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
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Help Make Change
Volunteer, Participate
and Donate
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Voyage StL Profile on our Founder and Executive Director Felicia Ford. Click the photo to read the article.
The Synapsory provides rest, regulation, and renewal for families of children with specific needs. They are passionate about empowering local groups to have more positive interactions with children with developmental disabilities. By providing churches, police stations, and hospitals with sensory regulation kits, they are empowering first responders and caregivers with tools to better deescalate situations with children who are feeling overwhelmed. To learn more visit https://thesynapsory.org/.
Decades Battle 80's vs 90's Trivia Night for Autism was a great success! We hope everyone enjoyed the evening and we are grateful that you spent the evening with us.Thank you to all the businesses and individuals who donated items for the silent auction and raffle including:
Amp Up Action Park
Bob's Discount Furniture
Bristol's Restaurant
Imo's Pizza
Michael Harris
Mobile on the Run
Pediatric Behavior Specialist
Sammy Soap
St. Louis Ambush
St. Louis Cardinals
Swing Around Fun Town
The Craft Alliance
The Embarrassing Box
The Magic House
The Repertory Theatre
The Synapsory
Top Golf
Waterway
Camp Ausome Registration is now open! Register your child to enjoy our camp where children with autism are able to enjoy camp activities such as sports, crafts, music therapy and more. Children ages 6-11 who are able to use the restroom independently are able to attend camp. Camp maximum is 10 so register now as space is limited. If you need financial assistance paying for camp contact St. Louis County Recreation Council.
Family Field Day May 9th! We encourage families to engage in activity and play together to build a stronger bond. Join us for our fun field day full of friendly competition, games, vendors and friendship! Please feel free to join us even if you do not register to participate to visit vendors and enjoy a day in the park.
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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 today!
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.
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.
​Upcoming Events
Play Date: Be an Instant Story Teller!Jun 28, 2025, 11:30 AMSt. Louis County Library - Bridgeton Tra, Trails Branch Library, 3455 McKelvey Rd, Bridgeton, MO 63044, USA
7th Annual Heroes for Autism 5K and MileJul 19, 2025, 8:00 AMQueeny Park, 550 Weidman Rd, Ballwin, MO 63011, USA
Back to School Parent WorkshopAug 12, 2025, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PMSt. Louis, 1640 S Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63131, USA
We understand how difficult it can be to communicate with educators, service providers and medical providers to advocate for your child with autism. Dr. Camesha Hill-Carter will share tips to help parents and caregivers effectively communicate in a manner to ensure they will be heard.
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September 21, 2024 from 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
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Thornhill Branch
St. Louis County Public Library
12683 Willowyck Dr.
St. Louis, MO 63146
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Trunk or Trick
We are partnering with the We Rock the Spectrum Gym in Fenton for a fun Halloween Trunk or Trick event! A reservation is required for your arrival time so that your child(ren) can play in the gym.
October 19, 2024 reservation times:
2:00 - 3:30 PM
3:00 - 4:30 PM
4:00 - 5:30 PM
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We Rock the Spectrum Gym
2075 Bentley Plz
Fenton, MO 63026
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CITY2 Game Fundraiser
We have partnered with CITY to set up a fundraising night at CITYPARK! Join family and friends to raise money for programs and activities for children and teens with autism and their families.
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$5 from each ticket sold through this link will go back to Freddie Ford Family Foundation
October 6, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. Purchase tickets through us at this link.
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Tacoma Defiance
v.
St. Louis City 2
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CITYPARK, St. Louis, MO​
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Join us for our holiday pary where we will be celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa to ensure our party is as diverse as the families with autism that we support.
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December 15, 2024 from 2:30 - 4:30 PM
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Maryland Heights Community Center
2300 McKelvey Rd
Maryland Heights, MO 63043
Holiday Party
Buddy Bench Plastic Cap Collection program needs your help. We need donations of plastic caps from a variety of items. See the approved list no medical caps! Learn More!
Buddy Bench Plastic Cap Collection Program
​​Needs your Help.
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We need donations of plastic caps from a variety of items.
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See the approved list
No medical caps!
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For All Major Home Appliances
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.
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The objectives of the community education programs are 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.
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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
