Programs

💡 Our Programs

Spectrum Life Magazine & Online Community

Spectrum Life Magazine is an autistic-led publication serving over 40,000 readers per issue in print and online. It features stories, resources, and insights from across the spectrum—and across the lifespan.

At SpectrumLife.org, we offer regularly updated columns by autistic voices including:

• Dr. Anson Service – The Neurodivergent Doctor
• Karen Krejcha – Autistic Advocate, Parent and Co-Founder of Autism Empowerment
• Niko Boskovic – Nonspeaking Advocate who uses a letterboard to communicate
• Lyric Rivera – Creator of #AskingAutistics and neurodiversity advocate
• A Day in the Life of Autistic Adults and other lived-experience stories

All digital issues are available free online, with 750+ partner sites distributing print copies across Washington, Oregon and beyond.

Autism Serves – Helping Hands

Launched in 2025! Autism Serves – Helping Hands is our neurodivergent teen-led evolved version of the award-winning Autism Serves Kids Care Club. Helping Hands empowers autistic and neurodivergent teens, adults, and families to lead service projects with heart. Members choose causes they care about—ranging from disability rights and kindness to animal care and climate action—and help others while growing their own leadership and life skills.

Autism Empowerment’s Neurodivergent Creators Collective (AE-NCC)

New in 2025! A neurodivergent-led, collaborative space for autistic and neurodivergent creators to thrive in media, writing, visual arts, and performance. Through mentorship, storytelling, and content creation, AE-NCC nurtures creative expression and culture-building while honoring lived experience and identity.

Multimedia & Podcasting

• Hold My Beer – A 2025 comedy-drama filmed in Vancouver, WA with neurodivergent cast and crew
• Autism Empowerment Podcast – New season coming in late 2025!

AWEtism We Embrace (AWE)

A peer-led support group for autistic adults and neurodivergent allies. Meetings are held online the third Tuesday of each month, offering encouragement, shared stories, and connection. Learn more

Community Outreach & Inclusive Events

We partner with schools, service providers, clinics, libraries, and recreation centers to distribute free resources and create safe, inclusive spaces. Our outreach includes sensory-friendly holiday events, resource fairs, Pride celebrations, and free Oregon Zoo ticket programs for families in need.

Training & Keynote Speaking

Autism Empowerment offers professional development, accessibility training, and keynote presentations that inspire and educate. From school districts and agencies to corporations and congregations, we bring insight and lived experience to every session. 

Advocacy & Public Impact

Our co-founders, Karen Krejcha and John Krejcha regularly write blogs and make public statements addressing the evolving needs of autistic communities—from challenging ableism and misinformation to advocating for intersectional justice, mental health, and meaningful inclusion. Visit SpectrumLife.org and AutismEmpowerment.org for our latest updates.

Looking Ahead

In response to rising demand, we are developing new support and mentorship programs, expanding youth, adult and senior initiatives, and preparing to redesign our websites and media platform to make them more accessible and empowering for all.

Your Place in Our Community

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, have been advocating for years, or are simply learning more—we want you to know:

You are seen. You are valued. You are not alone.

This is your community. This is our community. Together, we can build a more compassionate and inclusive world.

Donate Now – Help us grow this vision