"By using my voice and getting involved in community events like the Empower Summit & Challenge, I hope to create greater access to resources and education, providing a valuable roadmap for my son, DC, and other families on similar journeys."

Meet Jasmyn M, and her son, DC

Our son, DC, was diagnosed with autism two years ago at the age of 3. Today, he’s 5 and thriving with the help of early intervention, but every step of his development has been a journey of growth and learning for our entire family. Along the way, my husband, Don, and I actively sought ways to engage, build communities and ensure we have the support we need. We’ve been fortunate to form meaningful connections through Autism Speaks and other autism-supportive communities.

As a proud member of Autism Speaks’ Upper Midwest Council, having an active voice in the Empower Summit & Challenge is something I deeply cherish. My goal is to foster a true understanding of the community and why it’s so important we continue to create an inclusive, understanding world for autistic people. I also aim to build meaningful connections and expand my network by using my voice, I hope to create greater access to resources and education, providing a valuable roadmap for other families on similar journeys. I am a firm believer in "you don't know what you don't know," and I love being a resource to those around me.

Jasmyn and her husband with DC on his back

Additionally, I had the privilege of participating in a two-year research project with Northwestern University focused on early intervention and autism in young children. These resources are intended to help researchers, and the community, learn how to collaborate to create better early childhood autism research. We hope these tools will help researchers learn about our real priorities and needs, so that we can come together and create more meaningful therapies and supports. Being a mother to an autistic child is the role I cherish most. I am DC’s biggest advocate, and I believe there is nothing he cannot achieve!

Learn more about Jasmyn and DC in this Q&A.

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