Madison House Autism Foundation

04/21/2026

Here are some highlights from our Autism After 21 Breakfast & Art Show. We’re sharing these moments to raise awareness about adult autism and the importance of creating inclusive spaces in our communities for autistic adults of all abilities.
This is a rapidly growing population of individuals who will spend the majority of their lives as adults. We are trying to address their needs, but we need your help.

🎥 Watch the video here:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/live/Nz9lj6iWwg4
We invite you to take action by making a one-time gift or becoming a Madison Circle Member supporter at $21 (or more) per month:
👉 https://madisonhouseautism.org/donate/

Your contribution directly supports programs and initiatives that impact our loved ones, neighbors, and communities.
April 21 was founded by Madison House Autism Foundation and was officially recognized in the Congressional Record in 2016 as Autism After 21 Day, a national reminder of our shared responsibility to ensure autistic adults have healthy and meaningful lives.
We are Stronger Together.

Learn more:
🌐 madisonhouseautism.org
🌐 autismhousingnetwork.org

04/14/2026

To every caregiver supporting an autistic individual
Your work matters more than most people will ever understand.
You are not just providing care.
You are building trust, creating safety, and shaping daily experiences that directly impact someone’s life.
It takes patience.
It takes consistency.
It takes heart.
And often, it goes unseen but here we want to see and hear from you.
But know this: your presence makes a difference every single day.
The way you show up matters.
Thank you for doing the work that truly changes lives.
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments please keep the conversation respectful. ( Inappropriate comments will be removed )

04/13/2026

To the siblings of autistic individuals
You are often the quiet strength in the room.
You learn patience early.
You learn empathy deeply.
And sometimes, you carry more than people realize.
Your experience matters too.
Your voice deserves to be heard.
It’s okay to feel proud, overwhelmed, protective, or even confused at times. All of it is valid.
You are not just “the sibling.”
You are an essential part of the family and your role is important.
Take care of yourself as much as you care for others.

04/10/2026

Your journey does not have to follow anyone else’s timeline.
You are not “behind.”
You are not “less than.”
You are developing in a way that is uniquely yours.
The world often measures success by speed how quickly you speak, learn, socialize, or achieve. But real strength is not about speed. It’s about persistence, depth, and the courage to keep going even when the system wasn’t designed for you.
Your differences may provide the world with new solutions. They are part of your intelligence, your creativity, and your perspective.
There is often more than one right way to accomplish most anything.
The world just needs to understand you better.
Keep going. Your path is yours, make it something wonderful.

04/06/2026

What if potential doesn’t follow the timeline society expects?
Professor Jason Arday’s story is a powerful reminder that greatness is not always immediate; it's often built through resilience, support, and belief.

Diagnosed with autism at age 3, he didn’t speak until 11…
He didn't read or write until I was 18…

Today, he is a professor at the University of Cambridge and one of the youngest Black professors in its history.

Let that sink in.

This isn’t just an inspiring story; it's a challenge to how we define ability, intelligence, and success. Too often, systems are designed around rigid timelines, leaving behind those who develop differently. But when individuals are given the right support, resources, and belief, what once looked like a limitation becomes a source of strength.

This is especially important as we recognize neurodiversity not as something to “fix,” but as something to understand, invest in, and empower.

The real question is:
How many more “Professor Jasons” are out there, waiting for the right environment to unlock their potential?

Let’s rethink how we support talent, especially in communities that are too often overlooked. Because innovation, creativity, and leadership don’t come from sameness; they come from difference.

We would love to hear your thoughts: what does this story shift in your perspective? Check out this video below:
https://www.instagram.com/reels/DV_0DMrAHoJ/

04/06/2026

Rise and Shine and join us for this exciting breakfast from the comfort of your own home or office on Friday, April 17, via livestream or replay.
Attend the Virtual Autism After 21 Breakfast and Art Show, hosted by Madison House Autism Foundation.
• Watch a performance by Maggie Rose, multiple Grammy-nominated singer from Nashville.
• Learn more about Adult Autism, hear from experts, self-advocates, and parents.
• Madison Award Honorees: Richard E. & Nancy Peery Marriott, introduced by David Marriott.
• Emcee: Maureen Bunyan, TV Journalist
• This event is our premier annual fundraiser featuring distinguished speakers and a National Art Show.
• Click the link to purchase your $25 ticket:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/autism-after-21-virtual-breakfast-from-madison-house-autism-foundation-tickets-1985480726300?aff=oddtdtcreator%27&keep_tld=true
• April is Autism Month, and April 21 was proclaimed Autism After 21 Day in the United States Congressional Record in 2016.
• Madison House Autism Foundation was the first organization to look at adulthood and autism comprehensively.
• MHAF established the Autism After 21 Breakfast to bring together thought leaders, policymakers, elected officials, and employers, to learn more about autistic adults and their challenges and often their extraordinary abilities that they bring to our communities.
• Please Join Us - We Are Stronger Together!

03/30/2026

Join us virtually on April 17 for the Autism After 21 Breakfast and Art Show, hosted by Madison House Autism Foundation, via livestream or replay.
• Madison Award Honorees: Richard E. & Nancy Peery Marriott, introduced by David Marriott.
• Emcee: Maureen Bunyan, TV Journalist
• Performance by Maggie Rose, multiple Grammy-nominated singer from Nashville
• Explore more about Adult Autism, hear from experts, self-advocates, and parents
• This event is our premier annual fundraiser featuring distinguished speakers, National Art Show.
• Madison House Autism Foundation was the first organization to look at adulthood and autism comprehensively and established the Autism After 21 Breakfast to bring together thought leaders, policymakers, elected officials, and employers, to learn more about autistic adults and their challenges and often their extraordinary abilities that they bring to our communities.
• April is Autism Month, and April 21 was proclaimed Autism After 21 Day in the United States Congressional Record in 2016.

Click below to purchase your $25 ticket.👇
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/autism-after-21-virtual-breakfast-from-madison-house-autism-foundation-tickets-1985480726300?aff=oddtdtcreator%27&keep_tld=true

03/03/2026

A new report from Disability Scoop highlights growing uncertainty around federal oversight of special education as the U.S. Department of Education shifts and sheds key responsibilities.

According to their reporting, advocates are raising concerns about how these structural changes could impact enforcement of IDEA protections, funding oversight, and accountability for services supporting students with disabilities. When federal roles become unclear, families often feel the consequences first particularly those relying on consistent special education services and safeguards.

This is a pivotal moment. Stability, transparency, and strong enforcement mechanisms are not optional. They are essential to ensuring students with disabilities receive the support they are legally entitled to.

We’ll continue to monitor developments and share updates as this unfolds.

💬 What are your thoughts on these changes? How might this impact families in our community? Share your perspective below.

As the U.S. Department of Education accelerates efforts to dismantle the agency, the implications for students with disabilities remain murky.

02/16/2026

Please share! Opportunity for artists on the autism spectrum (age 21 and up). Enter details and upload images of up to 3 artworks to be considered for Madison House Autism Foundation's virtual-hybrid art exhibition celebrating Autism After 21 Day in April, and possible additional features. Performing artists, writers, and other artists are invited to submit, too.

Entries may be completed by a family member, teacher, or other representative of the artist as needed, or by the artists themselves.

https://madisonhouseautism.org/projects/artist-application/

For questions or assistance, please email art@madisonhouseautism.org

01/30/2026

As an autistic adult walks down the street, there may be challenges that they face or have not yet learned how to navigate. They may be bombarded with overwhelming noise, flashing signs, sunlight, smells, and more. They may not know how to wait for the crosswalk signal or to look out for cars before crossing. When an ambulance comes by, they may not know to wait to cross even if the walk sign is showing.

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network provides a wonderful toolkit for autistic adults and their caregivers in safely navigating the community, interacting with police, and more. You can find it at the link below:

https://autisticadvocacy.org/policy/toolkits/safety/