Community Engagement

Autism doesn’t just affect the person who has the diagnosis, it impacts the entire community. Project Hope Foundation seeks to improve the quality of family life on multiple levels, including books, connections, and training. Additionally, we speak to community groups to help build awareness, create a supportive environment, and produce autism advocates.

Highlighted Resources

Family and friends often need much more information than websites can provide. We recommend these books to fill the gap, gain perspective, and provide tools you can use TODAY! Both are available as print, e-book, or audiobook. They can be ordered from any regular retailer and are available through any library system.

Signs At First, by Rixon Lane

Lane’s debut book is a fictional story built on a lifetime of factual experience with an autistic brother and his role at Project Hope Foundation’s life-changing services from the very beginning. It’s a story of family, sports, and growing up, and how each of those things becomes infinitely more complex when autism is added to the mix. This book is perfect for a young sports fan, a friend who has just been introduced to autism, or anyone in need of a feel-good gift!

Drawing on his personal experience, Rixon Lane’s Signs at First follows Jake, a talented baseball player navigating the challenges of relating to his autistic brother. As his team fights for a championship and life throws him curveballs, Jake scrambles to make sense of changing relationships, both on and off the field.

Life on the Bridge by Kaelynn Partlow

You’ve heard from autistic authors.

You’ve heard from therapists.

Now hear from one extraordinary young woman who’s both.

Experience autism from the inside out through a rare fusion of professional skill and personal understanding. Reshape what you know about the autism spectrum and increase your ability to give support. Varied perspectives among autistic individuals, their families, and professionals have often been difficult to reconcile. Now, you can bridge that divide with guidance from someone who’s lived in multiple worlds. Find immediate, actionable options to build connections, foster communication, navigate challenges, and enhance interactions.

How Can We Support Your Group?

Schools & Educators

You want: Support for students with autism in the classroom

We provide:

Practical, classroom-ready strategies for behavior and learning
Training on using evidence-based approaches in school settings
Guidance on inclusion, transitions, and student support plans

Result: More confident teachers and more successful, supported students

Example: After a half-day training, a teacher was able to reduce classroom disruptions and help a student stay engaged during group instruction for the first time.

Kaelynn and Lisa in Spartanburg square 3

Employers & Workforce Partners

You want: To create a more inclusive workplace and expand your workforce

We provide:

Training on working effectively with individuals with autism
Strategies for communication, structure, and job success
Partnership opportunities to support employment pathways

Result: Stronger teams, increased retention, and meaningful employment opportunities

Example: A local business adjusted communication strategies and saw an employee with autism move from inconsistent performance to a reliable, valued team member.

Community & Faith-Based Organizations

You want: To better serve and include individuals and families impacted by autism

We provide:

Awareness and education on autism and its community impact
Practical tools to create welcoming, inclusive environments
Guidance for supporting families in real-life situations

Result: A more inclusive, informed, and supportive community

Example: A church implemented simple sensory-friendly practices and saw a family attend regularly for the first time after years of feeling unable to participate.

Healthcare & Service Providers

You want: To better understand and support individuals with autism in your care

We provide:

Training on communication, behavior, and patient support strategies
Insight into evidence-based practices and collaboration
Tools to improve outcomes and reduce barriers to care

Result: More effective interactions and improved patient experiences

Example: A pediatric dental practice used visual supports and structured routines, reducing patient distress and improving the quality of visits for both staff and families.

Just Getting Started?

If you’re new to this topic, begin with our 7-minute video—a quick, practical introduction to supporting individuals with autism.

Need More In-Depth Info?

Check out our Webinar Library. Each video features a topic on which families commonly need more information.

Our Webinars

Project Hope Foundation offers a series of informative webinars designed to support families and caregivers as they navigate key challenges during the transition to adulthood and beyond. These recorded sessions feature trusted experts in medicine, law, and autism support, covering important topics such as puberty, guardianship, special needs trusts, and ABLE accounts in South Carolina. Whether you are planning ahead or seeking practical guidance, these on-demand webinars provide valuable insights and actionable information to help you make informed decisions for your loved one.

Webinar #1: Puberty Webinar (Male) with Mike Guyton-Nunley, MD, September 13, 2022

Webinar #2: Puberty Webinar (Female) with Dr. Shannon Johnson, OB-GYN, August 9, 2022

Webinar #3: Housing Options as Part of PHF’s Lifespan of Services: conversation with PHF leadership about plans, April 12, 2022

Webinar #4: Project Hope Discusses Special Needs Trust with a Local Attorney, April 1, 2021.

Webinar #5: ABLE Account Information for South Carolina, March 4, 2021.

Webinar #6: Guardianship Webinar with Cass Gorton, Esq., February 4, 2021