could connect, breathe, and feel understood.

From those conversations, Autism Family Friends was born — created out of our shared passion and deep care for the autism community. What started as two moms supporting each other has grown into a community built on connection, compassion, and the belief that no family should walk this journey alone.