Proprietor:
Sharon Sexton-Braun started
AutismEdu in January, 2006.
Business Description:
The mission of AutismEdu, according to its Web site at AutismEdu.com, is "to create revolutionary educational software for the benefit of people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)." The company's first production is "Operation Communication," a CD-ROM that uses an engaging visual presentation to show parents "how to shape and increase a child’s communication using commonplace, everyday situations." AutismEdu also offers consulting services, workshops and seminars.
Parenting Connection:
Sexton-Braun's son was diagnosed with autism at age two. "When I first found out that William had an ASD I was devastated," she recalls. "I really didn’t know much about autism at the time and was very scared and concerned about his future." She adds, "I think that his disability has brought us closer as a family. I think that we are all much more tolerant and have a much greater appreciation for people with disabilities."
Time Investment:
AutismEdu isn't a full-time job for Sexton-Braun; she's also a part-time special education teacher and helps out with her husband's business. "Trying to juggle everything -- my kids, our family, our businesses, teaching, writing, etc." is the hardest part of her job, she says. The best part? "I am doing something that I am passionate about and I feel I can make a difference in people’s lives. That’s really important to me. Everyone deserves to have the best life they can possibly have."
Success Story:
"Success for me is measured in the number of people I can help," Sexton-Braun declares, and by that scale she considers AutismEdu a success. "There is still so much misconception and ignorance surrounding what autism is and how it manifests itself. There is such a range of ability and each person with an ASD is so unique. It’s not a one-size-fits-all type of disability."
Customer Appreciation:
"I’ve received some wonderful feedback from other parents, grandparents and professionals who have visited my site and have purchased the CD-ROM," says Sexton-Braun. "Everyone has been very supportive and enthusiastic.”
Looking Ahead:
"I intend to continue to develop new software and multimedia for parents and professionals as well as children and adolescents with ASD," Sexton-Braun says. "This is only the beginning for me. I have a lot more ideas for new projects and am close to finishing my second CD-ROM."
More Inspiration and Advice from Sharon Sexton-Braun:
What inspired you to start your business?
William is my inspiration. He has taught us what it means to have “courage.” He has made me examine my views about people and why we behave the way we do. He has encouraged me without even knowing it, to look inside myself and contemplate ideals, traditions and customs so entrenched in our society. He has enlightened me in ways that I would never have been if he was not born to me. I would not be who I am today if it wasn’t for him.
How did you get started?
At first it was going to be a book, but then I decided to use the copy I wrote to create a visual presentation on a CD-ROM. I felt that there are so many books already on the market, and I wanted to make it a multi-sensory experience. More and more people are using computers as a way to find information and communicate with one another. In my experience with families with children with ASD, I have also noticed that fathers are not very receptive in general to reading books. I thought that they might be more receptive to a presentation that they can watch and listen to at their convenience. I also found that parents need to be taught how they can teach their child during everyday activities. I felt that it would also be a great learning tool for regular education teachers, aides, grandparents and teacher assistants. Since so many children are now being educated in their local districts, I thought that it could help teachers and other school personnel understand these children’s very unique learning style.
What advice would you give to other parents about raising a child with special needs?
Never underestimate their ability and remember you are their best advocate and you know them better then anyone, even professionals. Learn as much as you can about the disability so that you can make appropriate decisions for them as far as educational services and placement and so that you can understand their needs better.
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