Get in the K.N.O.W.!
KNOWAutism Foundation, a Uniquely Houston Resource for Families Affected by Autism
Based in Houston, Texas, KNOWAutism is a foundation for children on the autism spectrum, a complex neurological disorder that typically appears during early childhood and has lifelong effects. KNOWAutism is dedicated to supporting families affected by autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Autism and ASD are both general terms for these complex disorders of brain development.
Encompassing a wide range of conditions, ASD is characterized by difficulties with social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and restricted or repetitive patterns of thought and behavior. Because every child is affected differently, it can be challenging to diagnose. There are many types. Because people with ASD can show significantly different signs, symptoms, and levels, the term spectrum is used. Levels of ability range from being highly autistic non-verbal to very low. The latter is known as high-functioning.
KNOWAutism was founded in 2013. Its goal then, just as it is now, was to help families of children with autism maneuver through the process of diagnosis, treatment, intervention, and education. Its focus is to provide direct financial assistance to families and to support community efforts to serve special needs children.
The foundation understands the importance of early detection of ASD and the financial burden it places on families from diagnostic testing to interventions and therapies and increased medical expenditures. KNOWAutism is also keenly aware of the emotional burden ASD places on families. To this end, KNOWAutism supports critical programs, such as sensory friendly rooms in public venues; financial assistance for diagnostics; applied behavioral analysis; and physical, speech, and occupational therapies and initiatives aimed at enhancing the lives of those affected by ASD.
KNOWAutism was founded by Tammy Tran Nguyen after she received her son’s autism diagnosis. Once she overcame the initial shock of the diagnosis, Nguyen focused her determination and attention on finding help for him. Unfortunately, obtaining treatment was complicated and frustrating. This didn’t stop her, however, and eventually she learned that there is an extensive network of well-qualified professionals, locally and nationally, who are ready to take on the challenge of treating children with autism.
This discovery inspired Nguyen to share her experiences to help provide a roadmap for other families of children who are affected by autism. Her goal was to make the journey for other families a little easier. With the support of family and friends, Nguyen created KNOWAutism to increase autism awareness and to help families affected by autism by providing education and resources.
KNOWAutism initially was run entirely by volunteer efforts led by Nguyen, along with board members, friends, and supporters. They focused on individual grants, as well as creating an online library of resources; connecting families with support and services; and raising awareness about autism, especially in communities with language barriers. These early efforts included hosting educational seminars on autism for social workers, therapists, and counselors at the Asian American Family Services center. The foundation also provided financial support for projects like the Light and Salt Special Needs Center at the Chinese Community Center, which specializes in lectures and gatherings for families with special needs children. Now, the Board supplies the foundation’s leadership.
KNOWAutism knew of the need for a specialized center in Houston to provide comprehensive assessments, diagnosis, and early intervention for children with autism. To meet this need, the foundation provided funding to help launch The Stewart Center at The Westview School, a therapeutic clinic staffed by professionals with specialized training in the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders, in 2013. The Stewart Center serves children, adolescents, and their families from The Westview School and from the community. One doesn’t need to attend The Westview School to receive its services. The center offers art therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and individual/family therapy.
As the organization became more established, it shifted its focus to providing direct financial assistance to families and supporting community efforts to serve special needs children. As of March 2018, KNOWAutism has been able to provide thousands of direct financial assistance grants to families for diagnostic testing. KNOWAutism’s financial assistance program accepts applications continuously on a rolling basis. The Tuition & Therapy Assistance Program offers scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to help ease the financial burden of therapeutic treatments and intervention for autism. The Special Interest Fund helps children with autism access adaptive and inclusive programs and services that do not fall under the umbrella of traditional autism treatments or interventions. Awards range from $500 to $2,000 per child. Eligible programs include specialized camps, music therapy, art therapy, yoga therapy, therapeutic horseback riding, adaptive swim lessons, and other similar types of programs.
Since 2018, as well, KNOWAutism has been able to provide therapeutic treatments that focus on the key social, communication, and behavioral issues the individual child is experiencing; special interest programs; and disaster relief.
KNOWAutism has also created wonderful community partnerships that serve autistic children and their families. One such partnership, and the largest of them all, is between Theater Under the Stars (TUTS) and The River. With it, KNOWAutism has helped create the Community Arts Residencies, bringing inclusive fine arts education into elementary school campuses. It has been a tremendous success and has served numerous students in the Houston Independent School District (HISD).
KNOWAutism recently acted as a sponsor for the Global World Cup, a multi-day event focused on highlighting the athletic abilities of persons with autism and other intellectual disabilities.
From the beginning, KNOWAutism has been focused on helping to reduce the financial and psychological burden of an autism diagnosis on families. Since 2013, it has been building a community of friends and supporters dedicated to improving the lives of children with autism, and it has been doing so admirably.
Perri Palermo Motamedi and Sherri Zucker
Recently, CKW LUXE had the honor of sitting down with two members of the KNOWAutism Board, Sherri Zucker and Perri Palermo Motamedi, to talk about the organization. Zucker, due to her compassionate nature, has donated, and continues to donate, her time, talent, and resources to help raise money, in various roles, for numerous charitable organizations. Motamedi has been the foundation’s treasurer since 2017 and a member since 2015. With her background in helping children with neurodevelopmental disorders reach their full potential in life, she plays a pivotal role in the foundation’s mission.
CKW LUXE
How did you become involved with KNOWAutism, and can you tell us what in your backgrounds motivated you to become part of KNOWAutism?
Sherri Zucker and Perri Palermo Motamedi
Sherri - I joined the KNOWAutism Board in 2020 after learning about the organization from Amy Pierce, the then-chairman of the board. At the time, I knew about autism but didn’t have a direct personal connection. Over the past four years, I’ve been amazed to realize how many of my friends and loved ones have family members affected by ASD. Children have always been close to my heart, and serving on the board has deepened my commitment to supporting families navigating the challenges of autism. It’s an honor to be part of an organization that makes such a meaningful impact.
Perri - I became a part of the KNOWAutism organization because I have personally faced the challenges of being a parent of a son who has autism, and I lacked access to resources and affordable healthcare. I knew with my experience as a parent and speech pathologist, I could be a great resource for the organization.
CKW
Please describe some of KNOWAutism’s programs for our readers.
SZ and PPM
KNOWAutism offers three financial assistance programs. The first is Tuition and Therapy Assistance, with which we provide scholarships of up to $10,000 for therapeutic treatments and interventions for children aged 12 months and older who have a clinical diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. The second is Autism Diagnostic Assistance, which subsidizes diagnostic testing for children aged 12 months to 14 years. The third is the Special Interest Fund, which supports children in accessing adaptive programs like specialized camps, music and art therapy, yoga, horseback riding, and more, with awards ranging from $500 to $3,000. This fund may also cover autism advocacy fees up to $1,000.
CKW
Please elaborate a little on the partnerships the foundation has created.
SZ and PPM
Last year, we partnered with Family to Family Network to provide our families with two hours of one-on-one case management. They provide training and assistance to navigate the complex education, social service, and health care systems to better advocate for their needs. Family to Family’s philosophy is that when children with autism receive the necessary support and services, they can become contributing members of our community.
In May of 2024, KNOWAutism was chosen as the Charity of the Month for Spec’s Wines, Spirits & Finer Foods. They raised over $33,500 in one month from donations from in-store and online customers. To say we were excited is an understatement.
This past summer, we were proud to partner with the first Genuine World Cup in Houston, an event dedicated to creating an inclusive soccer experience for individuals with intellectual and neurological differences. The Genuine World Cup aims to transform soccer from a spectator sport into a platform for active engagement, providing athletes with the opportunity to build strength, health, and self-assurance. By fostering a sense of belonging, this event helps participants gain the confidence to engage more fully in their communities. Through this partnership, KNOWAutism supports the goal of using soccer as a universal language to unite and empower all athletes, regardless of ability.
CKW
The foundation has done so much already to help families affected by an autism diagnosis. Please tell us what future aspirations the Board has for it and what more needs to be done.
SZ and PPM
This past summer, the board mapped out a comprehensive five-year plan. KNOWAutism’s five-year plan aims to strengthen financial stability by growing its Strategic Reserve to $1.25M, raise autism awareness through public events and high-profile campaigns, and partner with organizations to provide housing for adults with autism. The initiative also seeks to influence autism-related legislation and expand grant support for services and research. In the first year, KNOWAutism will finalize its brand, build partnerships with family services and schools, engage with donors and volunteers, and host key awareness events. Through strategic partnerships, advocacy, and community engagement, the organization is poised to make a lasting impact on the autism community.