Global Autism Project

Team Tuesday 💙

This week’s Team Tuesday features our Director of Programming, Mandy Childs, and proud SkillCorps® alum!

This photo was taken in July 2019 during a SkillCorps® journey to the Dominican Republic. The team included a diverse group of professionals, including an RBT, BCBAs, school psychologist, and teacher, all coming together to support our global partner and learn from one another.

What made this trip especially meaningful was that it was Mandy’s first time leading a SkillCorps® team—the beginning of her incredible journey and lasting impact with SkillCorps® and the Global Autism Project.

Today, Mandy shares her reflections and experience from her SkillCorps® experiences:

“When I went on my first SkillCorps trip I was 2 years out of college, just getting my feet under me in my career and was looking for something I could do both for myself and to better the world. The experience forced me to the edge of my comfort zone, and taught me more about myself than I could have ever imagined. I came back a more relaxed and confident professional, ready to take on new challenges that I could have only dreamed of in the past. Fast forward 2 years and I was leading a trip!”

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and although it is winding down, we want to thank Sara for sharing her knowledge.

Let’s continue creating spaces to talk, listen, and support.

Every conversation can lead to understanding.

Every person deserves support.

🌍 Celebrating Inclusion and Autism Advocacy in Kenya 💙🇰🇪
Meet 4NGO, a Kenya-based organization and mentee of the Mentorship Program, mentored by Alley.
4NGO is working to unite the autism community across Africa by creating spaces where researchers, autistic self-advocates, caregivers, therapists, parents, and community leaders can collaborate, share experiences, and turn ideas into meaningful action. Their mission reflects the growing importance of locally led solutions and stronger community systems throughout Africa.
One of the incredible initiatives they supported this year was the MR & MISS AUTISM EVENT, organized by their partners at Ready Aiders Foundation in Nairobi, Kenya.
This inspiring event used a fashion pageant platform to showcase the talents, confidence, and individuality of autistic children and young adults while challenging stigma and promoting inclusion within the community.
✨ About 42 participants joined the event, including approximately 25 autistic participants alongside community stakeholders to help bridge the inclusivity gap.
The event created opportunities for:
💙 Autism awareness and acceptance
💙 Community connection and celebration
💙 Inclusive participation between autistic and non-autistic individuals
💙 Recognition of the talents and strengths of autistic youth
By creating spaces where autistic individuals can shine publicly and proudly, organizations like 4NGO and Ready Aiders Foundation are helping shift perceptions and build a more inclusive future across Africa.