Building Stronger Communities: How Our Partnerships, Outreach & Marketing Efforts Support Autism Awareness, Acceptance and Advocacy

Author: Wes Morgan, Senior Vice President of Outreach and Patient Access

When we think about autism awareness, we often picture campaigns in April, blue puzzle pieces, infinity signs, or social media posts with hashtags like #LightItUpBlue. But for our organization, autism awareness and acceptance aren’t a month-long initiative. They are part of our daily commitment —woven into every tour, every community event, every outreach visit, and every message we share.

As a company, we believe that true awareness is only powerful when it leads to action, access, and advocacy. That’s why we’ve taken bold steps to partner with our local communities, amplify the voices of families we serve, and ensure that our marketing efforts are rooted in something deeper than promotion: purpose.

For 25 years, Behavioral Innovations has been committed to building a stronger, more inclusive world for the children and families we serve – a mission reflected in the partnerships, people, and progress that continue to drive us forward.

At the heart of our mission is a simple idea: when we find a gap, we fill it — creating a more connected, compassionate care journey for the families we serve.

Where Awareness Meets Action

Autism awareness is important. But awareness alone isn’t enough. Families need support. Children need services. Providers need trusted partners. And communities need organizations willing to go the extra mile. That’s why we’ve taken purposeful steps to not just show up — but to lead.

• Across the regions we serve, our Outreach and Marketing teams have joined forces with local autism-focused nonprofits to raise funds, distribute resources, host and participate in family-friendly events.
• Our Outreach & Clinical teams collaborate with pediatricians, developmental specialists, and school districts to create a seamless path from diagnosis to support.
• In every community, we’ve worked to match support with need – helping families and providers access resources for sensory-friendly needs – summer camps or adaptive haircuts to faster paths to a quality diagnosis.
• Our marketing campaigns are grounded in educational storytelling, lifting the voices of clinicians, parents, and community partners.
• We’ve expanded access through bilingual materials, Spanish-language resources, and technology that supports families in their preferred language.

In 2024 alone, we supported tens of thousands of families through events, education, and referral pathways — proof that everything we do as a company connects back to one goal: being part of the solution.

Partnerships That Amplify Our Mission

One of the most powerful tools we have is partnership. When we link arms with like-minded organizations, we multiply our reach and deepen our impact.

This year, we’re proudly:

• Sponsoring and co-hosting community walks and sensory-friendly events with local autism organizations, and parent advocacy groups.
• Partnering with early intervention networks and diagnostic clinics to eliminate gaps in care.
• Sharing outcomes and progress, every step of the way, to a family’s medical providers – closing the communication gap and helping ensure collaboration of care across every stakeholder.
• Operating with a sense of urgency — ensuring providers are always aware of the shortest time to diagnosis in their region.
• Reinforcing our work with school systems and pediatric groups to increase understanding of early signs, treatment options, and outcomes related to ABA therapy.

These partnerships aren’t one-time engagements — they’re part of our long-term strategy to embed ourselves in the fabric of every community we serve. And the results speak for themselves: more referrals, shorter delays to care, stronger provider relationships, and more families getting the help they deserve.

Marketing With a Mission

To us, marketing isn’t just about visibility — it’s about connection. Every campaign we create is rooted in purpose and designed to educate, build trust, and guide families forward.

Our marketing strategy is centered around three key pillars:

Education First:

Every asset – from blog posts to brochures – is designed to inform, empower, and guide families and providers through the often-overwhelming process of seeking care.

Community-Driven Messaging:

We don’t just speak to our audience – we elevate their voices. Our campaigns spotlight real families, real clinicians, and real wins, making our brand feel both personal and powerful.

Local Relevance, National Impact:

Whether we’re opening a new center or supporting an existing one, our message is tailored to the unique needs of each community. And by sharing success stories across markets, we create a rising tide that lifts the brand everywhere.

This approach to marketing has allowed us to grow authentically for 25 years – not by shouting louder, but by serving better.

Celebrating Awareness Through Events and Campaigns

From Autism Awareness Month to back-to-school season, our calendar is packed with moments that matter. But instead of simply “checking the box” on national awareness initiatives, we approach each one with intention and creativity.

Here are just a few ways we’ve made awareness actionable:

• Hosted in-center sensory events that welcomed families not yet enrolled in services, creating a safe space to ask questions and experience our care model.
• Shared family experiences and progress made – online blogs to direct feedback to their pediatrician or referring provider.
• Provided education, support and guidance through webinars for military families.
• Elevated our clinicians as thought leaders, sharing their expertise at regional conferences and national panels.

Every event, every campaign, every activation was designed to do one thing: bring people closer to care.

Our Staff as Community Advocates

Our greatest advocates are our people. From Intake Associates to BCBAs to Physician Liaisons, every team member plays a role in advancing awareness — through compassion, clarity, and everyday actions.

We’ve invested in training, resources, and tools to empower our teams to lead meaningful conversations, educate partners, and be a voice for families navigating autism care.

Because advocacy is a verb. And at Behavioral Innovations, it’s a way of life.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Our Impact

We’ve made great strides – but we’re not done. Our vision for the future includes:

• Improved access, resources and connection by adding locations in new markets, new states and being present in new communities.
• Continued advocacy for speed to diagnosis, assessment and service with Early Intervention a priority for driving improved outcomes.
• Expanding our partnerships to include more school districts, faith-based groups, and culturally diverse organizations.
• Clear views into progress, impact made and more creative ways to celebrate the success a child and family experience with BI.
• Doubling down on storytelling through video, podcasting, and long-form content that humanizes ABA therapy, shares stories from our families and demystifies the care journey.
• Innovating in access, using technology and scheduling tools to reduce wait times and proactively reach underserved families.
• Driving grassroots awareness, with more presence at neighborhood events, resource fairs, and parenting groups – places where real conversations happen.

We believe awareness is strongest when it starts where families live, work, and seek answers. And we plan to meet them there – every step of the way.

Final Thoughts: The Power of Being Present

Autism awareness isn’t a trend — it’s a responsibility. It’s our opportunity to reshape how families experience care, how communities show up, and how providers collaborate.

We know when we’re at our best – showing up, doing the work and making the impact we’re capable of – more families get the resources to make their journey easier, and children get access to the care they need. That continued effort, over time, creates a domino effect in every market we serve, making the world for our families a smaller, more well-connected one.

By partnering with local communities, aligning our marketing with our mission, and showing up authentically in every interaction, we’re not just building brand awareness — we’re building a better world.

One where every child is celebrated. Every family is supported. And every community is stronger – because we choose to lead with purpose.

Let’s keep going.

Together.