Jean Mayer is one of our newest board members, joining us earlier this Fall, and we are so excited to have her as part of our team! Read her interview below.
Why did you decide to join the AST Board?
I’m the parent of a 12-year-old son on the Autism spectrum, diagnosed at age three and a half. Becoming part of this world—one I never anticipated—completely changed my life’s trajectory and purpose. It catapulted me into advocacy, where I’ve committed myself to building systems that not only support individuals with Autism and their families, but do so sustainably and with equity at the center.
My journey began as a Family Faculty member for Texas Parent to Parent, training first- and second-year medical residents on the lived experience of parenting a child with disabilities through a trauma-informed and family-centered lens. From there, I expanded my advocacy into public education—running for and being elected to the Pflugerville ISD Board of Trustees, where I’ve served for six years, including as Chair of the Governmental and Community Relations Committee. In that role, I’ve helped shape local, state, and federal policy positions that directly affect students receiving special education services.
At the state level, I also serve on the Legislative Advisory Council (LAC) for the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), setting legislative priorities that strengthen inclusion and access for students with disabilities. And through storytelling and peer connection, I co-created and co-host Moms Talk Autism, a leading podcast and parent resource platform dedicated to amplifying authentic, nuanced perspectives of Autism and disability.
Serving on the AST Board allows me to continue integrating policy, education, and community-based advocacy—connecting families’ lived experiences to the systemic change they deserve.
⸻
What do you like most about AST or serving on the Board?
What I value most about serving on the AST Board is the opportunity to co-create advocacy with others who share the same deep commitment to inclusion, equity, and authentic representation.
I’ve participated in AST’s Advocacy Days at the Capitol, and I’m continually inspired by how the organization blends grassroots engagement with strategic policy work. The collaboration between AST and education leaders like myself allows us to align efforts that advance awareness, understanding, and tangible change.
Beyond my local work in Pflugerville ISD, I help lead a statewide network of trustees called Texas Trustees Advancing Special Education (TTASE)—a coalition of school board members who are also parents of students receiving special education services. Together with partners like AST, we work to promote meaningful inclusion, safeguard student rights, and amplify the voices of families across Texas. Through this work, I’ve had the privilege of facilitating Lunch & Learn sessions and presenting at the Texas Capitol and at the annual TASA | TASB Convention, helping bridge the gap between legislative understanding and lived experience in special education.
Through these collective efforts—whether through cross-sector collaboration, policy influence, or public education initiatives—I find the work deeply fulfilling. It’s an incredible privilege to be part of something that not only drives systemic change but leaves a sustainable legacy for future generations of Autistic individuals and their families.
⸻
What is your mission and vision for AST and the Autism community?
My hope for the future […] in Texas is that we continue to move beyond awareness toward authentic inclusion—where belonging is not just promised but practiced. I want to see a Texas where individuals on the spectrum are not defined by deficits or systems, but by their humanity, strengths, and potential.
As a parent, policymaker, and advocate, I believe the most transformative progress happens when lived experience is trusted as expertise. By continuing to connect those experiences to action—in our schools, our healthcare systems, and our legislature—we can ensure that every individual and family impacted by autism feels seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.