As the founder of We Are Autism, I often find myself saying the same phrase over and over again: No parent should have to walk this journey alone. It’s more than just a tagline for me; it’s the heartbeat of everything we do. When you receive a diagnosis for your child, the world can suddenly feel very large and very quiet all at once. The "village" we are promised as parents often feels like it’s miles away, or worse, like it doesn’t exist for us.

Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to connect with Yanira Olivo at the Hispanic-American Library, and let me tell you, what stood out to me immediately was how closely our hearts and missions align. There is a specific kind of magic that happens when two people who are walking in their purpose cross paths. You don’t have to spend hours explaining the "why" behind what you do, the other person already feels it in their bones.

A Voice for the Community

“Yanira’s 18‑year journey as an autism parent continues to shape the kind of presence she hopes to be within the autism community. Her goal is not to position herself as an expert, but to learn, share, and evolve alongside other families. She is committed to walking beside them, drawing from shared experiences rather than abstract ideas. Through her platform and writing, she aims to build welcoming spaces where parents can connect, speak honestly, and support one another without fear of judgment.”

As the founder of the Facebook group “It Takes a Village: Autism Support Group for Parents,” Yanira has created a meaningful space where parents can connect, ask questions, share resources, and feel understood.

We know that as parents of children on the spectrum, our needs are unique. We need more than just a place to vent; we need a place to find solutions, build relationships, and feel a real sense of belonging. Meeting Yanira and seeing her passion for growing this community reminded me that while the journey is hard, we are never truly alone if we reach out.

When Purpose Finds Purpose

It was incredibly moving to see that Yanira has already been using her platform to share and support We Are Autism. Knowing that she is standing in our corner while doing such vital work herself means more than words can express.

In this line of work, you spend a lot of time pouring out your heart, hoping it reaches the people who need it most. To realize that someone like Yanira, who is doing such vital work herself, was already standing in our corner was a powerful reminder: when you are walking in your purpose, the right connections will find you. We are all pieces of a larger puzzle, working toward the same goal of empowerment and inclusion.

Bridging the Gap at the Hispanic-American Library

Through her work with the Hispanic-American Library, Yanira is doing something incredibly brave and necessary: she is helping bridge gaps for families who might not always have access to culturally relevant resources, community support, or spaces where they feel fully represented. We know that for many in the Hispanic community, and other diverse communities across the globe, navigating the autism world can be doubly difficult. Language barriers, cultural stigmas, and a lack of representation in mainstream resources can make an already challenging path feel impossible. The library isn’t just a building full of books; under Yanira’s influence, it is becoming a sanctuary. She is creating a space where families feel seen, heard, and valued. It’s a place where "support" isn't a one-size-fits-all term, but a tailored experience that respects where a family comes from and where they are going.

Beyond the ABA Services

At We Are Autism, we focus heavily on supporting caregivers who may lack access to intensive services like ABA, or those who find themselves at a loss once those services end. We believe in practical, everyday support. Whether it's through our Building Bridges videos or our Support Groups, our goal is to provide the tools you need to advocate for your child in the "real world." Seeing Yanira build her village at the library felt like seeing a mirror of our own mission. She is standing in the gap, and when our efforts come together, something even greater is possible.

The Challenges are Real, But So is the Support

As parents, we know the challenges are real. We deal with:

But when we find community, when we find people who truly “get it”, something shifts. We move from feeling isolated to feeling supported. We move from surviving to thriving. That shift is exactly what Yanira is building in Springfield, and it’s what we strive to build globally at We Are Autism.

This Is What a Village Looks Like

Meeting Yanira Olivo was a highlight of my month. It reminded me that the "village" isn't a place you find; it's something you build, one conversation and one connection at a time. It’s built on late-night messages of encouragement, shared resources at a library, and the mutual understanding that we are all doing the best we can for the children we love.

I am so excited to see the continued growth of the support group at the Hispanic-American Library. If you are in the area, please reach out and get involved. If you aren't, I encourage you to look for the "Yaniras" in your own community, or perhaps, become one yourself.

We are stronger together. We are louder together. And most importantly, we are a village.

Learn More

To learn more about the Hispanic-American Library and their upcoming events, please visit: https://www.hispanicamericanlibrary.org/

And as always, if you need resources, blog, or just a community that understands, we are here for you at We Are Autism. Feel free to check out our FAQ or join one of our Members Q&A sessions.

You don't have to do this alone. We've got you.