Autism509

06/02/2026

In the autism community, we often spend a great deal of time waiting.

Waiting for answers.

Waiting for evaluations.

Waiting for services.

Waiting for progress.

Waiting for words.

Waiting for understanding.

And sometimes, in all that waiting, it can feel as though nothing is happening.

But growth is not always visible.

A child may be learning even when they are not speaking.

A parent may be becoming stronger even when they feel exhausted.

A family may be building resilience even while facing challenges.

Progress does not always arrive in the way we expected.

Sometimes it appears in a new skill.

Sometimes in a small step toward independence.

Sometimes in a moment of connection.

Sometimes in greater acceptance, patience, and understanding.

Like a seed growing beneath the surface, much of the autism journey happens quietly.

Not every breakthrough can be measured.

Not every victory can be seen immediately.

Yet growth is happening.

Learning is happening.

Becoming is happening.

So wherever you are on this journey today, keep going.

One step at a time.

One day at a time.

Trust the process.

Trust the growth.

And never underestimate the power of small steps taken consistently.

Because what is growing beneath the surface today may become tomorrow's breakthrough.

05/31/2026

Happy Mother's Day to the Mothers Raising Children with Autism and Other disabilities.

Today, we celebrate the strength, love, resilience, and dedication of mothers everywhere.
But we also take a special moment to honor the mothers who walk a journey that many do not fully see.
The mothers who become advocates, teachers, therapists, nurses, interpreters, researchers, and protectors.
The mothers who stay awake through sleepless nights, attend appointments, fight for services, navigate uncertainty, and continue showing up day after day with courage and love.
The mothers who have cried in silence, celebrated victories that others might overlook, and never stopped believing in their children, even when the world failed to understand them.
Your journey may not always be easy, but your impact is immeasurable.

Because of you, children find their voice.
Because of you, barriers are challenged.
Because of you, communities become more inclusive.
Because of you, hope continues to grow.
Today, we honor not only what you do, but who you are.

May you remember that your love matters.
Your sacrifices matter.
Your perseverance matters.
And you matter.

To every mother raising a child with autism or another disability, whether in Haiti, the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Africa, Europe, or anywhere in the world:
You are not alone.
You are seen.
You are appreciated.
And you are stronger than you know.

Happy Mother's Day!

05/27/2026

Today, the autism and disability community mourns the passing of Dr. Lamar Hardwick a pastor, author, advocate, husband, father, and courageous voice who helped open difficult but necessary conversations about autism, disability, faith, and inclusion within our communities. ([The Presbyterian Outlook][1])

Known to many as “The Autism Pastor,” Dr. Hardwick publicly shared not only his journey as an autistic adult diagnosed later in life, but also his long and difficult battle with cancer a journey he carried with remarkable transparency, dignity, faith, and strength. ([The Presbyterian Outlook][1])

At Autism509, we remember him with deep gratitude.

We had the honor of welcoming Dr. Hardwick as a guest speaker during one of our events at the Red Cross in Atlanta. At a time when conversations about autism in our community were still rare and often silenced by stigma, he stood publicly and unapologetically for inclusion, awareness, and dignity. He helped many families realize that autism and faith are not in opposition, and that churches and communities must become places where disability is not hidden,but embraced with humanity and respect.

Through his books, public speaking, ministry, and advocacy, Dr. Hardwick challenged churches to rethink how they welcome individuals with disabilities. He reminded the world that inclusion is not charity it is justice. ([The Presbyterian Outlook][1])

Beyond the titles and public work was also a devoted family man a husband deeply supported by his wife throughout his illness, and a loving father to his children. Even while facing immense physical suffering, he continued to teach, encourage, and inspire countless families around the world.

His voice mattered.
His work mattered.
His life mattered.

To his wife, children, church family, and all who loved him, we extend our deepest condolences and prayers.

And to Dr. Lamar Hardwick:
thank you for standing publicly where many were still afraid to speak.
Thank you for helping move the conversation on autism, disability, faith, and inclusion forward.
Thank you for your courage, your honesty, your humanity, and your service.

Your legacy will continue through every family that feels seen, every church that becomes more inclusive, and every advocate who finds strength to speak because you spoke first.

Rest in peace, Pastor Lamar Hardwick. 🤍

https://pres-outlook.org/2024/08/meet-the-autism-pastor-lamar-hardwick-preacher-author-cancer-warrior/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Meet 'The Autism Pastor' Lamar Hardwick: Preacher, ..."

05/27/2026

Beyond the Diagnosis
What Haitian and Immigrant Autism Families Need to Know About Medicaid, In-Home Services, Respite Care, and Long-Term Support in the United States
For many Haitian and immigrant families, receiving an autism diagnosis is not the end of the journey.
In many ways, it is the beginning of a new reality that families are often completely unprepared to navigate.
Behind the therapies, evaluations, and school meetings exists an entire disability service system that remains deeply confusing even for families born in the United States.
And for immigrant families facing language barriers, financial pressure, cultural stigma, immigration stress, and lack of information, navigating this system can feel overwhelming.
Many families only learn about available resources after reaching exhaustion, crisis, or caregiver burnout.

Medicaid Is Not Only for Low-Income Families
One of the biggest misconceptions in our communities is believing Medicaid is only available to families living in poverty.
In reality, many children with autism may qualify for Medicaid through disability-based pathways, Medicaid waivers, or programs such as the Katie Beckett/TEFRA waiver.
These programs may allow eligibility based on:
the child’s disability,
level of supervision needed,
functional limitations,
and long-term support needs,
rather than solely on the parents’ income.
This is especially important for many middle-class immigrant families who struggle financially but do not qualify for traditional income-based assistance.

Why the State You Live In Matters
Autism services in the United States are not equal from one state to another.
Two children with similar diagnoses may receive completely different levels of support simply because they live in different states.
New York
New York is considered one of the stronger states for developmental disability services through Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).
Families may access:
respite care,
community habilitation,
transportation,
behavioral support,
self-direction,
residential planning,
and long-term adult services.
Florida
Florida provides services through Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD).
Families may qualify for:
respite,
personal supports,
behavioral services,
transportation,
and in-home services.
However, many families face long waiting lists through the iBudget waiver system.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts is known for investing heavily in community-based autism and developmental disability supports, including:
family support,
respite,
transition planning,
and residential services.
Georgia
Georgia provides services through the NOW and COMP waivers, including:
in-home supports,
respite,
behavioral services,
and personal assistance.
Yet many families continue facing provider shortages and long waiting periods.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is often recognized for stronger disability-based Medicaid access and autism support systems, including:
in-home services,
habilitation,
respite,
self-direction,
and adult transition supports.
When a Child May Need a 1:1 Paraprofessional (“Para”)
A child with autism may qualify for a dedicated paraprofessional at school or on the school bus when safety or independent functioning becomes a concern.
This may include:
elopement or wandering,
inability to recognize danger,
severe communication difficulties,
sensory dysregulation,
self-injurious behaviors,
aggression,
or inability to safely participate independently in class or transportation.
The goal is not dependency.
The goal is safety, access to education, and meaningful participation.
Transportation Support Exists in Many States
Many families know about Access-A-Ride in New York, but similar ADA transportation programs exist across the country under different names.
These services help individuals whose disabilities prevent them from safely and independently using regular public transportation.
For many autistic individuals, transportation barriers are connected not only to physical disabilities, but also to:
cognitive limitations,
sensory overload,
executive functioning difficulties,
behavioral challenges,
and safety awareness concerns.
Respite Care: A Lifeline for Families
Respite care remains one of the most important and most overlooked supports available to autism families.
Respite services may include:
in-home respite,
overnight respite,
community outings,
emergency respite,
and specialized sleep-away summer camps for children with autism and developmental disabilities.
For many caregivers, respite is not a luxury.
It is survival.
Behind many exhausted parents are years of:
interrupted sleep,
emotional stress,
financial pressure,
isolation,
and constant supervision responsibilities.
The Role of the Case Manager
Many families also hear terms such as:
case manager,
care coordinator,
support coordinator,
or service coordinator.
These professionals help families:
apply for Medicaid waivers,
coordinate therapies,
access respite,
navigate school systems,
locate providers,
prepare transition plans,
and organize long-term services into adulthood.
For many families, a good case manager becomes the bridge between confusion and stability.
The National Crisis After COVID-19
Even when services technically exist, many families today cannot access them.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed and worsened major weaknesses within the disability support system across the country.
Since the pandemic:
thousands of direct support workers left the field,
agencies struggle to recruit staff,
wages remain low,
caregiver burnout has increased,
and the demand for autism services continues to rise.
As a result, many families are approved for services but cannot find workers to provide them.
This has become one of the most serious crises facing the autism and developmental disability community in the United States.
Why Haitian and Immigrant Families Need More Awareness
In many immigrant communities, disability is still surrounded by:
stigma,
silence,
shame,
misinformation,
spiritual interpretations,
and fear of judgment.
Some families do not know services exist.
Others are overwhelmed by paperwork, waiting lists, evaluations, and system navigation.
Yet autism does not disappear because support is unavailable.
And caregivers should not have to carry these burdens alone.
Beyond Awareness
Awareness alone is no longer enough.
Families need:
education,
access,
culturally responsive support,
respite,
transportation,
long-term planning,
caregiver mental health support,
and systems built with dignity and humanity.
Because true inclusion is not simply accepting autistic individuals in words.
True inclusion means building communities and systems where families can breathe, survive, and live with dignity.
💙From the caregiver journal

05/22/2026

So proud to co-sponsor SB 418, which is now Florida law, requiring autism awareness training for local police. We are grateful to Donna and Drew from the Autism Society of Greater Orlando and to Senator for their LIFE SAVING work! 👮🧩

“A mother-son team is behind critical training to help police and deputies understand how to identify and communicate with individuals who have autism.”

“Donna Lorman has spent years developing the half-day and full-day programs, and she was inspired by her son Drew.”

“Soon, every department in Florida will be required to complete similar instruction thanks to a new bill passed this legislative session requiring law enforcement to have ‘an employment training component relating to individuals with autism.’”

A new bill passed this legislative session requires Florida law enforcement to have an employment training component relating to individuals with autism.

05/20/2026

There are stories that shake every autism parent to the core. 💔

The heartbreaking loss of 4-year-old Aazam Dahir in Louisville reminds us of a reality many families live with every single day:
The fear of wandering.

For many autistic children especially those who are nonverbal wandering (also called elopement) is not “bad behavior.”
It can happen suddenly, silently, and within seconds.

A door left unlocked for a moment.
A sound that captures a child’s attention.
A child seeking water, movement, or escape from sensory overload.

And in one instant, a family’s life can change forever.

Today, we mourn with Aazam’s family.
We pray for strength, comfort, and compassion during unimaginable pain. 🕊️

But we also want to say something important to the public and our communities:

Please do not rush to judge parents or caregivers of autistic children.

Most autism parents live in a constant state of vigilance that many people cannot imagine.
Many sleep lightly.
Many experience chronic exhaustion, anxiety, and fear.
Many have not had a full moment of rest in years.

Wandering can happen even in loving, attentive, responsible homes.

Instead of judgment, families need support.
Instead of blame, they need understanding.
Instead of criticism, they need safer communities.

To autism families:
your fear is real,
your exhaustion is real,
and your efforts matter more than people know.

Some safety reminders for families:
• Consider door alarms, locks, or monitoring systems.
• Teach neighbors and relatives about wandering risks.
• Keep updated photos and identification information.
• Inform schools and caregivers about elopement behaviors.
• If your child is drawn to water, prioritize swim and water-safety lessons when possible.
• Build a trusted support network, no caregiver should carry this alone.

And to communities:
learn about autism.
Pay attention when a child appears lost or distressed.
Offer help instead of assumptions.
Awareness and compassion can save lives.

May Aazam’s memory remind us that every vulnerable child deserves protection, understanding, dignity, and a community that cares. 🕊️

05/10/2026

Today, we honor the mothers who carry worlds inside their hearts.

The mothers who advocate when they are exhausted.
The mothers who learn therapies, routines, sensory needs, and silent forms of communication no one ever prepared them for.
The mothers who celebrate milestones the world may overlook, but that mean everything.
The mothers who cry quietly at night, then wake up the next morning ready to fight again for their children.

To the autism mothers.
To the special needs mothers.
To the mothers raising children in systems that often do not understand them.
To the mothers in Haiti, across the Caribbean, in the diaspora, and around the world…

We see you.

Your love is not ordinary.
It is patient.
It is resilient.
It is fierce.
It is healing.

Many of you became therapists without degrees, advocates without training, teachers without rest, and protectors without pause.
And even in moments when you feel invisible, your impact lives in every small breakthrough, every safe space you create, every child who feels loved because of you.

Today is not only a celebration of motherhood.
It is a celebration of courage.

From all of us at Autism509, thank you for continuing to show the world that inclusion begins with love, dignity, patience, and humanity.

Happy Mother’s Day to every mother walking this journey.
You are stronger than you know.
And you are never alone.











Jodi a, nou rann omaj ak tout manman ki pote tout yon mond nan kè yo.

Manman ki kontinye defann pitit yo menm lè yo fatige.
Manman ki aprann terapi, estrikti, bezwen sansoryèl, ak fason pitit yo kominike san pawòl, menm lè pèsonn pa t prepare yo pou sa.
Manman ki selebre ti pwogrè anpil moun pa remake, men ki vle di tout bagay pou yo.
Manman ki kriye an silans nan nuit, epi ki leve nan maten ankò pare pou kontinye goumen pou pitit yo.

Pou manman timoun otis yo.
Pou manman timoun ki gen bezwen espesyal yo.
Pou manman k ap leve pitit yo nan sistèm ki souvan pa konprann yo.
Pou manman ann Ayiti, nan Karayib la, nan dyaspora a, ak atravè mond lan…

Nou wè nou.

Lanmou nou pa òdinè.
Li gen pasyans.
Li gen fòs.
Li gen kouraj.
Li pote gerizon.

Anpil nan nou tounen terapis san diplòm, avoka pitit nou san fòmasyon, pwofesè san repo, ak pwotektè san poz.
Menm nan moman kote nou santi nou envizib, enpak nou viv nan chak ti pwogrè, chak espas sekirite nou kreye, chak timoun ki santi li renmen gras ak nou.

Jodi a pa sèlman yon selebrasyon pou fèt manman.
Se yon selebrasyon kouraj tou.

Nan non tout ekip Autism509+, mèsi paske nou kontinye montre mond lan ke enklizyon kòmanse avèk lanmou, diyite, pasyans, ak limanite.

Bòn fèt Manman ak tout manman k ap mache sou chemen sa a.
Nou pi fò pase sa nou panse.
Epi nou pa janm pou kont nou.

05/06/2026

"We are focusing so much on academic that we've taken out things like art, sewing, cooking, woodworking, and so many other things that introduce kids to carreer" (Dr Temple Grandin)

Beyond the Diagnosis: Nurturing Potential, Not Limits

Dr Temple Grandin’s words remind us of something deeply important: our children are more than academic scores, therapy goals, or developmental checklists.

Too often, while working so hard on weaknesses, delays, or what society says a child “cannot do,” we unintentionally overlook gifts that could become confidence, purpose, independence, or even a future career.

A child who loves drawing may be developing a powerful form of communication.
A child fascinated by music may be expressing emotions words cannot carry.
A child who enjoys cooking, building, sewing, organizing, or creating with their hands may already be showing us where their strengths live.

As parents, caregivers, and educators, we must be careful not to place invisible limits on our children. Sometimes those limits are not spoken out loud—but children can still feel them.

Instead of asking only:
“What are they struggling with?”

We should also ask:
“What lights them up?”
“What brings them peace?”
“What comes naturally to them?”
“What if this passion is part of their future?”

Support is important. Therapy is important. Education is important.
But so is helping our children discover their abilities, their interests, and their sense of worth beyond their challenges.

Our children do not need a world that only focuses on correcting them.
They also need a world that believes in them.

And sometimes, the very thing others dismiss as “just a hobby” becomes the doorway to confidence, purpose, and opportunity.








“Nou konsantre tèlman sou kestyon akademik ke nou retire bagay tankou atizay, koud, kwizin, travay bwa, ak anpil lòt bagay ki ede timoun dekouvri metye ak avni yo.” (Dr Temple Grandin)

DEYE DIAGNOSTIK LA, KILTIVE POTANSYEL, PA LIMIT.

Pawòl Dr Temple Grandin yo fè nou sonje yon bagay ki vrèman enpòtan : pitit nou yo plis pase nòt lekòl, objektif terapi, oswa lis devlopman.

Twò souvan, pandan n ap travay di sou feblès, reta, oswa sou sa sosyete a panse yon timoun “pa ka fè”, nou konn bliye san nou pa rann nou kont talan ki ta ka tounen konfyans, objektif nan lavi, endepandans, oswa menm yon metye pou demen.

Yon timoun ki renmen fè desen ka ap devlope yon fason pwisan pou kominike.
Yon timoun ki renmen mizik ka ap eksprime emosyon mo pa ka esplike.
Yon timoun ki renmen kwit manje, konstwi, koud, òganize oswa kreye ak men li ka deja ap montre nou kote fòs li yo ye.

Antanke paran, moun k ap bay swen, ak edikatè, nou dwe fè atansyon pou nou pa mete limit envizib sou pitit nou yo. Pafwa limit sa yo pa janm di ak bouch… men timoun yo toujou santi yo.

Olye nou sèlman mande :
“Ki difikilte li genyen ?”

Nou dwe mande tou :
“Kisa ki fè li kontan ?”
“Kisa ki pote lapè pou li ?”
“Kisa ki vin natirèl pou li ?”
“E si pasyon sa a se yon pati nan avni li ?”

Sipò enpòtan.
Terapi enpòtan.
Edikasyon enpòtan.

Men li enpòtan tou pou ede pitit nou yo dekouvri kapasite yo, enterè yo, ak valè yo pi lwen pase defi yo genyen.

Pitit nou yo pa bezwen yon mond ki sèlman ap chèche korije yo.
Yo bezwen tou yon mond ki kwè nan yo.

E pafwa, bagay lòt moun konsidere kòm “jis yon ti pastan” vin tounen pòt ki mennen nan konfyans, objektif, ak opòtinite.

05/02/2026

AUTISM509 MEMORIES — CONTINUING THE WALK
Autism Speaks Walk Turner Field, Atlanta
April 18, 2015

Earlier that month, we were present at the United Nations for World Autism Awareness Day.

And just days later…
we were back on the ground... Walking.

Walking for our children.
Walking for understanding.
Walking for acceptance and inclusion.

Autism509 already had a name.
But moments like this gave it direction.

We were honored to walk alongside the Haitian community of Atlanta,
including former Consul Gandy Thomas and his wife,
whose presence reflected the strength of community and representation.
This was more than a walk...

THIS IS A MISSION...

AUTISM509 MEMWA — MACH LA AP KONTINYE
Mach Autism Speaks Turner Field, Atlanta
18 Avril 2015

Pi bonè nan mwa sa a, nou te prezan nan Nasyonzini pou Jounen Mondyal Konsyantizasyon sou Otis.

Kèk jou apre…
nou te tounen sou teren an... Nap mache.

Nap mache pou pitit nou yo.
Nap mache pou plis konpreyansyon.
Nap mache pou aseptans ak inklizion.

Autism509 te deja gen yon non.
Men moman tankou sa yo te bay li direksyon.

Nou te gen onè mache ansanm ak kominote ayisyen Atlanta,
tankou ansyen konsil Gandy Thomas ak madanm li,
ki te montre fòs kominote ak reprezantasyon.
Se te plis pase yon mach

SE YON MISYON...

AUTISM509 MÉMOIRES — LA MARCHE CONTINUE
Marche Autism Speaks Turner Field, Atlanta
18 avril 2015

Plus tôt ce mois-là, nous étions aux Nations Unies pour la Journée mondiale de sensibilisation à l’autisme.

Quelques jours plus tard…
Nous étions de retour sur le terrain... A marcher.

Marcher pour nos enfants.
Marcher pour la compréhension.
Marcher pour l'acceptation et l'inclusion.

Autism509 avait déjà un nom.
Mais des moments comme celui-ci lui ont donné une direction.

Nous avons eu l’honneur de marcher aux côtés de la communauté haïtienne d’Atlanta,
y compris l’ancien consul Gandy Thomas et son épouse,
dont la présence témoignait de la force de la communauté et de la représentation.
c'etait plus qu'une marche

C'EST UNE MISSION...

05/01/2026

Mesi DENER CEIDE paske toujou kanpe kote.

An nou tout angaje nou