The Owen Foundation

I watched my non-verbal daughter chase around 2 little girls because she wanted to be their friend, while they were desperately trying to get away from her.

Let me tell you, I’ve been through some heartbreaking s**t, but that had to be one of the worst feelings I’ve ever felt.

They kept side-eyeing each other before moving away from her, and every time they did, Mireyah followed behind, still hoping to be included.

Eventually they ran off again… and this time, she just stayed where she was, sitting there on her own.

She wasn’t trying to annoy them or ruin their game. She was trying to make friends in the only way she knows how.

People assume that because she can’t talk, she doesn’t understand.. The reality is the complete opposite. She understands every moment. Every laugh. Every friendship forming around her. She just can’t tell another child, “I want to be your mate.”

So she stays close. She watches them, follows them and hopes they somehow understand what she is trying to say.

I sat across the room with tears rolling down my face while she desperately kept trying, eventually we caught eyes. I held my hand out and said, “Come on,” and we went and played together.

She had no idea I was upset. No idea that watching her want something so ordinary had completely broken my heart.

I never want her to stop trying.

I never want her to lose that love she has for people.

But yesterday, for the first time, I wondered how many more times her heart can take it before she gives up trying altogether.💔

🧡 Myth Buster Monday | Issue #001

❌ MYTH: Autistic children don’t want friends.

✅ FACT: Many autistic children do want meaningful friendships. They may simply communicate, socialize, or connect in ways that look different.

Every child deserves the opportunity to build meaningful relationships, feel included, and be accepted for who they are.

At The Owen Academy, we celebrate each child’s unique way of connecting with the world while helping them develop the skills and confidence to build relationships that are meaningful to them.

Sometimes friendship isn’t about talking the most or playing the same way, it’s about being understood, accepted, and valued.

💙 Because understanding leads to inclusion.

Have you heard this myth before? Tell us in the comments, and let us know what autism myth you’d like us to bust next!

See you next Monday for another Myth Buster Monday! 🧡

This is huge!

The Owen Academy is launching a brand-new educational series dedicated to busting common myths about autism.

Each Monday, they tackle one misconception with evidence-based information, practical insights, and a deeper look at autism to help educate, encourage, and empower our community.

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, educator, healthcare professional, or simply want to learn more, this series is for you.

Be sure to follow their page so you don’t miss a single Myth Monday!

🧡 Myth Buster Monday | Issue #001

❌ MYTH: Autistic children don’t want friends.

✅ FACT: Many autistic children do want meaningful friendships. They may simply communicate, socialize, or connect in ways that look different.

Every child deserves the opportunity to build meaningful relationships, feel included, and be accepted for who they are.

At The Owen Academy, we celebrate each child’s unique way of connecting with the world while helping them develop the skills and confidence to build relationships that are meaningful to them.

Sometimes friendship isn’t about talking the most or playing the same way, it’s about being understood, accepted, and valued.

💙 Because understanding leads to inclusion.

Have you heard this myth before? Tell us in the comments, and let us know what autism myth you’d like us to bust next!

See you next Monday for another Myth Buster Monday! 🧡

☀️ AUTISM & EXTREME HEAT: A PSA FOR FAMILIES

As temperatures continue to climb across our communities, we wanted to share an important reminder that many people may not know.

Individuals with autism can face unique challenges during periods of extreme heat. Sensory differences, communication challenges, difficulty recognizing the body’s warning signs, and certain medications can all increase the risk of heat-related illness.

Heat is already the leading weather-related cause of death in the United States, and emergency department visits for heat-related illness rise dramatically during periods of extreme heat. In 2023 alone, the CDC reported more than 119,000 heat-related emergency department visits, with 92% occurring between May and September.

For autistic children, it is especially important to:
💧 Offer water frequently—even if they don’t ask.
🧢 Take frequent breaks in air-conditioned spaces.
👕 Dress in lightweight, breathable clothing.
🌳 Limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
🚨 Watch for signs of overheating, including unusual fatigue, irritability, flushing, dizziness, nausea, rapid breathing, or changes in behavior.

Some autistic individuals may not recognize or communicate that they are becoming dangerously hot, making close supervision even more important during heat advisories.

A few extra precautions today can prevent a medical emergency tomorrow.

Please help us spread awareness by sharing this post. It may help keep an autistic child, or anyone vulnerable to extreme heat, safe this summer. ❤️

This PSA is brought to you by The Owen Academy.

Sources:
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Heat-Related Emergency Department Visits — United States, May–September 2023
• CDC Heat Health Program
• The Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific: “Mental disorders and heat-related emergency hospital admissions”

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👏🏻

“Never give up. Never quit.”: Sherman middle schooler with cerebral palsy travels to compete at country’s largest adaptive sports event

STORY --> https://www.kxii.com/2026/07/22/never-give-up-never-quit-sherman-middle-schooler-with-cerebral-palsy-travels-compete-countrys-largest-adaptive-sports-event/

Pretty darn cool 😎 💙

Congratulations to Spain! 🇪🇸

A special shoutout to Spanish footballer Marc Cucurella, who has used his platform to speak openly about his autistic son, Mateo, sharing the journey of learning to understand him, navigating uncertainty, and advocating with deep love for what his child needs.