AUTISM
In 2023 the CDC determined that 1 in 36 children will be diagnosed with autism. It is more commonly found in boys than girls. People diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have difficulty with social, emotional, and communication skills. They might repeat certain behaviors, have rigid routines, and might not want change in their daily activities. Many people with ASD also have different ways of learning, paying attention, or reacting to things. Signs of ASD begin during early childhood and typically last throughout a person’s life. There is no cure for autism and the cause is still yet unknown.
Helping under-served families impacted by Autism
Our Goal,
Vision & Commitment
Register
Help Make Change
Volunteer, Participate
and Donate
We provide social programs to encourage natural socializing, free from judgment from people who do not understand autism, and holiday events so families can enjoy themselves like any other families.
By visiting the link you can make a donation on our giving grid. We appreciate any amount to ensure that we can provide low to no cost events for our families.
The Freddie Ford Family Foundation is dedicated to supporting under-served families impacted by autism and raising awareness and acceptance of autism. Through our mission we strive to enhance the quality of life for individuals with autism by providing opportunities to socialize in a safe, natural setting free from judgment, all while providing fun experiences for the whole family.
There are a number of sponsorship opportunities for the Ausome 80's Trivia Night, Camp Ausome, and our Annual Heroes for Autism 5k and Mile. Please email for more information click here.
Trivia Night Sponsorship Levels
We are a volunteer driven organization. We welcome volunteers for our programs and social events including our Easter Egg Hunt, Trivia Night, Camp Ausome, Heroes for Autism 5k, Trunk or Treat and Christmas Party. We know that our volunteers are special caring people whose time is valuable. If you want a meaningful volunteer experience, please contact us.
PROGRAMS & EVENTS
To find out more about our schedule of upcoming events visit our calendar.
6th Annual Heroes for Autism 5K & Mile registration is open!
Visit our events page to register. With no extra fees.
Early Bird 5K is $35 and mile is $25 until May 1st. The 5K will increase to $45 and the mile will be $35.
Parent Support Group Meeting April 20, 2024 at 2:30 p.m.
Register today! Kids are welcome. We will be learning more about ABA therapy and how to obtain a Dept. of Mental Health ID number.
Autism Trivia Night
Registration
Visit our events page to register. With no extra fees.
Our Ausome 80's Trivia Night for Autism is quickly approaching! Tables of 10 are $250 and single tickets are $35 couples are $60. Pizza can be pre-ordered for $12.
Understanding Neurodiversity in the Workplace
May 15, 2024 at 11:30 a.m.
Register today! 1 hour virtual training for Employers and HR Managers on addressing disabilities in the workplace. SHRM certification credit available. $69 registration fee.
Our Programs and Objectives
Freddie Ford Family Foundation is working very hard to implement programs that support families. Donations to our organization goes to support our programs and objectives.
The objective of the community education programs is increasing awareness and acceptance of autism. The family support programs provide necessary resources as well as general support to families. The objectives for the social skills programs are to assist individuals with autism and their parents with social opportunities to improve their mental health and overall welfare. The objectives of our programs can be measured by event registration and participation in our programs. We offer a variety of program options that appeal to a range of interests, ability levels and age groups.
Mental and Physical Wellness
The mental and physical wellness programs are to promote activities to support the physical and mental well being of families and individuals with autism.
Social Skills
The social skills programs provide opportunities for individuals with autism to engage socially in a natural setting without being instructed on social expectations. Currently, we provide monthly social events for young children with autism. We have a teen social group that meets regularly for events and has weekly social skills calls.
Family Support
The family support programs allow us to connect with parents with newly diagnosed children with information and resources, to discuss issues and concerns with schools, and interact with parents who just need social support to discuss life parenting a child with autism.
Autism Awareness and Acceptance
Through community events and programs the Freddie Ford Family Foundation is working to increase awareness and acceptance of autism.
Summer Camp
The summer camp, Camp Ausome, is for young children with autism to provide a safe place for them to learn a variety of sports and activities with staff that understands their needs.
Education
The Freddie Ford Family Foundation provides links to necessary resources, information, and support to parents of individuals with autism. The Youtube Channel, @ford4autismstl, has videos of educational webinars explaining ABA therapy, Speech therapy, how to manage finances, and other topics.
Our full Guide to Autism Diagnosis can be found under our resources tab.
The Guide to Autism is basic information to get you started on your autism journey. You will find helpful tips for parents and caregivers to support your loved one with autism. Also, there is a list of frequently used terms for you to familiarize yourself with.
Jacquelyn,
Trunk or Treat
My kids had a ball! Thank you for hosting a wonderful party!!
Eric,
Trivia Night
What a great event! Felicia, John and their volunteers did an excellent job with everything from the decor, auction items, the theme, all the way to the trivia questions! very enjoyable evening for a wonderful cause. Highly recommend!
Karlla, Trivia Night
A great time with fun people committed to a great cause. I will definitely keep supporting this event and the Freddie Ford Family Foundation!
1 in 36 children are diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Autism spectrum disorder is 4 times more common in boys than girls.
Statistic from Centers for Disease control
