Who we are.
At Autism Community Network, we are passionate about empowering families and caregivers to be the principal advocates, caregivers, and champions in their children’s lives. Our mission is to provide support, education and resources to those affected by autism.
We strive to make a difference in the lives of autistic individuals and their families by providing educational resources, support groups, and community events. Our goal is to ensure that those affected by autism get the support and resources they need to lead a successful life.
Our organization.
Autism Community Network (ACN) was established as a 501(c)(3) in 2008 by a consortium of health care funders concerned about the lack of child development services available to children suspected of having autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This initiative was led by Palmer Moe, former executive manager of the Kronkosky Charitable Foundation. ACN addresses the diagnostic, therapeutic, educational, and recreational needs of families impacted by autism living in South Texas.
Our mission.
Our mission is to maximize the potential of children with autism by providing early diagnosis for those with limited access and educating and empowering the community to support them.
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Elephant-sized values.
You may have noticed our larger-than-life mascot. As an autism nonprofit dedicated to forming relationships and nurturing the wellness of the autism ecosystem, we thought of nothing more fitting than the elephant.
Elephants live in tightly bonded herds, also known as “packs” or “parades.” The herd, led by the oldest and largest matriarch, can consist of up to 100 individual elephants. Known for their high intellect and ability to store memories, elephants have been observed to display signs of emotions such as playfulness, joy, anger, and grief. These beautiful giants communicate through subsonic rumbles, which travel through the earth under their feet more quickly than through the air above them. Interestingly, elephants receive the rumbling messages through the skin on their feet and trunks, indicating highly attuned sensory systems.
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When a baby calf is born, the entire herd helps to raise and protect their young. ACN believes our commitment to holistic community support mirrors this natural phenomenon, and we are happy to take cues from our mammalian friends!
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Our team.
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Our board of directors.
OFFICERS
Wendy Faldet, RPh - President
HEB
Joshua Behnke - Vice President
Behnke Legal Consulting, PLLC
Matthew Occhipinti - Treasurer
Northwestern Mutual
Greg Hanson, DO, FAAP - Secretary
Southwest Children's Center
MEMBERS
Denise Garcia
Bank of San Antonio
Corey Livingston
Indeco
Manny Nsien
President and CEO of Superior Living Foundation
Ursula Pari
KSAT 12 News Anchor & CEO of San Antonio Polo Club
Michael Thompson
Merrill Lynch
Kristen Williams, PhD
Executive Director of Disability Services - SAISD
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Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice Advisory Committee.
We're excited to introduce our Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice Advisory Committee. This committee, including neurodiverse individuals of all stripes, serves to provide our board and our staff with ongoing guidance and support from a position of lived experience to assure our consistent alignment with strengths-based and neurodiversity-affirming practice.