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What are Pervasive Developmental Disorders / PDD / PDD-NOS? The diagnostic category of pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) refers to a group of disorders characterized by delays in the development of socialization and communication skills. Parents may note symptoms as early as infancy, although the typical age of onset is [...]
Opportunities to Support through Shopping Thank you so much for considering a donation to Autism Empowerment. Your support helps us to achieve our mission of enriching and empowering the lives of youth, adults and families in the Autism and Asperger communities locally, nationally and worldwide. The revenue generated by Autism Empowerment [...]
Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking Resources Why this resource page matters. At Autism Empowerment, we are committed to supporting the safety, dignity, and well-being of all individuals in our community. Research shows that people on the autism spectrum and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities are at significantly higher risk [...]
Autistic advocate Niko Boskovic joined Autism Empowerment as a contributing writer for Spectrum Life Magazine and our Spectrum Life blog in October 2022. Niko first appeared on the cover of Spectrum Life Magazine in our Fall 2022 issue and in our feature interview,Niko Boskovic - Letterboarding Leader, readers learned [...]
Dr. Anson Service Bio Dr. Anson Service is a licensed mental health counselor and part of a team that assesses individuals for autism, ADHD, and more at Adventure Psychological Services. Dr. Service has been a regular columnist for Autism Empowerment's Spectrum Life Magazine [...]
Opportunities for Giving and Making an Impact Thank you so much for considering a donation of your time, services or money to Autism Empowerment. Your willingness to give helps us on our way to making life more meaningful for youth, adults and families who consider themselves part of the [...]
Andy Humber Bio Andy Humber joined Autism Empowerment's Board of Directors in October 2016. He was born and raised in Boise, Idaho and was diagnosed on the autism spectrum in late elementary school. Andy Humber has volunteered at Autism Empowerment [...]
Welcome to Autism Empowerment - About Us Autism Empowerment is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization devoted to enriching and empowering the lives of youth, adults and families within Autism and Autistic communities. We promote a culture of Autism Acceptance and believe every one of us has strengths and gifts to [...]
Welcome to the Autism Empowerment Blog This section of our website is where you can find current and past blog postings from Autism Empowerment volunteers, staff and guest bloggers. Blog topics range from educational to inspirational, from current events to self-advocacy editorials. We are looking to enrich and empower [...]
Autism Empowerment Resource Center We are currently in the process of redesigning our AutismEmpowerment.org and SpectrumLife.org websites to add and showcase a variety of new content and resources. This is an ongoing process and we appreciate your patience and support. Autism Empowerment believes in contributing positively to a world [...]
What is Rett syndrome Rett syndrome is a postnatal neurodevelopmental disorder that affects girls almost exclusively and is first noticed in infancy. It is characterized by normal early growth and development followed by a slowing of development, loss of purposeful use of the hands, distinctive hand movements, slowed brain [...]
Peggy Pitsenbarger Bio Peggy Pitsenbarger (1931 - 2024) - Emeritus Board Member Peggy Pitsenbarger was an integral part of the founding years of Autism Empowerment. She served on the Board of Directors as a Board Member from June 2011 through April 14th, 2023. [...]
Hello awesome person! My name is Karen Krejcha and although I'm not there personally in front of you, I wanted to let you know that I truly appreciate your act of generosity and kindness today! On behalf of the Autism Empowerment team of founders, Board Members and volunteers, thank you [...]
Shasti McLaughlin Bio Shasti McLaughlin, AWEtism We Embrace Founder Shasti is the founder of AWEtism We Embrace, an online facilitated support group of Autism Empowerment that meets on the third Tuesday of most months from 6:30 pm-8:30 pm. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, [...]
AE Neurodivergent Creators Collective A New Era of Inclusive Storytelling Welcome (see below) | Upcoming Events | Past Events | Resource Library Empty heading Empty heading Empty heading Empty heading Welcome to the Neurodivergent Creators Collective! The Neurodivergent Creators Collective (AE-NCC) was launched in Spring 2025 as a neurodivergent-led [...]
Gary Borghello Bio Gary Borghello was born and raised in Daly City, California and moved to Vancouver, Washington in 2009. He is currently in semi-retirement from 35+ years in Corporate America, most recently as Engagement Manager at Smart Recruiters and previously as Principal [...]
Core Values, Beliefs, and Goals At Autism Empowerment, our work is guided by four foundational pillars and values that shape everything we do: Accept, Enrich, Inspire, and Empower. These values are at the heart of our mission, our programs, and our community. They represent a commitment to honoring the [...]
AE Neurodivergent Creators Collective A New Era of Inclusive Storytelling Welcome | Upcoming Events (see below) | Past Events | Resource Library Upcoming Social Connection and Learning Opportunities: Empty heading Empty heading Empty heading Empty heading Chill and Chat Need a free low-key space to connect with fellow neurodivergent [...]
Early Intervention Research has shown that intensive therapy during the toddler or preschool years may significantly improve cognitive and language skills in young children on the autism spectrum. There is no single best treatment for all children, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recently noted common features of effective [...]
Paul Pitsenbarger Bio Paul Pitsenbarger has served as Vice President for Autism Empowerment since 2011 and is involved with strategic planning and development. Paul retired after 33 years at Crown Zellerbach and James River Corporation (now Georgia Pacific), where he served as Director [...]