Welcome, Pals! 

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If someone had told me years ago that my greatest teacher would be my daughter, I probably wouldn't have believed them.

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When Kali was diagnosed with autism, I found myself stepping into a world I knew very little about. Suddenly, I was learning new terminology, navigating evaluations, advocating in school meetings, researching therapies, searching for resources, and trying to make the best decisions for my daughter—all while simply trying to be her mom.

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There were moments when I felt overwhelmed. Moments when I wished there was one place where families could find support, ask questions without judgment, and connect with people who truly understood the journey.

That experience changed my life.

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It also inspired AuSome Pals.

What began as a way to celebrate Kali and help her build confidence has grown into a community dedicated to helping other families feel seen, supported, and connected. Every program, every event, and every book we create is rooted in the belief that every child deserves opportunities to make friends, discover their strengths, and be celebrated for exactly who they are.

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As I continued meeting families, I realized something else—we weren't just looking for activities. We were looking for guidance, encouragement, trusted information, and a community that understood the everyday realities of raising a neurodivergent child or a child with developmental disabilities.

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That's why I created The Autism Plug.

The Autism Plug is an extension of our heart—a place where families can find practical information, real conversations, community resources, and encouragement from someone who understands both the professional side and the personal side of this journey.

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Kali has been my greatest inspiration. She reminds me every day that progress looks different for every child, that joy can be found in the smallest moments, and that our differences are often our greatest strengths.

Our hope is that when you become part of the AuSome Pals community, you never feel like you're walking this journey alone.

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Whether you're celebrating milestones, searching for answers, making new friends, or simply looking for a community that understands, we're so glad you're here.

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Welcome to the AuSome Pals family.

With love,

Dr. Shirley Sims & Kali 

 

About Dr. Shirley Sims

As a mother, educator, and advocate, I bring both lived experience and professional expertise to this work. With more than 22 years of leadership experience across education, nonprofit management, and community engagement, I understand how complex it can be to navigate systems and access the services families need. As a Certified Autism Specialist, my mission is to bridge the gap between families, resources, and inclusive opportunities so that every child—and every caregiver—feels supported, empowered, and connected.

AuSome Pals isn't just what we do—it's who we are.