An Inspired Chat with Heather Hall of Glendale

Heather Hall shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Heather, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
My day starts before sunrise—at 2:30 a.m.—as I prepare to teach English to students in China. From 3:00 to 6:00 a.m., I have the privilege of helping children across the globe build their language skills while learning about their culture and perspectives. It’s an early start, but it’s one of the most rewarding and inspiring parts of my day.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Heather Hall, the founder of Special Needs: Embracing Autism. After spending more than 16 years teaching students with autism, I wanted to create something that extended beyond my classroom—a place where educators and families could find meaningful, practical, and visually structured resources to support every child’s success.

Special Needs: Embracing Autism was born out of my passion for combining TEACCH-based structure and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) strategies in ways that make learning accessible, engaging, and empowering for students with diverse needs. My brand focuses on creating classroom tools, adapted books, visual supports, and professional development trainings that help teachers build calm, organized, and inclusive learning environments.

What makes Special Needs: Embracing Autism special is that every product, presentation, and resource is designed from real classroom experience—tested, refined, and inspired by the incredible students I’ve had the privilege to teach. I believe in celebrating strengths, teaching independence, and helping students gain the life, communication, and executive functioning skills they need to thrive.

Right now, I’m expanding Special Needs: Embracing Autism through reselling business called Embracing Dreams, conference presentations, and a growing Teachers Pay Teachers store filled with ready-to-use structured teaching materials. My mission is simple but powerful—to help educators and families embrace autism every step of the way by creating environments where every learner can shine.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One of the moments that truly shaped how I see the world happened early in my teaching career, when I was teaching a kindergarten class for students with autism. I had two students who changed the way I understood communication and connection.

One of them hardly spoke and spent weeks quietly sitting near our class pet, Sammy the frog. Every morning, he’d stop by Sammy’s tank, observing in silence. Then one day, he began talking—softly at first—telling Sammy about his day. That small moment, watching him find his voice through a classroom frog, was unforgettable.

Another student also had limited speech but connected in a completely different way. He learned to express himself using visual supports—choosing pictures to share what he wanted, how he felt, and what he needed. His progress showed me that communication doesn’t look the same for everyone.

Those two students taught me that every child’s voice is unique, and that with the right support, patience, and understanding, we can help each one discover how to express themselves. That lesson continues to inspire everything I do through Special Needs: Embracing Autism—creating resources and environments where all students can connect, communicate, and thrive in their own way.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that’s held me back the most in my life has been the fear of not being “enough.” Early in my career, I constantly questioned whether I was doing enough for my students, creating enough resources, or making enough of an impact. Working in special education, where progress can look so different for every child, it’s easy to second-guess yourself and wonder if you’re truly making a difference.

Over time, I realized that “enough” isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence, passion, and persistence. Every small success, every moment of connection, every smile from a child who feels seen is enough.

That shift in perspective gave me the courage to start Special Needs: Embracing Autism and to share my work with others. Now, instead of letting fear hold me back, I use it as motivation to grow, create, and continue helping others embrace their own unique journeys—just like I encourage my students to do every day.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
The fear that’s held me back the most has been the fear of taking big risks—especially when it comes to expanding beyond what feels comfortable. Starting Special Needs: Embracing Autism was one leap of faith, but dreaming even bigger with my next venture, Embracing Dreams, has pushed me to grow in new ways.

Embracing Dreams is a reselling business I’m building to create future employment opportunities for the children with special needs I hope to adopt one day. My goal is to give them meaningful work experiences and the chance to learn valuable life and job skills in a supportive environment.

Another project I’ve been thinking about is opening an animal rescue and doggie daycare that also employs individuals with disabilities. Right now, it’s just a dream, but I truly believe it will become a reality one day.

Each new idea reminds me that growth comes from courage—and that every step forward brings me closer to creating inclusive spaces where people and animals alike can feel valued, safe, and loved.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people will say that I made a difference—that I used my heart, creativity, and determination to help others see the potential in every person, no matter their abilities. I want to be remembered as someone who led with compassion, who built opportunities where there weren’t any, and who made the world a little more inclusive and understanding.

Through Special Needs: Embracing Autism, my goal has always been to empower teachers, families, and students with tools that truly change lives. And through Embracing Dreams, I hope to create lasting opportunities for individuals with disabilities—including the children I hope to adopt—to find purpose, independence, and pride in their work.

If people remember me as someone who believed in others, lifted them up, and helped them see their own strengths, that will be the greatest legacy I could ever leave behind.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://specialneedsembracingautism.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/specialneedsembracingautism/