Meet Lia McCabe

We recently connected with Lia McCabe and have shared our conversation below.

Lia, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Finding my purpose has been a deeply personal journey, shaped by my experiences as both an autistic advocate and a parent of autistic children. My journey began when my own children were diagnosed with autism. Navigating the challenges and triumphs of raising autistic children opened my eyes to the unique perspectives and needs within the autism community.

As I delved deeper into understanding autism, I felt a growing need to support other families going through similar experiences. This led to the creation of AutismWish, a small mom and pop charity dedicated to providing resources and support for autistic individuals and their families. Through AutismWish, I’ve been able to connect with countless families, offering them not only resources but also a sense of community and understanding.

Hosting the Embracing Autism podcast further solidified my purpose. Through the podcast, I share stories, insights, and expert advice, aiming to raise awareness and foster acceptance of autism. The feedback from listeners has been incredibly rewarding, and it’s heartening to know that our conversations are making a difference in people’s lives.

Ultimately, my purpose is driven by a desire to create a world where autistic individuals are understood, accepted, and celebrated for who they are. By combining my personal experiences with advocacy and community-building efforts, I’ve found a fulfilling and meaningful path that continues to inspire me every day.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I wear many hats as an autistic advocate, a parent of autistic children, the founder of AutismWish, and the host of the Embracing Autism podcast. Each role is intertwined and driven by a passion for supporting and uplifting the autism community.

At AutismWish, our mission is to provide resources and support to autistic individuals and their families. We operate as a small mom and pop charity, but our impact is significant. We offer various programs and initiatives that aim to bring joy, understanding, and practical assistance to those who need it most. The most exciting part of AutismWish is seeing the direct, positive impact on families. Whether it’s through a special event, a resource, or a simple act of kindness, we strive to make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve.

Hosting the Embracing Autism podcast is another deeply fulfilling aspect of what I do. Through the podcast, I get to share stories, insights, and expert advice, fostering a greater understanding and acceptance of autism. The conversations we have on the show are not only informative but also inspiring. Hearing from our listeners about how the podcast has helped them navigate their own journeys is incredibly special.

One of the most exciting developments is our Embracing Autism Back2School Bash, an event designed to bring special needs families together and celebrate the start of a new school year. We worked hard to ensure it was a memorable and supportive experience for everyone involved. Additionally, we’re expanding our outreach efforts and developing new programs to provide even more resources and support to the autism community.

Our goal is to create a world where autistic individuals are understood, accepted, and celebrated for who they are. Through AutismWish and the Embracing Autism Podcast, we aim to build a community that thrives on empathy, support, and inclusivity. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Reflecting on my journey, I believe the three qualities that have been most impactful are empathy, resilience, and a willingness to learn. These traits have shaped my work as an autistic advocate, parent, founder of AutismWish, and host of the Embracing Autism podcast.

**1. Empathy:**
Empathy has been at the core of everything I do. Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, especially those within the autism community, has allowed me to connect on a deeper level. Empathy helps me to be a better advocate, a more supportive parent, and a more effective leader of AutismWish. For those early in their journey, I recommend actively listening to and engaging with the experiences of others. Volunteering, joining support groups, and immersing yourself in the community can help develop this crucial quality.

**2. Resilience:**
Navigating the challenges of raising autistic children and advocating for the autism community requires a significant amount of resilience. There have been many hurdles along the way, but maintaining a strong sense of determination and the ability to bounce back from setbacks has been essential. For those starting out, it’s important to remember that setbacks are part of the journey. Building a support network and practicing self-care are vital in developing resilience. Celebrate small victories and remind yourself of the progress you’ve made, even when times are tough.

**3. Willingness to Learn:**
The autism landscape is ever-evolving, and staying informed has been critical. My willingness to continuously learn about new research, therapies, and perspectives has enabled me to provide better support through AutismWish and more insightful content on the Embracing Autism podcast. For newcomers, I advise staying curious and open-minded. Attend workshops, read extensively, and seek out educational opportunities. Connecting with professionals and importantly, autistic individuals can also provide valuable insights and keep you up to date with the latest developments.

To anyone starting their journey, I encourage you to cultivate these qualities. Empathy will help you connect, resilience will keep you moving forward, and a willingness to learn will ensure you are always growing and improving. By focusing on these areas, you can make a meaningful impact in your own life and the lives of those around you.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely, I’m always looking for passionate individuals and organizations to partner or collaborate with, especially those who share a commitment to supporting and uplifting the autism community.

At AutismWish, we are particularly interested in collaborating with other podcasts, educators, therapists, and healthcare professionals who specialize in autism. Their expertise can help us enhance our programs and provide even better resources and support to families. We’re also eager to work with businesses and brands that are dedicated to inclusivity and accessibility. Whether it’s through joint events, sponsorships, or product collaborations, these partnerships can make a significant impact.

For the Embracing Autism podcast, we’re looking for guests who can share valuable insights, whether they are experts in the field, autistic self-advocates, or parents with unique stories to tell. We believe that diverse voices enrich our conversations and provide our listeners with a wide range of perspectives.

Community organizations and other non-profits are also wonderful partners. By working together, we can combine our resources and efforts to reach more families and create a stronger support network. Joint initiatives and events can amplify our impact and foster a greater sense of community.

If you are reading this and are interested in collaborating, I would love to hear from you. You can connect with me via email at lia@autismwish.org or through our social media channels @AutismWish. Let’s work together to create a more inclusive, supportive, and understanding world for autistic individuals and their families.

Thank you for your interest, and I look forward to the possibility of collaborating with you!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.autismwish.org
• Instagram: @AutismWish
• Facebook: @AutismWish
• Twitter: @AutismWish
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@autismwish

Image Credits

Nataly Danilova