Hi, I’m Lauryn, a mom, advocate, and founder of Brilliant Minds Advocacy. Like you, I’ve felt the mix of fear, love, and determination that comes with raising a child on the spectrum. I know what it’s like to sit in an office and hear the words “Your child has autism” and then walk out with no roadmap, no guidance, and no idea where to begin.
The heart behind Brilliant Minds Advocacy comes from my own journey as a mother navigating life after my son’s autism diagnosis. I know firsthand how overwhelming and isolating it feels not knowing where to start, what resources to access, or how to advocate for your child’s needs. I created this space to bridge that gap for families and offer the support I wish someone had given me.
After my son’s diagnosis, I was thrown into a complex and exhausting journey of trying to understand his unique needs and get him the right support. I immersed myself in learning about autism, researching best practices, understanding special education laws, and coordinating therapies and appointments. On top of that came endless applications, phone calls, and the frustration of managing years-long waitlists. Nevertheless, I advocated fiercely at every step because I refused to let my son slip through the cracks.
As I began sharing my story and connecting with other parents, I realized something heartbreaking. My experience wasn’t unique. Families confided in me about how their concerns were dismissed or how they were left feeling unsupported by providers who didn’t listen. They felt overwhelmed by the school system, frustrated with government programs filled with red tape, and unsure where to turn for culturally affirming guidance. Many parents, especially in communities of color, felt completely alone.
Even in everyday moments on the playground, at church, or while running errands people would stop me to ask:
“How did you get services for your son?”
“What can I do if my child’s school isn’t helping?”
“Where can I find someone who truly understands what I’m going through?”
It became clear that families like mine were desperate for a safe place to turn.
What many people didn’t know is that my work with autism started long before I became a parent. For over eight years I’ve supported individuals on the spectrum in home, school, community and center-based settings. I’ve worked as a Registered Behavior Technician, companion, paraprofessional, substitute teacher, residential counselor, and most recently as an Autism Support Broker. Looking back, I realize my path was preparing me for this role long before I became a mom. In recent years, since my son’s diagnosis, many of the roles I’ve taken on were driven by my desire to gain a firsthand understanding of autism and the complex systems families like mine are expected to navigate. Despite my years of professional experience, I quickly learned that supporting my own child who is now six years old was a completely different journey. Today I combine my professional expertise, lived experience, culturally affirming and faith-based values to empower parents and families with the knowledge and resources to advocate effectively.
At Brilliant Minds Advocacy my mission is simple. No one should ever feel alone on this journey. If you’re feeling alone, left with unanswered questions, or unsure how to navigate the right supports, you’re in the right place. I would love to hear your story and walk this path with you. Together we can create a plan that helps your child thrive and empowers you to advocate confidently on their behalf at any stage of your journey.
