Autism Inspired Academy

Every student at Autism Inspired Academy has a voice.

The tools look different from student to student, and that is exactly the point. Communication here is not one-size-fits-all. Some students speak, some use devices, some use a combination of both. What stays consistent is our commitment to making sure every student has a way to express themselves, connect with others, and access their education fully.

Most importantly, it isn't an exception at Autism Inspired Academy. It's an expectation.

Learn more at autisminspired.org.

🏈 Last week, we held our first Field Day!

Every student from elementary through high school participated with a lot of sun, fun, and teamwork.

A huge shoutout to Coach Beth for organizing every detail from start to finish, and to Coach Derrick for showing up for students every step of the way. They made absolutely delivered an unforgettable day for our students.

Year one is officially in the books. See you on the field next year.

Summer is almost here, and many families are already wondering how to help their child through the shift.

For many autistic children who have developed routines around school, the end of the school year brings loss of predictability, familiar faces, and the structure that helps them feel safe. The good news is that with some preparation, that transition can go a lot more smoothly. We put together a practical guide for families covering what to do before the last day of school, how to keep some rhythm in your summer days, and when it is okay to ask for extra support.

It is a quick read, and we hope it helps. ☀️

Link in bio or find it here: autisminspired.org/helping-your-autistic-child-transition-from-school-to-summer

Today we pause to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to this country. We are grateful for their sacrifice, and we hold their families in our thoughts.

Wishing our AIA community a meaningful Memorial Day.

This year we are marking a big milestone. We are pausing in gratitude and excitement, and celebrating AIA Class of 2026!

Graduation isn't just a ceremony at AIA. It represents years of individualized instruction, real-world skill building, and a family that never stopped showing up alongside their student.

This year, the Class of 2026 is getting ready to walk. Every student graduating did so through a program built around their specific strengths, their pace, and their future. We are proud of what this moment represents, and even prouder of the students and families who made it possible.

👨‍🎓 🎉 Congratulations to the AIA Class of 2026!

Learn more about how AIA prepares students for life after graduation: autisminspired.org

When our students interact with animals in our Inspired Farming program on campus, we see opportunities to create greater social engagement than in many traditional therapeutic environments.

Autism Inspired Academy's Inspired Farming program puts this into practice every day. Students care for chickens and goats, tend gardens, and take on real responsibilities that build communication, regulation, and confidence over time. The farm is not a break from learning. For many students, it is where learning finally makes sense.

Learn more: autisminspired.org

What a day on campus!

Thirty volunteers from joined us today as part of their Global Volunteer Day, and our students are still talking about it.

The team built bookshelves and organized a beautiful new leveled library inside our auditorium, giving our students a media center space they will enjoy for years to come. Then came the part everyone loved most. Volunteers played basketball, soccer, and volleyball with our middle and high school students, and the joy on campus was something to see.

Beyond the games, our students had a real chance to practice social skills in a fun, supportive environment.

They truly showed up for our campus and our students!

A heartfelt thank you to the entire Fanatics team for spending your day with us and for caring so deeply about our school community.

To every volunteer who gave their time at our 2026 Annual Clay Shoot at Tampa Bay Sporting Clays: thank you. You showed up, worked hard, and helped make an incredible day possible.

Your support helped drive real impact for our students, funding scholarships, investing in our staff, and continuing to build a campus designed around the needs of each child we serve. None of that happens without people who genuinely care, and you are those people.

If you would like to volunteer at a future event or come see the school in action, we would love to welcome you. Email [email protected] to discover how!

What an incredible day.

Our 2026 Annual Clay Shoot Fundraiser at Tampa Bay Sporting Clays brought together an amazing group of people who believe in what we are building at Autism Inspired Academy.

Because of your generosity, we raised over $50,000. Those dollars go directly toward student scholarships, our dedicated staff, and a campus designed around the needs of autistic learners. Every dollar is an investment in a child's future.

Thank you to everyone who sponsored, shot, volunteered, donated to the auction and raffle, and cheered us on. And a special thank you to our sponsors:

de Moya Highway Infrastructure
Ajax Paving, Creative Contractors
APG
Busy Bee
Cone & Graham
Florida Coast Equipment
Maylor Foundation Contractors
Ranger Construction
Ogletree Deakins
All Phase Electric
JJ Taylor
Woodruff & Sons
South State Bank
Lonnie Hatcher of Doyle Electric

Save the date for next year: Friday, April 23, 2027 at Tampa Bay Sporting Clays.

We cannot wait to do it again.

Visit autisminspired.org to learn more about our school and how to get involved.

We are closing out Staff Appreciation Week the same way our staff closes out every week: with full hearts.

All week we have celebrated the people who pour themselves into this work, and into these students, every single day. They build trust slowly and intentionally. They celebrate small wins that others might overlook. They show up for families, for each other, and for every child who walks through our doors. That kind of dedication does not go unnoticed, and it does not go unappreciated.

To our AIA team: thank you. This school exists because of you.