EmPath For Autism

06/03/2026

Safety remains one of the greatest concerns for many autism families.

We’re encouraged to see the Joshua Alert bill pass the Ohio Senate, bringing our state one step closer to a dedicated alert system for missing children with autism and developmental disabilities.

When a child is missing, every minute matters. This legislation has the potential to save lives, support families, and strengthen communities across Ohio.

💙 Thank you The Joshua Al-lateef Jr. Foundation and to the advocates, families, and lawmakers who helped make this important step forward possible.

An alert system dedicated to finding missing children with autism took another massive step toward becoming law on Wednesday.

06/03/2026

Some connections don’t need words. 💙🐾

At the Special Olympics Ohio State Summer Games, our Board President, Leslie Williams, shared a special moment with a Canine Companions service dog, one of those interactions that reminds us how powerful nonverbal connection can be.

For many individuals with autism, communication extends far beyond spoken language. Trust, understanding, comfort, and connection are often expressed through presence, body language, and shared experiences. Service dogs can provide companionship, emotional support, confidence, and a sense of calm, helping to bridge connections in ways that words sometimes cannot.

As Leslie and this remarkable dog exchanged a quiet moment, it felt as though they simply understood each other. A beautiful reminder that meaningful connection comes in many forms.

At EmPath, we celebrate the relationships, supports, and moments that help individuals thrive and feel seen, understood, and valued. 💙

05/30/2026

EmPath for Autism is excited to be part of the 2026 Special Olympics State Summer Games!

Today, you’ll find us in the Olympic Village at Family Resource Row, where we’ll be connecting with athletes, families, caregivers, and community partners from across Ohio. Stop by our booth to learn more about the programs, services, and support EmPath provides to individuals and families impacted by autism.

We are honored to celebrate the incredible athletes competing this weekend and to be part of an event that promotes inclusion, opportunity, determination, and community.

If you’re attending the State Summer Games, be sure to stop by and say hello, we can’t wait to meet you!

Wishing all of the athletes the best of luck as they compete, achieve their goals, and showcase their talents this weekend! 🏅💙

Special Olympics Ohio

05/29/2026

🛑NEXT Tuesday!
Are you worried about your child running away from you or wandering away from home?

This class is designed for caregivers of children with developmental delays or disabilities, including autism.

Learn strategies to reduce the risk of elopement, make your home safer, and help if your child should become lost.

Tuesday, June 2
5:30-7:00pm
Online using Zoom
FREE! Registration is required. See registration link in comments.

Questions:
[email protected]
513-636-2158

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice made our freedoms possible, and we are deeply grateful.

As we spend time with family and loved ones this Memorial Day, we also hold space for the families carrying the weight of loss and remembrance.

From all of us at EmPath for Autism, we thank and honor those who served and sacrificed for our nation. 🇺🇸

05/21/2026

As another school year comes to a close, we want every family in our autism community to know just how proud we are of you. 💙

For many of our children, school is about so much more than grades. It is about navigating challenges, building confidence, learning routines, overcoming fears, and celebrating victories both big and small.

To every parent, caregiver, teacher, therapist, and student, thank you for showing up every single day.

No matter what this year looked like for your family, progress matters, effort matters, and YOU matter.

Wishing our entire autism community a summer filled with rest, joy, growth, and lots of happy moments. ☀️💙

Happy Summer from EmPath for Autism.

05/20/2026

Rain has a way of slowing the world down, softening the noise, and reminding us that beauty doesn’t always come in sunshine. ☔️💙

Autism can feel a lot like the rain. Some days are calm and peaceful. Other days are overwhelming, loud, and unpredictable. But just like the rain helps flowers grow, every challenge, every difference, and every unique perspective brings growth, strength, and beauty to this world.

Children with autism teach us to notice the little things most people rush past… the sound of rain hitting the pavement, the comfort of routine, the joy in repetition, and the peace found in moments others overlook.

And after every storm, there is always something beautiful waiting… sometimes a rainbow, sometimes resilience, and always love. 🌈

05/19/2026

Jagger absolutely LOVES mowing the grass. 🌱

He takes so much pride in getting his lines just right, and honestly, it’s incredible to watch. What some people may see as “just mowing” is so much more than that for him.

For many individuals with autism, routines, patterns, precision, and accomplishment bring a deep sense of comfort and confidence. The straight lines, the focus, the repetition, and the visible results give Jagger something he can truly take ownership of. It’s calming, rewarding, and empowering all at the same time.

Autism isn’t always about limitations. Sometimes it’s about seeing beauty in details the rest of us overlook.

And if you ask Jagger… a freshly mowed yard with perfect lines is definitely something to be proud of. 💚

05/15/2026

Introducing Episode 1 of the EmPath for Autism Podcast!

Join Leslie Williams, Board President of EmPath for Autism, as she launches our very first episode with special guest Sadie Everett, Director of the Regional Autism Advisory Council at the UC IDD Education Center.

In this powerful conversation, we begin our mission of creating meaningful dialogue, sharing valuable resources, and building stronger connections within the autism community.

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, educator, self-advocate, or ally, this podcast is for you.

Together, we’re creating a space where every individual on the spectrum is seen, supported, and celebrated.

Tune in and be part of the conversation.

05/11/2026

Another precious child has been lost. 💔

A 5-year-old autistic child has died more than a month after a drowning incident in a retention pond in Forest Park. Our hearts are with this family as they face an unimaginable loss.

These tragedies are happening far too often in the autism community. Children with autism are at a significantly higher risk of wandering, and retention ponds continue to pose a devastating danger in neighborhoods across our region.

We cannot stay silent. We must do more to protect our children.

Please take a moment to sign our petition advocating for fencing and increased safety measures around retention ponds:
https://tinyurl.com/2fdjepa5

Read the FOX19 story here:
https://www.fox19.com/2026/05/11/5-year-old-autistic-child-dies-more-than-month-after-forest-park-drowning/

Every child deserves the chance to come home safely. 💙

Bill Proposal for the Urgent Need for Safety Fencing Around Retention Ponds