Although Nikki Lockwood’s daughter showed a variety of developmental delays as a toddler, she wasn’t diagnosed on the autism spectrum until age 5. Faced with their daughter’s walking delays, behavioral issues, and sensory integration difficulties, the family could not access the services they needed in their rural community and, seeking answers, they moved to Spokane, WA. After a six-month evaluation process and with an autism diagnosis in-hand, the Lockwoods found themselves in completely uncharted territory. Of their experience 8 years ago, Nikki recalls, “we had to piece together services after hunting down appropriate providers and sitting on wait lists.”

With her daughter now 13 years old, Nikki observes, “She is smart, creative, funny, and loves animals and a revolving door of video games. However, she has issues related to social anxiety.” Her daughter’s few friendships haven't given her the practice she needs to have the social ease her neurotypical peers take for granted.

A few years ago Lockwood tried to arrange a “‘tween” social skills group in Spokane, but was unsuccessful in finding a qualified facilitator to provide services at a rate that most families could afford.

Then, “this firecracker of an advocate showed up and partnered with me and the YMCA to create a free tween and teen social skills group at the YMCA, staffed with qualified facilitators.” Jess Silvernail, WAAA Eastern WA Outreach & Advocacy Coordinator, also helped arrange a parent support group scheduled to meet in tandem with the teen group. “Families affected by autism in Spokane have many needs,” commented Nikki, “from educational advocacy to getting more service providers and transition services in the community for emerging adults, I’m glad WAAA is in our community, in relationship with parents, making a difference.”