ST. ELLIS FOUNDATION
ABOUT US
MISSION
VISION
Our mission is to foster acceptance, build a supportive community, and provide valuable resources for families with children aged 2-19 who have autism. We are dedicated to empowering families through education, advocacy, and comprehensive support to help their children thrive.
Our vision is a world where every family with an autistic child feels embraced, supported, and equipped with the necessary tools to navigate their unique journey. We strive to create an inclusive community where acceptance is the norm, and every autistic child can reach their full potential
THE WHY
This organization is crucially needed to address the growing demand for support and resources in the face of rising autism diagnoses among children.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
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About 1 in 36 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to estimates from the CDC's Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network.
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ASD is reported to occur in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.
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ASD is nearly 4 times more common among boys than among girls.
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About 1 in 6 (17%) children aged 3–17 years were diagnosed with a developmental disability, as reported by parents, during a study period of 2009–2017. These included autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, blindness, and cerebral palsy, among others.
Who We Are
The St. Ellis Autism Foundation is dedicated to advocating for neurodivergent acceptance and inclusion. Founded by Chris Redding and Serena Redding, the foundation has become a powerful voice in promoting the value of neurodiversity in both the arts and the broader community. Chris, an award-winning musician, and Serena, a passionate advocate, were both deeply inspired by their own personal experiences—Chris’s journey with ADHD and their son’s diagnosis of autism at the age of 2. The foundation was established when Chris created Visions of Sounds, an award-winning album that celebrates neurodiversity and promotes acceptance. The album incorporates musical elements that represent different neurotypes, offering an inclusive space for all individuals, regardless of their neurological makeup.
Born from the message of the album, the St. Ellis Autism Foundation has become a vital force in advocating for neurodivergent individuals and their families. We've had the honor of speaking at large stages, such as the National Congress of Argentina, the Autism Speaks Walk at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, and The Faith Center Church. Our advocacy efforts extend beyond the stage, too—we have been recognized by local government with two Palm Beach County proclamations. The first honors Chris Redding’s contributions to music through Visions of Sounds, and the second officially recognizes Autism Acceptance Month in Palm Beach County.
We’ve also had the privilege of being featured in a range of media outlets, including NBC News Now (internationally syndicated), ABC News Ch. 9 The Daily Refresh, WSVN Ch. 7 in Miami, Palm Beach Illustrated, Lifestyles South Florida Magazine, and many more. These appearances have helped amplify our mission and spread our message of neurodivergent acceptance to a global audience.
More recently, we partnered with the Music Meets Medicine program at the University of Florida and were awarded the prestigious Music Meets Medicine Impact Award. In addition, Chris and Serena Redding served as panelists during the Impact Awards ceremony, in collaboration with the UF Center for Arts in Medicine and UF Health Shands Arts in Medicine.
Our work continues as we strive to advocate for neurodivergent individuals, ensuring they have the resources, opportunities, and acceptance they deserve. At the St. Ellis Autism Foundation, we believe in creating a world where every neurotype is celebrated and valued.
With such prevalence, families navigating the challenges of raising a neurodivergent child often encounter significant hurdles in accessing appropriate support, understanding their child's unique needs, and finding a sense of community. As the number of autism diagnoses continues to rise, the need for an organization like ours becomes increasingly evident, providing vital acceptance, community, resources, and support for families on their journey with autism
AUTISM PARENTS MAY STRUGGLE WITH SOME OF THE FOLLOWING
Worry about the Future. Parents of autistic children often grapple with concerns about their child's long-term care and well-being, particularly as they navigate adulthood and independence.
Acceptance in Neurotypical Settings. Families frequently encounter challenges in mainstream environments, where their child may face stigma, misunderstanding, or exclusion due to their neurodivergence.
Providing Education to Family Members and Caregivers. Parents take on the role of educators, not only for their child with autism but also for extended family members, friends, and caregivers, in an effort to foster understanding, empathy, and effective support network
OUR ORGANIZATION IS COMMITTED TO ADDRESSING T
HESE CHALLENGES THROUGH VARIOUS INITIATIVES:
Community Building
We provide a supportive community where families can connect with others facing similar challenges, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding.
Networking
We facilitate networking opportunities for families to share experiences, insights, and resources, creating a network of support and collaboration.
Resource Sharing
Our platform serves as a hub for sharing valuable resources, including information on therapies, services, and advocacy tools, empowering families with the knowledge and resources they need.
Events and Meetups
We organize events and meetups where parents can come together, exchange information, seek advice, and build relationships with other families and professionals in the field. These gatherings provide opportunities for peer support, mentorship, and camaraderie
Educational Opportunities
We offer educational workshops, webinars, and seminars to equip parents with the skills and knowledge necessary to advocate for their child, navigate systems, and access appropriate services
Support Our Cause
Your generous contribution helps us provide essential services and support for individuals with autism and their families.
Make a difference now by donating to our cause
Buenos Aries Argentina National Congress
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