The Autism Parent
Caregiver-led support, local resources, and the rare comfort of being surrounded by people who understand.
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What they offer:
Created by caregivers for caregivers, The Autism Parent connects Central Alabama families through monthly support groups, educational resources, caregiver wellness events, sensory-inclusive family activities, and other opportunities throughout the community.
TAP shares practical information about therapies, IEPs, respite care, advocacy, and local programs while creating places where parents and caregivers can speak honestly with people walking similar paths.
What to know:
Support-group dates and event locations vary, and some programs require advance registration or fill quickly. Follow The Autism Parent on social media and check its events calendar regularly; many of its best opportunities are shared through Instagram stories. Questions about support groups or getting connected can also be sent to tapbirmingham@gmail.com
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Our experience:
I found The Autism Parent through Mitchell’s Place and quickly became the person attending nearly every monthly support group and feverishly completing applications for every opportunity they shared on their social media stories.
Its founders, Mary and Paula, have become an essential part of my community. They do not simply distribute resources into the void; they pay attention. They message me personally when an opportunity appears that they know I would enjoy or benefit from. I applied to UAB’s LEND program because of their encouragement and the world of advocacy they helped open to me.
I have also had the privilege of designing the logo for TAP’s first fundraiser, A Toast to Community. But more than any program, event, or application, I am grateful for the relationship. I honestly do not know where I would be without Mary, Paula, and the community they have built. I love them shamelessly, and I am profoundly thankful that The Autism Parent exists.