how it all began
Julie Pace, founder
When my twins were diagnosed with autism, our lives changed in an instant. Like any parent, all I wanted was to help my children. Instead, I found myself entering a world I knew nothing about, one filled with uncertainty, overwhelming decisions, and a constant fight to get them the support they needed.
What should have been a path to answers quickly became a maze of long waitlists, endless paperwork, insurance battles, and therapies that often came with impossible price tags. Every phone call seemed to lead to another waiting list. Every answer uncovered ten more questions. Time mattered, but the resources simply weren't there.
As parents, we're told that early intervention is critical, yet many families spend months, or even years, waiting for services while desperately hoping they haven't missed a window that could change their child's future. Some travel hours several times a week just to access therapy. Others simply go without because the services don't exist nearby or the cost is more than they can afford.
No family should have to choose between financial stability and getting their child the support they need.
As I looked around our own community, I realized our story wasn't unique. There were countless families carrying the same fears, the same exhaustion, and the same overwhelming feeling of trying to navigate a system that wasn't built to make the journey easy.
Somewhere in the middle of the tears, the prayers, and the determination, God placed something on my heart. He showed me that while I couldn't change my children's diagnosis, I could help change the experience of walking through it. What began as one mother fighting for her own children became a calling to fight for every family navigating this journey.
That's how Acts 4 Autism was born, not because we had all the answers, but because our community deserved better. We believe every individual with autism deserves access to the resources, opportunities, and support they need to thrive, and every family deserves a community that walks beside them.
Our mission is to build that community, one family, one partnership, and one opportunity at a time. And we're just getting started.
Because every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, every family deserves support, and no one should have to walk this journey alone.
From One Family to a Community!
What started as one family's search for support has grown into a movement dedicated to creating lasting change throughout Rockingham County.
Today, Acts 4 Autism brings families together through sensory-friendly events, educational opportunities, community partnerships, and meaningful connections. Every program we create is designed with one goal in mind: making sure individuals with autism and their families have the support, resources, and sense of belonging they deserve.
The reality for many families
You're told that early intervention is critical, but then face waitlists that can stretch for months or even years.
Every day spent waiting can feel like time your child can't afford to lose.
Families often drive hours each week just to access therapies that should be available close to home.
Insurance doesn't always cover the services a child needs, leaving parents to choose between financial stability and essential care.
Parents quickly become researchers, advocates, therapists, case managers, and full-time caregivers—all while trying to hold their families together.
Siblings often sacrifice time and attention as families juggle appointments, therapies, and daily challenges.
Simple outings that many families take for granted can become overwhelming because inclusive, sensory-friendly spaces are so limited.
Too many parents carry the weight of feeling alone, wondering if anyone truly understands what they're going through.
