About Us
Neurodiverse Family & Autistic Led
AutismWish and the Embracing Autism Podcast were created by the McCabe Family, born of the need to provide autistic families with support and parent resources across the United States.
Meet Lia: Lia has a Master’s specialized in Human Factors Psychology and is an outspoken Autistic Advocate. She is certified in special needs Parent Training and mentorship. You can find her guest speaking at events such as the Autism Parenting Summit, the 1 in 44 Autism Tour and the 1 in 36 Mix.
We're the McCabes!
Neurodivergent parents of two amazing autistic girls, Founders of AutismWish, and Hosts of the Embracing Autism Podcast
Meet Matt: Matt has a Master’s in Human Security and Resilience and is a Learning Disability Self-Advocate. He volunteers his summers teaching special needs kids archery at a therapeutic camp and has experience in mentoring troubled youths.
Our story
The McCabe Family
When our firstborn was just 20 months old, she was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, showing significant motor and communication delays. Almost a year later, our second child was diagnosed at 19 months old. As parents to autistic children, we quickly realized how few resources were available for families like ours. We were shocked by the financial strain of keeping up with appointments, therapies, and the specialized items our children needed.
Recognizing a gap in support, we created AutismWish to bridge the need between families and the therapeutic or sensory items that can make a meaningful difference in a child’s life. Over time, our mission evolved, and we began focusing on advocacy and autism education.
We launched the Embracing Autism podcast to share tips, advice, and personal stories with other parents and caregivers. Our podcast deeply resonated with autism-impacted families as we quickly climbed the charts and currently rank in the top 2% globally of over 3 million podcasts. Through candid conversations with autistic adults and experts in the autism community, our understanding deepened. These discussions inspired the creation of Embracing Autism IRL, a video companion series exploring real-life experiences in the autism world.
During this journey, Lia began her own self-discovery and was officially diagnosed as autistic. This revelation brought a renewed passion for advocacy—not only for autistic children but for the broader autism community. Today, AutismWish focuses on raising awareness, providing educational resources, and fostering acceptance.
We are committed to empowering families, celebrating neurodiversity, and building a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
Our Mission
AutismWish is dedicated to fostering a world where autistic individuals and their families thrive, embracing and celebrating neurodiversity. As an autistic-run, family-operated social enterprise, we deeply understand the joys and challenges of being autistic and raising autistic children. Our mission is to create a neuro-affirming environment that celebrates the unique strengths of every individual while acknowledging the realities of caregiver burnout and the barriers faced by autistic individuals.
Through grants, educational resources, speaking engagements, and advocacy, we aim to empower families and individuals by providing meaningful support, resources, and community connections. Our initiatives, such as the monthly grant, Valentine’s Card Club, and 4th of July earmuff drive, are designed to reduce stigma, build acceptance, and foster belonging in the autism community.
To ensure sustainability, we use a model that generates profit through memberships, merchandise, and educational offerings. All profits directly fund our mission, covering operational costs, community events, and resources for our own autistic children. Beyond that, we aim to provide valuable work experience to our children, helping them build resumes and develop skills essential for future employment in a world where opportunities for autistic individuals can be limited.
At the heart of AutismWish is the belief that neurodiversity is a vital part of the human experience. We strive to break down barriers, promote inclusivity, and inspire acceptance for all individuals to live as their authentic selves. Together, we can build a future where differences are celebrated, communities are inclusive, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
Join us in championing neurodiversity, advocating for inclusivity, and empowering the autism community—one family at a time.
Awards & Nominations
2024 NOMINEE
The 4th Annual Global Women of Choice Awards
2023 NOMINATED ARTIST
The Autism Hero Awards
Our Partners
