Hillsdale nonprofit ‘Purposed with Autism’ raises awareness

HILLSDALE — Kate Price decided to start Purposed with Autism when she saw a need in the community.

“Purposed with Autism is focused on advocating and empowering the autism community in Hillsdale, while providing awareness, events, support and sharing important resources to our autistic individuals and their families,” she said.

While Purposed with Autism first started holding events for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) families in Sept. 2023, it received official nonprofit status in March.

“We started this organization because we knew there is a need in Hillsdale County. I knew that other parents must have felt the way that I felt as we want the best for our children, they all deserve to feel included, loved and accepted even if autism is woven in their DNA,” Price said. “In my discussions with other ASD parents, I was right.”

Price’s personal experience shaped her desire to serve the community.

“My story is I am an ASD mom that honestly didn’t know much about the Autism Spectrum Disorder prior to my son being diagnosed with it,” she said. “Our organization is about bringing awareness to our community on what autism is, and how we, along with others, can help support those on their autism journey; individuals and their families.”

She said the diagnosis process is far from easy, instead often overwhelming parents and families.

“In the diagnosis process; as parents, we go through a great deal, a lot of different emotions.

Blaming ourselves, feeling sad, feeling guilty, also happy to know there is a place to start, all of these different things,” Price explained.

She added that they hope to share a new way to think about autism with the community.

“Autism is just a different way of thinking. Different, not less.”

Over the past year, Purposed with Autism has hosted a number of events for the community, which were all great successes.

“Families were so excited to see these events offered and to know they are supported and there is a safe place for the kids to be themselves and enjoy events in their own time,” Price said. “These events also serve as a community support system, parents talk and discuss their journeys and offer advice to other parents and their success and what worked for them in different situations.”

The organization is supported solely through the public’s donations and volunteer support.

The group already has many events planned for the coming months, including free AromaTouch Technique back massages for autism parents and caregivers from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Hillsdale Professional Building on Aug. 17.

Registration is required due to limited space.

In September, there will be a free school picture event for individuals on the autism spectrum, and in December there will be a sensory-friendly Santa event.

Price said she hopes these events encourage local families.

“Individuals with autism can do amazing things. They can be artists, scientists, writers, or anything else they want to be,” Price said. “We need to celebrate their achievements, victories big and small and encourage their dreams. We need to keep learning, keep spreading the word, and keep showing kindness and understanding. If we do this, we can create a world where everyone feels valued and included, no matter how their brains work.”

Subscribe Now: For all the latest local developments, breaking news and high school sports content.

She added that the organization is already seeing its impact in the community, which they hope will only grow.

“Parents have come up to our board crying and thanking us for offering a place for their children to come and be just themselves,” Price said. “Our hope is to be a staple in the community along with the other great organizations that help to nurture, love, and support others on the spectrum.”

For more information, visit www.purposedwithautism.org or the Purposed With Autism Facebook page.

— Elyse Apel is a correspondent for The Hillsdale Daily News. She can be reached by email at ehawkins@hillsdale.edu.

This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: Hillsdale nonprofit ‘Purposed with Autism’ raises awareness