Give the Gift of Respite.

Your Support Transforms Lives.

Your generosity offers caregivers a chance to rest and recharge, knowing their neurodivergent loved ones are receiving the care and support they deserve. With your help, we provide meaningful experiences that nurture growth and joy for individuals with cognitive and developmental differences, while lifting the burden from those who care for them every day.

Give the Gift of Respite.

Your Support Transforms Lives.

DONATE TODAY

OUR STORY

Autumn’s Gift was born from a powerful belief:

Every individual, regardless of ability, deserves to experience joy, growth, and meaningful connection. And just as importantly, caregivers deserve moments to breathe, to rest, and to feel truly supported.

Inspired by the strength, love, and resilience within neurodivergent communities, Autumn’s Gift was envisioned as more than a service, it’s a sanctuary rooted in compassion, where learning and healing go hand in hand, and every person is embraced exactly as they are.

What began as a vision of inclusion has blossomed into a lifeline. A place where individuals who identify as neurodivergent thrive, where caregivers find peace of mind, and where the beauty of neurodiversity is honored every single day.

Autumn’s Gift is more than a name.

It’s a promise to hold space, offer support, and walk alongside every family with love, understanding, and unwavering care.

OUR STORY

Autumn’s Gift was born from a powerful belief:

Autumn’s Gift is more than a name.

It’s a promise to hold space, offer support, and walk alongside every family with love, understanding, and unwavering care.

OUR VISION

For families to have access to high-quality, guilt-free, cost-efficient respite programs for their loved ones who identify as neurodivergent.

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OUR MISSION

The mission of Autumn’s Gift is to provide engaging and stimulating experiences to children and adults with unique developmental and neurological challenges. These customized experiences focus on developing the communication, social and cognitive skills of persons facing lifelong neurological limitations while - at the same time - providing a cost efficient respite opportunity to their primary caregivers.

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The Impact of Respite Care

Respite Care is more than a service, it’s a lifeline. Grounded in research and delivered with compassion, it empowers caregivers, supports individuals who identify as neurodivergent, and strengthens families to build more connected, resilient home lives.

WHAT THE RESEARCH SHOWS

Research has shown that
Respite Care:

Reduce the risk of maltreatment and out-of-home placement
Achieve statistically significant reductions in reported stress levels among caregivers and improvements in the quality of their relationships
Improve caregivers’ positive attitude toward their children
Improve family functioning
Help caregivers meet their children's special needs
Improve relationships between parents and cchildren
Decrease the risk of child abuse
Prevent placement disruptions
Increase families’ ability to provide care at home for children with disabilities

THE IMPACT OF RESPITE ON FAMILY WELLNESS

Through respite care, many families have been able to experience the following:

Reduced Caregiver Stress and Burnout
87% of caregivers report that respite services helped them better manage stress and improved their overall emotional well-being.
(Source: ARCH National Respite Network)

Respite is linked to lower rates of anxiety and depression in family caregivers, particularly those caring for individuals with autism or intellectual disabilities.

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WHY PARENTS SAY RESPITE IS ESSENTIAL

For many families raising neurodivergent children, respite isn’t just a luxury - it’s a lifeline.

Parents consistently share that respite is essential because it gives them the time, space, and peace of mind to care for themselves while ensuring their child is safe, supported, and thriving. It’s a chance to rest without guilt, recharge with purpose, and return to caregiving with renewed energy and patience.

They tell us:
- “I’m a better parent when I’ve had a break.”
- “Knowing my child is not just watched, but celebrated, means everything.”
- “We can breathe again. We feel human again.”
Respite creates room for joy, connection, and stability - not just for the child, but for the entire family. It reduces burnout, strengthens relationships, and reminds caregivers that they’re not alone.

OUR VISION

We envision to provide families with access to high-quality, guilt-free, and cost-effective respite programs for their loved ones who identify as neurodivergent.

DONATE TODAY

OUR MISSION

The mission of Autumn’s Gift is to offer engaging, stimulating learning experiences for children and adults (ages three and up) with unique developmental and neurological challenges. These experiences focus on fostering communication, social, and cognitive skills in individuals facing lifelong neurological limitations, while simultaneously providing cost-effective, guilt-free respite care for their primary caregivers.

DONATE TODAY

The Impact of

Respite Care

WHAT THE

RESEARCH SHOWS

Research has shown that Respite Care:

THE IMPACT OF RESPITE

ON FAMILY WELLNESS

Through respite care, many families have been able to experience the following:

Reduced Caregiver Stress and Burnout
87% of caregivers report that respite services helped them better manage stress and improved their overall emotional well-being.
(Source: ARCH National Respite Network)

Respite is linked to lower rates of anxiety and depression in family caregivers, particularly those caring for individuals with autism or intellectual disabilities.

(Source: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders)
Strengthened Family Relationships
Families who access respite care report improved marital satisfaction and stronger sibling relationships, as caregivers are able to recharge and reconnect.
(Source: The Arc, 2019)

Caregivers also report enhanced parent-child interactions after taking time for self-care through respite.
(Source: National Family Caregiver Support Program Evaluation)
Increased Caregiver Longevity and Stability
Access to regular respite reduces the risk of caregiver collapse, leading to fewer out-of-home placements and more sustainable in-home care.
(Source: National Respite Coalition)
Improved Outcomes for Neurodivergent Individuals
Consistent respite experiences help individuals build social skills, emotional regulation, and trust with caregivers outside the home.

Participants show increased independence and confidence after regular attendance in structured respite programs.
(Source: Disability and Health Journal)
Greater Employment and Financial Stability for Caregivers
Respite enables parents to return to or retain employment, pursue education, and handle essential tasks without constant disruption.

A study found that 43% of families using respite services reported improved ability to balance caregiving and work.
(Source: Caregiving in the U.S., AARP & NAC)

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WHY PARENTS SAY

RESPITE IS ESSENTIAL

For many families raising neurodivergent children, respite isn’t just a luxury – it’s a lifeline.

Why Give The Gift of Respite: The Difference Your Support Makes

DONATE TODAY

Why Give The Gift of Respite: The Difference Your Support Makes

DONATE TODAY

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Autumn’s Gift Foundation?

Autumn’s Gift Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing compassionate support for neurodivergent individuals and their families. Founded in honor of a child with autism, we offer respite care, specialized programs, and a nurturing environment that fosters growth, joy, and meaningful connections.

What programs does Autumn's Gift Foundation provide?

We offer respite care services held every Saturday, along with annual day and sometimes overnight retreats held in April, August, and December. Families also have the opportunity to participate in Special Olympics events. In addition, we offer a specialized support program for adults who have completed at least six program days.

How can I support Autumn’s Gift Foundation?

There are several ways to support our mission, including making donations, being our partner for programs and events, and raising awareness.

What are the ways I can donate?

Give in the way that works best for you, whether it’s a one-time gift or a recurring donation set monthly, quarterly, or annually. Every contribution helps us make a lasting difference.

Are donations to Autumn’s Gift tax-deductible?

Yes, Autumn’s Gift Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Where do my donations go?

Your generous contributions directly support the programs we offer, including respite care services, program development, participant supplies, transportation, meals, and other essential resources for our participants and their families.

How can I host a fundraising event for Autumn’s Gift Foundation?

We are always grateful for community support through fundraising efforts. If you're interested in hosting a fundraiser, simply sign up by clicking the Fundraiser button on our website menu or in the footer section to get started. If you have any questions or need additional assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly.