Welcome back to Unmasking the Heart for Change, where we dive into the real stories behind transformation.
One heart to heart at a time. I'm your host Tammy Winstead, and I'm so thankful you've tuned in with us today. Imagine a parent who's told their child might never communicate and then they receive an iPad through an AG for Autism grant that opens a whole new world for them, or a teacher and a small Delta School who finally has a resources for sensory friendly classrooms.
That's the kind of difference today's guest and her team are making. Today's episode is all about community compassion and the unexpected way the agriculture has become a lifeline for families living with autism. My guest, Lauryn Tacker, not only serves as the vice president of AG for Autism, but she's also a mom walking the journey of raising a child with autism spectrum disorder.
Since 2012, AG for Autism has awarded over 1.5 million in grants. And what's even more inspiring is how they've turned everyday events into extraordinary lifelines. From fundraising tournaments, to community dinners, to new creative projects on the horizon. Ag for Autism is proving that when people rally together, miracles really do grow.
Lauren, thank you so much for being here today. To start us off, can you share a little bit about yourself?
having me today to be able to share my passion with. So I'm Lauryn Tacker. I am married to Will Tacker and the mom to two amazing boys, Reed and rj. We live in Le Panto, Arkansas, where our family farms in both Poinsett and Mississippi counties. Even though I've made my home here in northeast Arkansas, my heart will always be rooted in Dewitt where I grew up. In 2007, I left Arkansas County to attend Arkansas State University, where I earned my master's degree in social work. And college was also where I met my husband Will, and we got married in 2013. And then two years later, we welcomed our first son, Reed from the very beginning, he faced several medical challenges, and at the age of three he was diagnosed with autism and intellectual development disability. Lord blessed us. that I could step away from my job at the hospital as a social worker and be home to care for him full time in 2021, we completed our family with our youngest son, RJ, who keeps us on our toes. Always had a heart for helping people, but my experience as a mom raising a child who is medically complex and on the spectrum gave that passion a deeper purpose.
I
Mm-hmm.
in nonprofit work
until I the Centers for Exceptional Families, and if you're a parent of a child with special needs, I can't recommend them enough. That experience opened my eyes to what true advocacy and community support can look like.
Mm-hmm.
I work
part-time Wellness Mind Plus Body. Um, I also serve as vice president for AG for Autism. I drive our son Reed to attend school at 80 20 Learning for Autism in Jonesboro. And our youngest son, RJ, attends River Crest. We attend Keiser First Baptist Church and we are blessed to be able to call them our church home. I spend a lot of time on the road, but it's literally part of our lives. Because we have to make sure that both of our children get services that they need.
Mm-hmm.
and the nonprofit
work, is to help bring the resources, awareness, and support to families. Especially in the rural communities
like the ones that
Yes.
Um,
I wanna be able no family feels left behind just because of where they live.
Before we talk about the incredible work of ag for autism, I'd love to pause on your personal journey because so often the why behind our work is just as important as the what as a mom raising a son with autism, what have been some of the challenges and joys that have shaped your heart for advocacy?
Honestly, has been filled journey has been filled with both challenges incredible joys. Social wasn't new to me, but once our son was diagnosed with autism, it took on a whole new meeting for me. Suddenly, I wasn't just advocating for clients or patients at the hospital. I was advocating for my own child in a world that isn't often built for him, one of the hardest parts was and still is, navigating the unknown. Learning what autism meant for him, and sorting through mountains of paperwork and figuring out what resources even existed. It was overwhelming. Even with my training and my professional experience, that really opened my eyes. I kept thinking, I'm struggling with this, what about parents who don't even know where to start?
Mm-hmm.
what broke my heart and lit a in me to try and make a way for other parents to know what resources are out there and how to go about securing them. Now,
Mm-hmm.
they the challenges every day. Um, every small victory from his first words his genuine smile of pride after like a accomplishing something watching him just complete a task on his own. Those moments have changed me forever.
he
Yeah.
in the work when it comes to therapy he continues to do so. I'm just the transportation, I just take him there. I don't do the work. He has done the
Right.
he has taught me so not just about life, but about myself as a mother and as a caregiver. Like most parents, I think about when he becomes an adult. I know those resources are limited. So that is something that I advocate for right now in terms of change for the adult community, when it comes to the access to the resources and the services, because these children, they grow up to be adults. They don't just stop aging. And right now the state of Arkansas is not meeting the needs of those adult individuals. So. the moments over the years, and they all continue to teach me, but they've just taught me that advocacy isn't just about fighting the systems or fighting for change. It's about celebrating the process and honoring every step of growth along the way.
So looking back, what surprised you the most about navigating the world of autism support and services?
I think what surprised me the most was realizing how many resources actually exist, especially in northeast Arkansas. So there's a lot of support out there, it's not always easy to find
or
Mm-hmm.
to access. I when it came to how much time. paperwork and the persistence it really takes to get the help
Mm-hmm.
Is Arkansas still lacking in terms of resources? Yes, but I will say that Arkansas is blessed to have as many as we do because where I grew up, there is nowhere
Hmm.
the
resources that are needed
I,
the
needs of individuals
lithe spectrum on the
And
yeah.
being
where they don't have those resources and now living in a place that has access to resources, it's real eyeopening when you realize,
Mm-hmm.
in our state, those families don't have. fourth of the resources that
we do.
Right,
right.
is it
isolating at times. There are moments I didn't even know kind of help to ask for.
Mm-hmm.
And that is one
thing about that is so important,
Yeah.
with ag for autism.
blessing being
surrounded by people
who get it, who
understand
right.
the lows, the
the sleepless nights, the hours and hours of therapy. been such a source of encouragement. amazing how much lighter everything feels when
you realize you're not walking that road
alone.
So how did your personal experience motivate you to connect with ag For autism?
for autism, started with our personal journey. But it's grown into something so much bigger. began for us as a fight to understand what Reed needed, along with securing services for him, into a passion for awareness and inclusion, for making sure other families don't have to feel as lost or alone
as we once
Mm-hmm. right.
I came to realize that advocacy isn't just about speaking it for my child. It's about helping others feel empowered advocate for themselves and their child, and have the strength that these kids bring to the world.
AG for
autism gave
me a way to do Bigger scale
now as a
mom, worker, and as a vice president of the organization, I get to help connect families, spread that awareness Mm-hmm.
that the rural communities
grew up in, have access to the same resources and support. And is truly a blessing for us as a family. God always has a plan.
And this was
Mm-hmm.
well, it
wasn't in our it was in his plan, and it's
been a true blessing for
our family story to
for others.
And allowing families just to not feel alone. I'm sure that's been a powerful part of it too, because like you said, you, you had the degrees technically right. And then thinking you're prepared. And being prepared can be two different type things sometimes, right?
field, having that social worker background
where, you know,
Mm-hmm.
to find
resources
Right.
those connections, I was not prepared at all. And it
is not an
Right,
when you get a
diagnosis of especially, but really any type of development,
um,
Mm-hmm.
state of Arkansas, it's
an easy process at all.
Right. So let's talk about the heartbeat of ag for autism itself. What's so beautiful about ag for autism is how it's connecting agriculture, a field rooted in growth with families who need hope, and I love that. Can you tell us about the origin of ag for autism and what its mission looks like today?
I've actually had the privilege of working alongside five the organization's original volunteers. got to listen to their stories witnessing their continued passion has been inspiring then to now, one thing we all agree on is just how much ag for autism has grown and evolved.
The
Mm-hmm.
when three agricultural companies came together. After recognizing a growing need to support the autism community, Mm-hmm. of the founding
members had
connections to autism through their own families. what began as a small effort agricultural communities now become a true community-wide mission supported by businesses from all backgrounds, all over northeast Arkansas, and the
Delta
Mm-hmm.
now at its heart. for autism has always been about connection, and communities coming together to make a difference. Our mission today remains the same as it was at the beginning, and that is to simply raise awareness, provide the resources, and give back to individuals and their families spacing the daily living with autism and also our schools so that they have the supports they need. To be able to care for and educate those on the spectrum. We're proud of how far we've come, I'm telling you, we are even more excited for where we're headed.
Yes, and I think that the 1.5 million in grants obviously speaks for itself. It's very incredible. But I love how you guys are not just helping families, but you're also helping other organizations who have been touched by that generosity. So can you tell us how the process work and just some of those people and organizations that you've touched?
So,
have a grant
cycle. Our grant cycle is how you can access funding.
So basically our
grant cycle opens up in the spring.
is now an online application, which is great. It's
made the process a lot
Mm-hmm.
So
it opens up
that have autism. is also available to school districts, and it is also available to other nonprofits services to those who live on the spectrum. example, the Centers for Exceptional Families, is another nonprofit that assists with that. They offer, um, things for the community as well. Individuals from all over northeast Arkansas all the way to the Delta have been touched by the money that's been raised. The school districts are. Everywhere. We've had some closer to Central Arkansas, but Northeast Arkansas has seen a lot of grants given back to the school districts. Um, green County Tech Valley View, Set County Mark Tree Wynne is a big one. Um, and know, we, the list grows every year.
There's more and
more.
This past year
grants ever had in one setting. Um, we were able to grant out, you know, 220 of those grants.
Wow.
in terms of
application, it's
They fill it out, upload documentation that we may have to request, and then we as a board will sit down. before that meeting, have our number. Um, in terms of funding that we're allowed and able to grant out. And then we go through each of these grants one by one, trying to see and figure out the best way that we are able to meet as many people's needs as possible. Um, and so, you know, some of the school districts have requested
rooms
Mm-hmm.
sensory items. The schools have also work to, when they do grants, they'll ask for money for a sensory room or items will assist these students.
Right.
have asked for
biggest one that we're known for and that we enjoy the most is being able to provide an individual with an iPad.
Now this
Yeah.
has a
cover, case. And then we also provide them with the ability to be able to purchase the app in which they will use to be able to teach their child to communicate.
Mm.
So what this looks like
is they'll
this iPad and usually these individuals are already set up with a speech therapist. So that speech therapist or that therapist that's helping them will get the app on the iPad for them, set it up. They'll use that in therapy.
teach that
Wow.
they'll teach that
family. this child who not been able to communicate or has just been using, you know, picture pictures in a book
Mm-hmm.
sign
language. has the opportunity to be able to communicate through this device. And it's not just a therapy, they get to take it home
Right?
So world itself is for these individuals is huge. That's, that's huge. You know, I remember Reed could not speak. We, we were, um, we were allowed to be able to, we had the opportunity to use a device. Was,
Mm-hmm.
amazing. It did help him.
Um,
Mm-hmm.
he is verbally communicating, which is great, but for these individuals that can't communicate verbally opening that or opening that line of communication, it is just. You have to see it in real
life. You,
Mm-hmm.
see it. It
is,
Yeah.
will bring tears to your eyes to be able to um, and so that is how, that's where our grants go. And like I said, this, the application process is simple. Um, and it opens up in the spring. So if you're following our Facebook or anything like that, that's where the details will be. And you can see that happen.
well, I can't imagine the empowerment that, that, um, family feels and the child feels whenever that moment of them finally being able to, to feel seen and to feel that connection and be able to communicate, like you said, getting to take it with 'em, getting to take it to school, getting to just be a part of their life and provide a, a sense of normalcy. You know, I can't, I just, I can't even imagine what that, like you said, seeing it would be absolutely amazing. One of the questions that I love to ask everyone involved in all the change makers out there is do you have a specific story or a moment where you thought, this is why we do this.
there. There have been plenty of times, but we work all year long as an organization and we're blessed with the best volunteers and sponsors anyone could ask for. But every summer our efforts come to life at our community fest. This event was created a few years ago and it has evolved over the years. been in different locations, new ideas, but the one thing that's never changed is the joy of seeing families come together in a space where they feel completely accepted and included.
Mm-hmm.
This past summer's was exactly what I had always envisioned. We reached more families than ever before,
and
Wow.
while we weren't prepared for that level of turnout, um, it was beautiful chaos. Families got to connect with resources. got to meet others walking the same similar path and. got to share moments of hope that will stay with us forever.
Being able to provide a grant to a family and watching them receive it is like watching a small weight being lifted off their shoulders,
Mm-hmm.
their smile is worth that we put in. Now, there is one moment in particular that will always stand out now, but this year there was a little girl, she came with her family to receive a speech tablet, and as they walked off after being given the tablet and having their picture taken, her younger sister turned to our board member, Megan, she said, I can't wait talk to my sister for the first time, and. Megan told me this, I just stood there. I mean, tears in my eyes, then tears in my eyes. Now, that single sentence
Hmm.
away every of stress or exhaustion and replaced it with pure joy
Yes,
Yes,
emotional thinking about it
Yeah.
just impacting the individual themselves. We're impacting that entire family.
Yes.
like that why we do this. The exciting
wow.
when happen outside of our grant giving event. Whether it's a parent calling to say, thank you for the resource, or you for simply hosting an event that they felt included and
Mm-hmm.
to make memories as a family just needing someone to listen and provide encouragement. Each just reminds us that our efforts are worth it to make sure that
Mm-hmm.
feels seen and like I said, never feel alone on this journey. It's huge.
And you think about that, that that kid that just wanted to connect with his sister, like, that's a, we take for granted, right? And
it's,
Yeah.
Oh.
not walking every day. You forget about a lot of things that, and you take those for granted and
Mm-hmm.
that one line forever stick with of us.
Yes.
was, there, it was,
Yes. Well, one of the things I love about your organization is that it's not just about the grants, it's about creating those moments just like that where people feel less alone. And that's so incredibly important in all walks of our lives, especially this one, you truly use events to bring people together, not just to raise money, but to create community. So let's unmask that a little bit. Can you take us back to the early ages of ag for autism events? And what were those first fundraisers like? And when did you realize that it was bigger than you could have ever imagined?
in the beginning, after getting to speak with the ones that were the first few years, AG for Autism fundraisers looked a lot different than they do now. Their first big events were created around March Madness, and they helped something
Oh,
the Bracket bonanza, started small. I'm told that it was just a couple of rooms at the local Elks Lodge. Was smaller, but it had heart, and then you could already feel that sense of purpose behind it. Now I remember the first event I personally attended, it was called Ag Bash. It was held at the A SU Union in one of like the ballrooms. There was a dinner, an auction, raffles, and even individuals with autism sharing their musical talents, which was so awesome to see as parents who had a recently diagnosed child, to be able to see the growth that these individuals had made. it was such a moving night. And honestly, I did not realize then how much I would one day be involved. The following year, I to help sell raffle tickets. of COVID, they weren't able to gather in person. So their team got together and created and put together four raffle packages. And even during that tough time, the passion to keep helping families never stopped. Just looked a
Mm-hmm.
Now, everything shifted. My
Mm-hmm.
Zach Owens, who is now our and myself, we are both parents of children on the spectrum. We were invited to get more involved with ag autism. Alongside the original volunteers, we brought new ideas and a lot of energy to help the organization grow, and that led the creation of our biggest event yet, which is our AG for Autism Super Bowl bash. Now we launched the first one in and it was bigger than any of us ever expected. By the end of that night, I remember looking around the glass factory, that's where we had it. I remember looking around that room and thinking, we're gonna need a bigger venue next year.
Like
Wow.
I remember not sleeping that night I was so excited about the turnout that I was just writing down all my thoughts and ideas for the following year. the growth since then has just been incredible.
year,
That's great.
has gotten larger,
Yeah.
filled with fun and
Yeah.
Now our biggest fundraising event, but outside of the largest fundraiser that we host as an organization. We do have multiple other organizations that have like reached out over the years and wanted to host an event to help fund our calls. We,
nice.
we do have a few yearly now to raise funds. We do host events to give back to the community that our largest one is the community fest. We also offer a sensory friendly trunk or treat. do Sensory Santa probably our family's second favorite event is the sensory hours at the NEA district Fair.
Mm,
and so we many events throughout the year, but if you've never been to any of our events if you've never volunteered, I really encourage you to check out our Facebook page or website for the details because every single one of these events what remind us of why we do what we do.
Mm-hmm.
been involved, we went two events a year to now there are events every month and
Wow. Wow.
a huge growth it's continuing to grow, which is absolutely amazing. And we couldn't do it without all of our supporters and volunteers, but we have been able to share the awareness that's our main goal, and we've been able to achieve that. And so we're just excited the next year
Yeah. Yeah. I love that. I saw the, um, NEA, um, sensory hours this year and how, how cool to get to experience something like that with a family because that is being offered, you know, for a child that participate otherwise. Right. So that's amazing.
amazing to just be there and watch, you
know,
Yeah.
very thankful to fair board
Mm-hmm.
of the, um, they are absolutely amazing to work with, and they make sure that we have a good, event set up for the community.
Yeah.
we all, every single forward to that event every year.
Yeah. That's so cool. And I wanna say to our listeners that our podcast is recorded, um, remotely now, and that dogs are always welcome. So I love that you had a background person speaking with you. If I could figure out how to podcasts with just dogs. That's what,
that's all I would do. Literally,
that, And
Miles
yes.
a dog at our auction a few years ago,
Oh,
my son, yeah, Reed had been telling people for over a year that he had a dog named Miles Morales Reed is obsessed with Spider-Man and he Kept he had a black dog named Miles Morales and you know, me and his dad were like trying to hold off as long as possible.
Mm-hmm.
um, his papa through and, um, won the auction and got this sweet dog.
Oh,
so miles is kinda the AG for Autism mascot. Um, he's just part of the
I love it.
so he's probably mad in here. Um, but
Oh,
he, is part of the AG for Autism that is Miles
yes. That is so cool. I love it. Well, like I said, always welcome over here. I have three and yeah, normally if they're, they were in the room with me, normally you would see tails walking behind me, just randomly. They're normally right underneath my feet. So, well, partnerships with the farms and ag business have been key to the success. So how have those connections helped shape AG for autism?
itself was founded by three Ag companies coming together. The foundation of the organization built on support from the ag community. Over the years, ag community has continued to give year after year the last five to six years, as an organization have been able to gain support from other businesses outside of the ag community, such as banks and medical and even
Mm-hmm.
businesses. Um, our they provide us with what we need in order to continue our mission. And we're grateful for each and every supporter. And so over the
Mm-hmm.
you know, it's to build, but ag will always be the foundation. Um.
Yeah.
come out year after year. and it's been, it's nice to always see the returning, returning sponsors for sure.
I love that. Well, this year alone, you said you've given out what, 220 grants, but behind those numbers are real stories. How do your current fundraising events connect directly to those stories of impact for both families and those schools?
Is closed, the money from every fundraiser held from August to the following June is put towards our amount to be able to grant out the following cycle. So individuals offered to apply. For up to $1,500 in sensory items or to go towards therapy because private insurance does not always cover therapy that they need. Copays can
Mm-hmm.
It's that family does not for a secondary insurance or Medicaid. The, um, that's where we are able to purchase the iPads and the app in order for them to be able to communicate. been able to provide sensory items that they need in daily living, weighted blankets. Um, anything that you can think of that's sensory and if you've ever seen the price tag of a sensory item, it is quite expensive. Um. Very expensive. And so, you know, and I mean, they've been able to get things they need in order to support these students in their school district is just amazing. mean, just as simple as asking for, um, grant funding to help them buy noise reduction headphones.
Mm-hmm.
The, the difference that you know, having those sensory items available, the difference that it makes in a child who's at school. Um, yeah, it's a big, every event is very important to meet our mission.
Mm-hmm.
single penny counts and it all to this community, you know, and we do what we can to grant out as many as possible. We truly do,
Right.
if it requires us, you know, making changes to things. Um, school districts themselves are allowed to ask up to $5,000, so able to get what they need in order to provide support to their entire district.
We've had the school district that my kids were associated with, added a sensory room. And I think that's so great. Not just for the kid, but everyone, like when I heard that they were, I wanna go to it like those. So those are so important and I would love to see that be the norm in places where we all could use that reset and just that quietness and the place is still away in peace. So I love that you guys are doing that for the schools also, including those in, because you know, like you said, funds are tight and those resources are pricey and schools don't always have the opportunity to get funding for things like that. So you guys fill in the gap really is an, an important part of this purpose. So. What has been some of the most exciting or unexpected ways that you've seen the community show up in support?
This year, I honestly, there's not words to
Mm-hmm.
had to be there. Community was, I mean, if the listeners could see the smile on my face right now, I mean, the community fest alone was just everything that we ever hoped it would be. And like I said, we weren't prepared for that and it was beautiful chaos. But, um. It was, it was amazing. And I look so forward to next year already. And know, when I started with ag, it was how can we build this and make it a community? Like let's get these, let's get these families together,
Mm-hmm.
to make them feel safe and in one area to where they can connect with each other. And that in itself was the amount of people that came out, the vendors that came out, families that
Wow.
I mean, it was just, it was so exciting and very, very unexpected.
Do you know how many people were there?
Um, there was
Wow,
um,
crazy.
we. Vendors, that's volunteers, that's family, that's their kids, everything. Um, think it was roughly, uh, five 50.
Wow. Very cool. Very cool. So cool. So what are some of the responses or stories you've shared, some that, um, families and schools have directly benefited from your organization's support that they've shared with you?
go to our Facebook, um, and our
Mm-hmm.
look at the testimonies. Uh, 'cause the pictures we get are just so much joy. know, parents have simply just been like, this has been a huge relief for us. met a need that we haven't been able to get met. know, you're, you've changed our lives by being
Mm-hmm.
this for our family. It's, those simple things such a huge impact. You know,
Mm-hmm.
just reaching out, in their pictures and their videos of their children. Just being able to be themselves
Mm-hmm.
safe environment and being able to meet their sensory needs or being able to regulate appropriately. It's a big deal and people just don't realize it,
Mm-hmm.
until you get to see that, the reward that's done and how much impact it has.
Wow, that's really cool. So, looking ahead, I know AG for autism is always dreaming bigger. Let's talk about what's next. So what are some of your goals for the upcoming project that Ag for Autism is excited about?
up that we're really excited about. of our larger projects in the works is a partnership with Jonesboro Police Department is
Hmm.
a community safety event of 2026. This will be brand new event, but it, what it will do is it'll bring together law enforcement, first responders and other local safety resources to help families, especially
Mm-hmm.
and prepared in emergency situations. So we're really excited about that. We're also working on a new program focused on the healthcare setting. Um, this will be designed not only for healthcare workers, but for families as well. So the goal is. To help bridge that communication gap and make the healthcare experience more inclusive and supportive for individuals with autism. Now, as an organization, we always focus on wanting to reach more families in rural communities throughout Northeast Arkansas and the Delta. Um, so we're hoping that this community safety event, even though we're having it in Jonesboro, we're hoping, you know, in a couple of years or next the following year, being able to get that into other areas like Mississippi County. Or Poinsette County. Of travel, but know that that sometimes can be difficult. Um, we wanna be able to keep expanding our communication board initiative for the local parks so that more kids can play and connect in, um, inclusive. Spaces. And of
Mm-hmm.
last but not least, we're about launching our podcast. going to be a space where we can tell real stories and those resources and just bring voices from across the spectrum to the table. It's just another way that we hope to be able to educate, encourage, and just connect even more with families and community partners across the whole state of Arkansas.
Yeah, I was so hoping you were gonna put, bring that up because I am excited about it too. When you tell me you're launching a podcast, uh, i'm gonna have a podcast friend
be so
um, get this going.
yeah, because it, and when you're out there on your own and there's a lot of resources online, but everybody's got an opinion until you've tried it and I've tried a bunch and didn't like and sent stuff back, and I love this. I absolutely love this, and I can't wait to find new tips and tricks and share 'em with you and then receive from you that I, I'm just, I, I'm so stoked When you said that last night and we, I was reading through, I said, oh my gosh, finally someone's gonna get it.
Like.
and you wanna start a podcast, I encourage you to go on another podcast as a guest so that you can
Yeah.
the other side of the mic and
Yes,
I
Yes,
and do this and, stuff from you. I mean, we've had a great time today, so,
yeah,
Yes.
to the
This is gonna be an ongoing friendship for sure, and hopefully we can be guests on each other's that would be, continue to be guests on each other's, because I would absolutely love that. So. So for listeners who want to get involved, whether they're local farmers families, or simply people with big hearts, what's one step that they can take today to be a part of this movement?
I.
one that people can do is always follow us on social media. If you know anything about social media, the algorithm can be tough. So
Mm-hmm.
our
Mm-hmm.
that information gets out, that is the cheapest way because it's free.
Mm-hmm.
Um, the is. with us. You can go online to our website at um, www.agforautism.org. There is a volunteer form on there you can fill out and our amazing executive director, Sarah, will take the information and put it into our system so then we can reach out to have you volunteer. Um, you know, as we're getting ready for our biggest event, that is when we need our volunteers. Um, you
Mm-hmm.
takes time a lot of people to make these things come to life. And so you can do that. You can even reach out to us on Facebook or if you happen to know any of our board members and they're all listed on our website, you can reach out to any of them and we will definitely get you connected with us, um, in whatever capacity that may be. If you're wanting
Mm-hmm.
co-host an event, if to just donate, if you're wanting to be involved. You know, we're we're there for that.
Mm-hmm. I love it. Well, you've already talked about how big you guys have grown over the last years, but another one of my favorite questions is if resources and support were unlimited, what's the one event or initiative you would love to see AG for autism create in the future?
my favorite question. If you ask anyone who's volunteered with me or sat through a meeting with me, will tell you I dream big.
I love it.
If resources you know, were unlimited and support was unlimited, I would love to see ag for autism create a central hub, a place that truly meets families. they are.
Mm-hmm.
picture a space includes a sensory gym, but also includes a regular gym that is adaptive to people wanting to work out,
Mm-hmm.
resource center, life skills unit where individuals can learn and grow in a safe environment. love for there to be classrooms for trainings, educational workshops, and maybe even like a little cafe that employees, individuals on the spectrum, which would be creating both opportunity and inclusion under one roof.
Mm-hmm.
beyond building, there are some very real needs. Right now. One of the biggest is access to and early intervention. The earlier that you can identify and support an individual, the better their outcomes will be. So how amazing would it be
Mm-hmm.
have a mobile testing instead of a year long wait list, and having individuals come to the provider, like, why don't we work to find a way to go to those rural communities?
Mm-hmm.
another huge and this is across the state, is for adults on the spectrum. You know, advocating on the state level. This would require changes in law, but advocating for more therapy services to be covered after a certain age.
Mm-hmm.
it, stop
Mm-hmm.
18 or 21. Continues. Like it's, it's with them, it's part of who they are.
Mm-hmm.
spaces for social for individuals on the spectrum that will help with their social interactions and just being able to have a community, welcomed and to be able to just, know, talk about whatever, you know,
Mm-hmm.
wants to find somebody to sit down and talk for hours. And guess what? It's not his mama. Because I unfortunately learn all of my Spider-Man facts and information from him. I gotta find him a connection that can sit and talk to him about that, you know? And so that continued growth and probably one of the
yeah.
things that people don't think about is having space, which I would love to have in this building as well, is a space for. providers who are trained and comfortable working with neurodiverse individuals who
Mm-hmm.
I'm talking gynecologists, gastro, neuro
Mm-hmm.
Mm-hmm.
I a lot of that at a certain age and it is harder for the adult community to be able to get the services they need. So, know, I would my dreams not only be in one place, even offered as a mobile all kind.
Mm-hmm.
Mm-hmm.
up individuals of all ages living on the spectrum. It wouldn't matter where they live. We as a
Mm-hmm.
need to look how to meet the individuals where they are, go to them, Their families rather than making it extremely difficult to receive the care and services they so desperately need.
Yes.
you know, testing right now in Arkansas is a, is a crisis. Honestly.
Mm-hmm.
a whole publication a and it's a big deal, you know?
Mm-hmm.
so yeah, I dream and, but it's always rooted back in the real needs. You know, a place like that would change lives, not just for individuals on the spectrum, but for entire families and communities. And so as an organization, you know, we're here in northeast Arkansas and we service Northeast Arkansas and the Delta primarily, but how cool would it be to be able to have. A Southeast Arkansas AG for autism chapter.
Mm-hmm.
Mm-hmm.
to have, be
Mm-hmm.
those chapters to even their own funding and be able to provide more resources for those individual areas. So like I said, I dream big and I usually have another thing to add all the time and
Mm-hmm.
board members are probably like, just add it to the list because don't have all that funding. And so, a girl can dream, right?
Right? Yes. And that, I know, that's what I love about you. Like we are kindred spirits because you're not just gonna stop here. You're gonna keep going. And as you were talking about that building, I could, I, I literally can see it. So I'm praying and believing with you that that's gonna be a reality one of these days. And then you'll get to post, host your podcast from the building. It'll have its own podcast studio.
be it's just needed. There's so much that's needed
Yeah.
but you know, having it in would be, I mean, convenience. We all love convenience, so
Well think about you just said like something that I hadn't even considered. You know, I know for specialty specialists and stuff, yeah, it takes a while. But to think about a one year wait for testing, how hopeless that has to feel like
you might get an appointment for the Dentist Development Center. But that appointment is for you to go and you're gonna talk to an A PRN. They're gonna sit with you and talk, go over your applica, like everything you filled about, and then they're gonna say, I feel this individual needs testing for the diagnosis of autism. Okay. Um, 4-year-old was, we waited over eight months our initial appointment at the DDC, and we went and, um, there, we didn't have concerns in terms of the spectrum, but he got diagnosed with a DH adhd, which that doesn't require any follow-up testing, but if you needed, if you had spectrum characteristics, that would require more testing. So guess what? You're leaving that day Another date and time to come back. So if you live where we live, you're driving or three hours to go back to Little Rock, possibly a month or two later. So all those, all that time and all the months that this individual's missed out on that early intervention.
Early intervention, I could speak to that for days. It is so, so important. Um, and so yeah, I encourage any parent who even has a thought or concern, I encourage them to speak to their primary care doctors. Um,
there are other
Mm.
in the state.
The Dentist not the only place.
Yes. But they're, they are the most thorough
say the
Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Wow. So you talked about your dreams and stuff for the, for ag for autism, but what do you wish that more people understood about the autism journey in itself? Both for parents and for the children?
So as a parent, I wish that more people understood we want the same things for our kids as every parent does. We want them to grow up happy. We want them to grow up healthy kind and respectful. want them to be able to live independently. Our hopes and dreams aren't any different. What's different is just the path that we take to get there.
I think.
than an individual not living on the spectrum, I can guarantee you that we are thankful and grateful for any accomplishments that are made to make those dreams Um, for us, for myself and my husband, our close friends and, and people I've spoken to, heard us say, you know, your goal for your child be college and living on their own in
Mm-hmm.
a house and being able to have a Our goal is to be able to have Reed live, you know, outside of our home, even if it's in a tiny home. Behind our house, you know, just those, the differences like that, um, is a big deal, you know, and just, you know, one thing that I love about kids on the spectrum just how they see
Mm-hmm.
They don't as different. Like they see people for who they are, exactly how God made them.
Wow. Mm-hmm.
think
if more of us could see the world the same way they do, we would all be better human beings
for it.
Mm.
You
know?
Mm-hmm.
I just can't explain it.
just. If you
ever get a chance to
time with someone on the spectrum, I encourage it.
It's a
blessing,
And the, um, the authenticity that you know, you're gonna get from 'em. Like
it,
yeah.
Um, um, and I hold it close to my heart, and you'll hear it said a lot of different ways. if you've met one person with autism, you've met one person with autism. Every journey is unique. two stories look the same. that's what makes this community so incredibly beautiful. And I just want parents to remember on the journey, not compare your journey. To anybody else's
Yes.
because they are so that was probably the
Yes.
thing overcome as a parent. especially even having a younger sibling now, like him having a younger sibling. Like two different worlds, two different paths,
Mm-hmm.
styles of parenting. You all different,
Mm-hmm.
Mm-hmm.
at the end of
Yeah. Well, as we close, there's always one question. I love to ask all of our inspiring change makers who share their heart with us. Can you share a moment that a small act of kindness, there's something you gave or received, or something that was done for you left a lasting impact on you.
So you've probably learned this already talking to me for this little bit of time, but I can talk to anybody. And I will talk to anybody. Um, I was at the park in Jonesboro and Reed was playing, and I observed a mother and her child. They were looking at the communication board that AG for Autism had funded and put in at the park.
And I,
Mm-hmm.
and watched for a little bit,
I just went up and introduced myself just as a mom. You know, I talked to the mom and she had just moved to the area. She didn't know anyone. She that her son had just, you know, recently been diagnosed with autism. And this next statement that she made was so eyeopening to me.
She said, uh, but you know what? I, I've never met anyone else who has a child on the spectrum. just stood there in shock because. standing at a park probably 80 90% of the children running around are on spectrum.
And so that was just like
heart And I told her right then, that's when I opened up to 'em.
I was like, Hey, guess what? I'm a special needs mama as well. as talking to her, there was so much that she didn't know,
Wow.
of just little
things waiver and Tefra and a R hip and just a lot of different little things and didn't even know about ag for autism. And so able to stand there and talk to that mother and just her that, Hey, everything's gonna be okay.
Like, here's my number. Like you call me if you just need to vent.
You know, like it's
Mm-hmm.
You don't have anyone, like,
we don't want
And so. Moving forward, you know, they've come to our events and I get so excited to see them because they just wanna update me on
how, how much has
in their life just after that conversation, you know, like it
wasn't me,
mm-hmm.
truly was God.
And,
and
that's
Right.
but to see this event and see them just be so excited and just with a smile on their face and just, she just looks at so much more peace now that she's like connected with others, you know? And it, it just reminded me that we can have a big event and give grants out all day long, or we can just easily communicate with another parent at the park. You
know, and
Mm-hmm.
me that kindness
doesn't have to be
complicated to make a difference.
Sometimes one
gift.
one
Yeah.
it's
one that can change everything for someone
else.
Yeah.
that day in just reminds me of why I do the work I do. Why talk so much
Mm-hmm.
create those
moments of hope for families just like, just like
Yes.
You know,
I, it's important. And so if I ever see you at the park and I just come up and start talking to you, you know, I just, I think just having that connection and, and being able to tell her, Hey,
there, been there.
Yeah.
was going through something and explained it
like, you know what? I. kind of went through the same thing and, and this is kinda what we tried,
you know, I'm never
gonna tell a parent, you should do this, you
should do this.
right.
right.
Yeah.
we Hey, this is a resource I used and it did this. You know, it's, it's all about the connection and the
sharing and
Mm-hmm.
all comes back full
circle to And
Mm-hmm.
I just wish there was more
kindness. I
kindness in the
world. For
sure.
Yes. Yes, More kindness and more acceptance. We would be a better place overnight immediately. So thank you for joining me today, Laura, and I can't wait to hear your podcast. You're gonna be the perfect podcast host 'cause you're so easy to talk to.
you're gonna be so great at it.
Well, I'm
looking
Uh,
have you on as a
guest. I've enjoyed this so much and it's definitely given me perspective
of,
Yes.
I, I'm excited. lot today from
you and
good.
yeah, this
was fun and much.
Yeah, well, we will be staying in touch for sure. And you got my number and any questions? Absolutely. Your personal Jo journey and the story of ag for autism is so inspiring and it's right here in northeast Arkansas, which makes it even more special. Like it's a resource and I can't wait to see that building and the, just following you, getting to learn, getting to meet you now and then following this journey.
I just can't wait to us to be sitting over coffee one day and in the building, in your podcast room and being like, you remember when we were talking about this?
It's just the beginning
and the, the, like you said, the hope that you have and just. When they turn 18, when they turn 21. I mean, I love that. I love that this program has you as an advocate, because I can see you one of these days being on a TED Talk, like, like honest stage, and I'm gonna be in the audience going, that's my friend.
mean, you can ask my fellow board members. I like to talk and especially when I'm passionate about something, I can go for hours and hours and hours, but
know, I feel like
I love that.
somebody's
gotta talk
Right,
gave me this voice for a
reason, so I
right.
right. Speak up sis. Speak up sis. Yes. Well, listeners, today you heard how one organization has transformed fields of agricultural into fields of hope. As you go into this week, I wanna ask. One question, what gift do you already have? Your skill, your connection, even your time that could be planted into something bigger than you?
And how might those seeds of kindness grow into a harvest of change for somebody else, just like this program has? Lauren, thank you again for being with us today and for shining a light on both the challenges and the incredible hope that has come with this journey and your personal journey. I know opening up about your own personal journey from a podcast host that's done that is, it's an uncomfortable place to be in sometimes that exposure of unmasking, but I appreciate you for being so willing to do that with us today and to do it so greatly and letting us to see a true, authentic peek into it.
You talked about the highs and the lows and the helping others, and I really love everything that you've shared with us today. So on our show, you know, we love to gift, um, our guest was something special, so I want to make you one of our interactive key chains. So if you'll send me your logo, I will get that out and I'm, I was gonna mail it to you, but that's not gonna happen.
Now we're gonna meet in person and we're gonna bring our, yes, we're gonna bring our little notebook
gonna be there for a minute. So I'm gonna need you to plan some time.
And I would also love when you do get your podcast host
and running, I wanna make you a sign for the back of with your, so, yeah. Yeah. So this is gonna be a forever thing, so get over it. We're friends. Laugh for life.
You can't, you can't unfriend me. I just come back.
So God knew that we were gonna need each other.
Yes.
I love that. So for our listeners, you can connect with AG for Autism by visit their website, um, ag for autism.org, or checking out their Facebook page. And we'll have all that linked into our show notes, so you can click there and connect with them. And like she said, just sharing, because you're right, the algorithms are so specific and. They promote those who play the game of advertising and let's don't spend our dollars there, guys. Just help them by sharing that out and beating the algorithm by just helping share it. Like you said, it's free to share. And so every time you see it and share it out with friends, that helps push it out even more. And attending the events and posting at, when you do attend the events, posting at the events, that also helps 'em gain traction and the algorithm pushes 'em out there too. So keep that in mind. If you ever show up at one of their events, make sure to post there and tag 'em. That really helps them get seen by more people. So to our listeners, if you or someone you know have a powerful story of change, you know, I wanna hear from you. So you can visit our Facebook page to find the guest link. And I'll also have that included in the show notes too. And don't forget to subscribe and share and leave a review so more people can find us.
And remember, change begins within and it starts one heart to heart at a time. So thank you so much for being here, and we'll see you guys next time. Thank you.
