The Owen Academy

03/20/2026

💙

Happy World Behavior Analysis Day! We’re proud to recognize the dedication and contributions of behavior analysts across the world. Thank you for the work you do to support individuals, families, and communities every day.

03/18/2026

🌈 Today, we added a very special book to our library at The Owen Academy that was gifted to us by Bobby Whitney, COO of Radiant Autism Center, featuring their beloved mascot, Radiant Ray.

🌈 But what makes this even more meaningful is what’s coming next.

🌈 In the next book of the series, our very own Toby the Tiger will be introduced alongside Radiant Ray. 🐯✨☀️

🌈 This is more than a book.
This is what collaboration looks like.

🌈 In a world where families navigating autism can often feel overwhelmed, confused, or even pulled in different directions… this is the kind of unity that changes everything.

🌈 When ABA providers come together, not as competitors, but as partners- we create a stronger, more supportive community for the families we serve.

🌈 A genuine, peaceful coalition.
🌈 A shared mission.
🌈 A unified voice that says: you are seen, you are supported, and you are not alone.

🌈 This is where it starts.

🌈 Let us set the standard.
🌈 Let us set the bar high.
🌈 And may others follow or join.

🌈 Because when we lead with collaboration, everyone wins- especially our children.

💙 ☀️ 🌈 🐾📚 🦝 🐯

03/18/2026

After her young son wandered from home, an Oklahoma mom is now pushing for a new alert system designed to help find missing children with autism faster.

She calls it the “Owen Alert,” and says every minute matters when a child goes missing.

Here’s how the proposed system would work, and why families say it could save lives across Oklahoma.

More in comments.

03/17/2026

In honor of today being recognized as the first official Profound Autism Day in our Nation, we want to thank the cities of Denison, Texas; Tyler, Texas; Durant, Oklahoma and Sherman, Texas for proclaiming March 17th 2026 as Profound Autism Awareness Day!

By proclaiming March 17th as Profound Autism Awareness Day, these cities are doing more than issuing words on paper, they’re acknowledging a population of individuals and families who have too often gone unseen, unheard, and underserved.

For our profound autism families, this recognition means:
💙 You are seen.
💙 Your child matters.
💙 Your journey is not invisible.

Profound autism represents individuals who are often nonverbal, may require 24/7 care, and face increased safety risks such as wandering and drowning and require life-long care.

These are families navigating complex, lifelong needs.

For the first time, many are hearing their reality spoken out loud in a public, officially.

But let’s be clear—this is not the finish line. This is the starting point.

Awareness is important.
Recognition is meaningful.
But neither of those change lives on their own.

Action does.

A proclamation becomes powerful when it leads to:
✔️ Better safety measures (ask any of these local police departments about our safety sticker program)
✔️ First responder training (which, in partnership with TOF, these cities are now providing!)
✔️ Inclusive education and community spaces
✔️ Access to therapies and support
✔️ Policies that protect and serve our most vulnerable (please visit our page: The Owen Alert Act at https://www.facebook.com/share/1DaN9y96ti/?mibextid=wwXIfr )

This is how awareness evolves into impact.

Today is a catalyst for movement, for advocacy, and for real, lasting change.

To every family walking the profound autism journey:
We see you. We stand with you. And we will continue fighting for a world that not only recognizes your child, but protects, supports, and values them. Because awareness should never be the end goal, but
always be the beginning of action.

Sherman, Texas - Classic Town. Broad Horizon. Sherman Police Department Sherman Chamber of Commerce
City of Denison, Texas Government Denison Texas Police Department Denison Chamber
City of Durant durantpolice
Durant Area Chamber of Commerce
KXII-TV KTEN Durant Democrat
cityoftylertexas

03/17/2026

Today, March 17th, marks something incredibly important:
one of the first official recognitions of Profound Autism Day across our communities and beyond.

This day exists to bring visibility to a population that has too often been unseen, even within the autism conversation.

“Profound autism” refers to individuals who are often nonverbal, require 24/7 care, and face significant safety risks throughout their lifetime. 

In fact, nearly 1 in 4 individuals with autism meet the criteria for profound autism, yet their needs are frequently underrepresented in research, services, and support systems. 

Today is about changing that.

Awareness is the beginning…
But recognition is what moves us forward.

When cities, states, and communities name something, they begin to see it.
And when we truly see it, we can no longer ignore it.

💙 Recognition leads to:
• Better training for first responders
• More appropriate educational support
• Increased funding and research
• Safer communities for those who are most vulnerable

This is why today matters.

For families like ours, this is not just a day, it is a declaration:
You are seen. Your child matters. Your challenges are real. And your voice is rising.

At The Owen Foundation, we believe awareness must always evolve into action.

And today is just the beginning.

03/16/2026

🚨 This is a great resource we like to share with our families. FREE event and lunch provided, but you MUST register at the link below. Please share!

Sooner SUCCESS is going On the Road! Please share with families and providers you know in the Durant/Bryan County area.

The On the Road is a free conference for parents of children with special needs/special heath care needs and those that serve them (teachers, providers, etc.). Come learn what services/supports are available. Please register here: https://form.jotform.com/260318305093148

Sooner SUCCESS thank you for all that you do!

03/09/2026

We are proud to sponsor this meaningful event!

We are so thankful for the incredible sponsors who make The Owen Foundation’s Blazing 5K & Fun Run possible. Our hearts are full seeing our community come together to support such an important cause.

A HUGE THANK YOU to The Owen Academy for your generous $500 donation toward this event. Your support helps us continue to serve families, raise awareness, and create opportunities through this special event.👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

We are so grateful for your generosity and your continued impact in our community.

Thank you! 💙🔥

03/09/2026

This was such an incredible open house! Thank you to everyone who came to support the opening of our new facility!

03/07/2026

Thursday evening, during the open house of our new facility and our two year celebration, we had the honor of dedicating a very special addition to our sensory gym: Colton’s Rock Wall.

Trace and Dena Sherrill, founders of Colton’s Run, have long been incredible supporters of the work we do for children and families in our community.

Wanting to give something meaningful to the children at The Owen Academy, they generously purchased our rock wall so our kids would have a fun and empowering space to climb, explore, and build confidence.

In memory of their son, we proudly dedicated and named it Colton’s Rock Wall.

Every child who climbs this wall will be reminded that they are strong, capable, and brave- just like the spirit behind it.

Trace and Dena’s generosity ensures that Colton’s legacy will live on through the joy, laughter, and victories of the children who climb a little higher each day.

We are deeply grateful to the Sherrill family and to Colton’s Run for their continued support and for allowing us to honor Colton in such a meaningful way.

💙

📷 Durant Democrat

Durant Area Chamber of Commerce
Colton's Main Street Run
coltons.run
denaspearssherrill

03/06/2026

⭐️ Today and every day we celebrate a team who represents us well in our community. ⭐️ Professionally exemplifying our core values: Care, Compassion and Community. ⭐️ Happy Employee Appreciation Day to the TOA staff! ⭐️

03/06/2026

Two years after opening their doors in Durant with a staff of just five people, the Owen Academy has already moved into a brand new building—with all 35 members of their team.

03/06/2026

Overjoyed by the way our community came out to support us tonight at the Open House of our new facility. We believe around 150 people came through. We are still in awe. Just grateful, a little speechless, definitely humbled. More photos to come. Thank you, Jeremy Spence for this photo.