News

If you would like to be kept informed of our efforts, news, and events, please take a moment to sign up to receive our Newsletter.

Connections Created: January 2026 Recap
Allison Eisenhut, our intern through the 2025-2026 ACT LEND program, presented to some of our parent connection groups throughout  January.  Allison is a Doctoral Student at Baylor University, and has nearly completed her clinical work. She plans to become a school psychologist. Allison presented on “Navigating Special Education Evaluations: A Parent’s Guide” in order to help families who may be feeling overwhelmed or unsure about evaluations, diagnoses, and next steps for their child.  She will be presenting to our El Paso group and South Austin groups soon! Our Texas Autism Walk as well as our El Paso Walk & 5K registrations went live. Both will be happening on Saturday, April 25th, and there is a virtual option as well so individuals and families can participate from anywhere! Also our Deputy Director, Adriana, presented at ACT/LEND’s Spring Seminar!
Community Engagement Coordinator – Austin

Job Description | Community Engagement Coordinator – Austin

Job Title: Community Engagement Coordinator

Location: Austin, Texas (Local candidates only-must attend in-person events)

Position Type: Part-Time, 6-Month Contract (with potential for renewal)

Hourly Rate: $20-$23/hour (Dependent on Experience)

Hours: 25 hours per week, includes some evenings and weekends for events/meetings

Reports to: Executive Director

Position Overview: The Community Engagement Coordinator is responsible for representing the Autism Society of Texas (AST) at community events, coordinating and supporting volunteers both in Austin and remotely across Texas, and assisting with social media outreach. This position will play a crucial role in fostering relationships with community members, donors, and volunteers while helping expand AST’s impact and visibility in the Austin area and beyond. This is a hybrid position that includes time working from AST’s Central Austin office, working remotely from home, and participating in community-based events and activities.

Key Responsibilities

Community Event Coordination:

Represent AST at community events, including advocacy, fundraising, and outreach initiatives in Austin and surrounding areas.

Plan, coordinate, and execute AST’s participation in local events to raise awareness and engagement.

Collaborate with other team members to align event goals with organizational priorities.

Volunteer Management:

Recruit, train, and manage volunteers for community events and programs remotely across Texas.

Develop and implement strategies to retain and engage volunteers.

Ensure volunteers are supported and recognized for their contributions.

Outreach:

Post events and activities to social media to promote awareness and engagement.

Create basic fliers and materials for events (templates and training available). 

Make connections to promote the work of AST.

Donor Stewardship:

May assist in performing donor stewardship activities, including but not limited to maintaining communication with donors, acknowledging their contributions, and keeping them informed of AST’s activities.

Administrative Support:

Manage volunteer database, ensuring records are up to date and accurate.

Support the development of community engagement materials, event flyers, and social media posts. 

Skills and Experience:

  • Experience in community engagement, volunteer management, or donor relations, preferably in a nonprofit environment.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse groups.
  • Experience working with Autistic children, teens, or adults – group facilitation, coordination, social interactions.
  • Organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Proficiency with volunteer or donor management software (or willingness to learn).
  • A passion for working with individuals and families impacted by Autism.
  • Experience in presenting to stakeholders, families, professionals, and community groups
  • Bilingual Spanish preferred, not required

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in communications, nonprofit management, social work, Special Education or related field.
  • 2-3 years of experience in a similar role (preferred).
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including regular evening and weekend community events required
  • Must have valid drivers license, own vehicle to travel to events, including transporting event supplies
  • Ability to lift and transport event materials (up to 35 lbs) and assist with event setup and breakdown, including tents, tablecloths, flyers, apparel, and sensory kits. Reasonable accommodations available.
  • Must live in or near Austin, Texas for in-person events

Why Join AST: As part of the Autism Society of Texas, you will be working alongside passionate individuals to create connections and empower the Autism community across the state. You’ll be part of an organization dedicated to providing support and resources to adults and families affected by Autism.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume detailing their experience and qualifications. To apply please email info@texasautismsociety.org.

Crossing the Finish Line Before the Race: Jake Epple’s Story

Jake Epple has always been active in sports, but never as a competitive runner. This changed a few months ago when he signed up for the 2026 Austin Marathon. Not only did he take on the challenge of running the full 26.2 miles, he also committed to raising $1,000 for the Autism Society of Texas.

The desire to support individuals with Autism isn’t new to Jake. Growing up in a small town in New York, Jake volunteered at school and in the community for programs that promoted inclusion and independence for children with special needs.  “This is something I have been passionate about my entire life,” Jake says, “and I am excited to have the opportunity to stay involved while I am at school at the University of Texas at Austin.”

Jake has been training for the marathon for a little over 3 months now and has seen huge improvements in his strength, stamina, and distance.  On January 13th, Jake launched his fundraising campaign with emails to friends and family.  Many of them reached out to him after they donated to tell him about their connection to Autism.  It didn’t take long for Jake to reach his goal, raising a total of $1,006 in just one week!

We are so grateful to Jake for selecting the Autism Society of Texas as his charitable cause for the Austin Marathon.  We’ll be cheering for him and our other marathon fundraisers as they race to the finish line on February 15th.  They are all champions to us and the thousands of individuals and families across Texas they are supporting!

Board Member Spotlight: Erica Lewis

We were so excited to have Erica Lewis join our board last year! Erica Lewis is a contracts and risk management professional with over fourteen years of experience guiding organizations through complex regulatory and operational challenges. She’s known for turning policy into practical solutions that strengthen compliance, reduce risk, and support mission success across industries from oil and gas to government. Erica holds an LL.M. in Risk Management and Cybersecurity Policy, a Juris Doctor, and a B.A. in English–Creative Writing. 

Why did you join the board? 

I have used AST community resources, such as the newsletter and support groups, and I was looking for a way to contribute to the Autism community in a large way and saw the opening for board members.

I wanted to join the AST Board after recognizing the need for greater collaboration and partnership in the area of Autism. Every community in our state needs to recognize the long-term gift in making safe, accessible connections in this area. It is no longer acceptable for only a few.

What do you like most about AST or serving on the Board?

I love the fact that I can make connections with stakeholders who have experience with Autism in so many different ways. It will only make me stronger, and more intentional, in supporting this great work.

Connections Created: December 2025 Recap

We had a busy December!

Our Season of Giving Campaign began, our biggest fundraising campaign that helps fund our programs and support through the following year. We are still only half way to our goal. You can help us get there by making a donation on our GivenGain donation page via the 2026 Austin Marathon.

Our Autistic Adult as well as our Thrive Parent & Caregiver Holiday Parties were a huge success. Thank you to everyone who volunteered and donated to make the party so much fun and thank you to our attendees for joining us!

On December 1st, we joined advocates and family members to honor the legacy of Justin Dart, Jr. at the Commemoration Ceremony of the Lead On Transit Station, held at the Texas Capitol Complex. The transit station provides greater accessibility to the Capitol. This event celebrates the first permanent fixture at the Capitol Complex honoring a prominent Texan with a disability – the extraordinary Justin Dart, Jr., often called the “Godfather of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).” As we marked the 35th Anniversary of the ADA last year, we are reminded of Justin Dart’s powerful message to “Lead On!” – a call to continue the work toward equality, inclusion, and respect for all people with disabilities.

We also want to give a huge thank you to Reece HVAC for donating 25 $100 Walmart gift cards that we were able to give to families in need in our community as part of their $100 for 1000 giveaway program! Our families were so appreciative, especially with all the expenses around the holidays!!

Connections Recap: November 2025

We had a very exciting November, meeting with members of the community!

We kicked off the holiday season with three holiday parties for families in Austin, Houston, and El Paso! Families got to meet with organizations serving the Autism community, play games and fun activities, and had the option to take photos with Santa.

We were also the partner recipient of Spark Learning’s 12th Annual Putt Fore Autism event at Peter Pan Mini-Golf! Thanks to Spark Learning and their generous sponsors, they raised $14,016.07 for Autism Society of Texas! Thank you so much to everyone who participated and to Spark Learning for your continuous support, you have made a HUGE impact.

We were also so grateful to have been chosen as one of the non-profit recipients of the Richard P. Slaughter & Associates Golf Tournament again, which took place at the beginning of the month! Since the Slaughter & Associates Golf Tournament began, they have raised over $750,000 for local non-profits and this year alone, they raised a whopping $65,000 to be split amongst the 4 non-profit recipients. Thank you so much to the entire Richard P. Slaughter & Associates team and their participating sponsors for the huge impact you have made on AST and our community!

Board Member Spotlight: Anna Sciarillo

Anna Sciarillo is one of our newest board members, joining us earlier this Fall, but we have worked with her in the advocacy space before she formally joined our board and we are so happy to have her! Read her interview below.

What is your connection to Autism?

When I was younger, my cousin was diagnosed with Autism, and watching his journey was my first introduction to the Autism community. Seeing the impact that support, compassion, and understanding could make inspired me to get involved and later become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Why did you decide to join the AST Board?

As a BCBA with over 10 years of experience, I’ve been closely involved in shaping advocacy efforts to expand access to ABA services across Texas, including the addition of Medicaid coverage for ABA. I’m passionate about using that experience to support broader, impactful initiatives, increase resources, and help create meaningful change for individuals with autism statewide.

What do you like most about AST or serving on the Board?

I really enjoy the collaboration and opportunity to work alongside individuals with diverse experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds. The variety of voices creates a dynamic environment where meaningful ideas come together to better support the autism community across Texas. I’m excited to continue learning from those around me and contributing my own experience to help drive impactful change.

Connections Recap: October 2025

We had a very exciting October, meeting with members of the community!

Autism Society of Texas was the beneficiary of Questing for Autism, which raised over $2400 for AST. Huge thank you to Redtigerpro & Aaron Bothne for hosting, as well as Alienware and Trader Joe’s for prizes.

We also had an amazing time with our Autistic adult & Thrive Parent groups recreation event at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center this Twilight Tuesday! Thank you so much to Superior HealthPlan and Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center for partnering with us for this great event, we so appreciate all of your support!

We had the opportunity to take part in multiple outreach event across Texas, including University of Texas’ “Supporting Every Step: Children’s Developmental Screening & Resource Fair”. 

Also thanks in part to the incredible advocacy work of organizations and individuals in the Texas Autism community, the execution of Robert Roberson, an innocent Autistic man on death row in Texas, was halted! Courts will review new evidence showing his daughter died from illness, not abuse. Texas must ensure justice informed by science, disability awareness, and an understanding that Autistic behaviors should not be misjudged as guilt. Read more here from the Texas Tribune.

Board Member Spotlight: Jean Mayer

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.

Support for Food Access and Nutrition Across Texas

At the Autism Society of Texas, we understand that accessing food and benefits like SNAP can be stressful and overwhelming — especially for families supporting a loved one with Autism. Our goal is to make this process easier by connecting you with helpful, reliable resources that meet your individual or family needs.

Whether you’re looking for immediate food assistance, support applying for SNAP, or help finding options that meet special dietary needs, we’re here to support you.

Need Help Navigating Resources?

Our team offers free, personalized support through our Navigation & Resource Program. We can help you understand eligibility, complete applications, or connect you with local food providers.

Phone: 512-479-4199
Email: info@texasautismsociety.org

Take Action: Protect Autism Services

We also invite you to advocate for the reauthorization of the Autism CARES Act — a critical federal law that helps fund services, research, and coordinated care for the Autism community.

Please take a moment to contact your representatives and show your support:
Take Action Here

Understanding SNAP and Local Food Assistance

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly benefits to help low-income households buy food. If you’re unsure how to apply, check your balance, or navigate changes to your benefits, these resources can help:

If you have questions about eligibility or need help with the application process, our team can assist you through our Navigation Program.

Major Food Banks in Texas

Below are key regional food banks across the state. Each offers services such as emergency food assistance, mobile pantries, and child nutrition programs. Visit their websites or call to learn what’s available in your area:

If you’re unsure which food bank serves your area, contact us and we’ll help you find the right one.

Food Support for Children with Special Dietary Needs

Some families need more than just access to food — they need options that are gluten-free, allergy-safe, or appropriate for medically restricted diets. The programs below aim to meet these needs. Availability may vary, so we encourage reaching out to each organization directly:

We are continually adding to this list. If you’re looking for resources in a specific region or have questions about dietary accommodations, reach out and we’ll do our best to connect you with appropriate support.