EDWARDS COUNTY, Ill. (WFIE) – A southern Illinois mother is working to create more support and inclusion for children with autism.
Alyssa Pierce recently launched ‘Tri-State Neuro-divergent Families’.
It’s a digital support group for Tri-State families and caregivers of children with autism, allowing them to ask questions, share experiences, and connect with others to feel less alone.
Pierce’s Facebook group has reached over 500 members. Many people use it to share information about local therapies, services, and opportunities.
Pierce says the initiative was inspired by her own experiences with her son, who is nonverbal.
“This is a hard journey and you have to learn a lot,” Pierce says, “I have to be the unprofessional therapist, even though he goes to regular therapy, but I still have to learn those things myself and implant those things at home with him. I’m his biggest supporter. I’m his voice and his advocate because he can’t advocate for himself.”
Pierce says the goal is to create a network of support for caregivers who often feel isolated in their journey.
She plans to host an event for children and families to connect on May 24th at ‘Deep Blue Indoor Playground’ in Evansville.
