Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain, can affect people living with it throughout their lifespan in the ways they behave, communicate, interact and learn. While signs and symptoms vary, it presents unique challenges for individuals, their loved ones and caretakers in various ways. For Keith Green, KLN '91 and STHM '96, and his wife, the experience of raising their son who has autism inspired the creation of the Autism MVP Foundation. 

"My son was diagnosed with autism just before his third birthday," Green shares. "They write a lot of books about what you can do to help your child who has autism or other disabilities. But until you experience that, you don't know how challenging it is." 

Founded in 2014, the all-volunteer, non-profit organization recognizes the critical shortage of accessible ASD support and invests in the training of future ASD educators, therapists and specialists. The goal is to ensure more children on the spectrum can receive the resources they need to reach their maximum potential. 

"From our experience, we realized there are many challenges with finding enough programs, educators and therapists who want to work with kids on the spectrum, or just kids with special needs in general," says Green. "But it doesn't stop there, because the specialists you find may not be the right fit for your child." 

Green, founder and executive director of the Autism MVP Foundation, expresses gratitude for the many people who have positively impacted his family and continue to do so. It occurred to him maybe he could do something to give back. 

"Many great organizations were already doing amazing things around autism, I couldn't find one that was giving scholarships to students who wanted to work in the field," he adds. "And since I've been surrounded by education my entire life, I came up with this foundation concept." 

In 2020, taking advantage of the centennial matching program, the Autism MVP Foundation made a generous $50,000 pledge to the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at Temple University to establish an endowed scholarship fund for students in the applied behavior analysis master of science in education (ABA MSEd) program. 

"It all started with $2,500 that we raised through a call on Facebook," Green recalls. "Though I received two degrees from Temple, I was neither a CEHD alum, nor aware of the ABA program and how it worked initially. It was all serendipitous because I decided I wanted to give back to Temple in a meaningful way. I posted about it on Facebook before connecting to anyone at Temple at that point. The university means a lot to me, and I wouldn't trade that for just about anything. I'm grateful for the opportunity to give back through the foundation." 

Green notes it takes patience, understanding, and someone who is highly skilled to make a difference. Not to mention these professions require intensive training and are sometimes not the highest paying jobs in the world. "We hope to do what we can to incentivize people to stay in these fields or get into the fields," Green shares. "By making an impact on the lives of students going through it, we aim to encourage them to stay in school and pursue their dreams. There aren't enough of these amazing people in the workforce who can support both children and adults on the spectrum." 

Fundu-Diyefa Jones-Wonni, an ABA MSEd student, says that she is better able to progress toward her educational goals as a recipient of this scholarship. 

"I can focus on my studies and learning," Jones-Wonni shares. "Knowing that some part of my tuition will be covered by the scholarship makes my family and me breathe a little easier. It's a stepping-stone for my future employment opportunities. 

Jones-Wonni further adds that seeing how hard it is for her family to navigate her sister's condition and special needs inspires her to choose this career path. Set to graduate in summer 2024, Jones-Wonni plans on becoming a board-certified behavior analyst. She hopes to become part of a team that provides solace to families like hers. 

"Over the years, I have learned how important it is to have people who can stand or act as advocates for individuals like my sister, individuals diagnosed with autism or other disorders," she emphasizes. "I also see the importance of having resources and professionals who can help gear families in the right direction and help figure out situations that seem foreign and despairing to them." 

According to estimates from the CDC's Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network, in 2020, about one in thirty-six children has been identified with ASD. In 2010, this number was just about one in sixty-eight. As the diagnosis rate climbs and the ASD population continues to age, there will be a significant increase in demands for resources, services, and well-trained professionals. 

Green can't stress enough the need for caring, skilled therapists and educators who commit their careers to working with people on the spectrum or who have special needs. "This part is personal to my family, as my son is seventeen now," Green shares. "What are the different avenues and options that are available for my son and those like him as they transition into adulthood?" 

The Autism MVP Foundation fundraises through various events and partnerships. In November 2023, for example, the organization raised $20,000 from its annual walk event thanks to the 175 enthusiastic participants. This fall 2024 marks their tenth anniversary. 

"It's a nice milestone for our organization, the hardworking advisory and executive boards, as well as the generous contribution of everyone who keeps our foundation going," Green proudly says. 

Moving forward, the organization aims to expand its partnerships with current partner schools, including CEHD, and explore other unique ways to impact individuals interested in pursuing careers working with children and adults on the spectrum. 

Green shares that many involved with Autism MVP are also motivated by personal experience. Autism impacts many people's lives in some way, shape or form; many people know someone - a neighbor, friend, or colleague, perhaps - who has ASD. Green wholeheartedly says, "the foundation has given me the opportunities to connect with those who are in the same shoes as mine, who want to make a difference because they have seen the impact that great educators and therapists have on their loved ones." 

Green shares his appreciation for his family, friends and companies who have been on this journey with him since the start, when the foundation was only an idea that he wrote down on the back of a cocktail napkin. 

"It's a labor of love." Green says. "I am happy to give back to a community of people that helped my family."  

To support students like Fundu-Diyefa Jones-Wonni, visit our website or Autism MVP Foundation.

Data Source: Data & Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder | CDC