At the Ackerman Center, we recognized that many women living with autism spectrum disorder, especially those who are newly exploring their identity, often struggle to find spaces where they feel understood, supported, and accepted. Many have spent years masking, second-guessing their needs, or feeling like they didn’t quite fit in.

That’s why we created Craft n Chat: a welcoming and creative space for women living with autism, or those who are exploring whether they might be, to find connection, community, and self-expression without pressure. Whether you’ve had a formal diagnosis, identify as self-diagnosed, or are just beginning to ask questions about yourself, you belong here.

Caring for a child with neurodevelopmental differences is a journey filled with love, advocacy, and connection. But it also brings exhaustion, grief, and isolation. For many caregivers, this emotional labor becomes a silent, unseen burden—rarely acknowledged but deeply felt.

Living with a neurodevelopmental condition—such as autism, ADHD, or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder—comes with unique strengths, perspectives, and challenges. But too often, the mental health needs of these individuals are overlooked, misunderstood, or overshadowed by a focus on diagnoses and behaviors.

At The Ackerman Center, we believe that supporting mental health is just as important as addressing developmental needs. Every person deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported—not just for who they are, but for how they feel.

May is National Speech, Language and Hearing Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of communication and the vital role speech-language pathologists (SLPs) play in helping people find their voice.