Cincinnati Children’s

Building a Stronger Future for Autism Support: Our Meeting with Cincinnati Children's Hospital

At the EmPath for Autism Foundation, we believe in the power of collaboration to create positive change for the autism community. We recently had the privilege of meeting with the incredible team at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, including Missy Ford, Dr. Tanya Froehlich, Dr. Jen Smith, Dr. Ilka Riddle, Doug Martin (Development), and Dr. Kim Kroeger-Geoppinger. Together, we discussed exciting programs that will shape the future of autism care and support.

Advancing Early Diagnosis and Treatment: Project ECHO

One of the major topics we covered was the importance of early diagnosis and intervention for children with autism. Early intervention can significantly improve a child's development, and Cincinnati Children’s is leading the charge with initiatives like Project ECHO, which connects healthcare providers with experts to enhance knowledge and skills. We're excited to support and amplify these efforts to ensure more children receive timely care.

JagTag Tracking Bracelets: Keeping Families Safe

We also shared updates on one of our most impactful projects: the JagTag tracking bracelets, designed to help keep children with autism safe. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re continually working to improve and expand this initiative to help more families.

Another exciting update was our JagBags—a special care package for families who have just received an autism diagnosis. These bags provide resources and comfort during a challenging time. We also launched our JagSwag line, a collection of apparel and accessories that raise awareness for autism. Jagger, the inspiration behind our foundation, has a name that rhymes with so many fun things—it’s a branding dream (who knew one name could be so versatile?).

Water Safety and Swim Programs for Children with Autism

A major focus of our conversation was water safety. Children with autism are often drawn to water, which makes swimming lessons and water safety critical. We discussed developing programs that teach swimming skills to children with autism, a life-saving skill that could make a huge difference. Stay tuned for updates on how we plan to make water safety a priority in the autism community.

We also shared insights from recent meetings with state representatives and policymakers, pushing for safety measures and awareness to protect children with autism in our communities. Our goal is to continue advocating for the resources needed to create a safer, more supportive environment for everyone.

Exciting Events Ahead: Engaging with Parents

Lastly, we talked about exciting events we have planned for the coming year, including a live Q&A session with doctors from Cincinnati Children’s. This panel-style event will give parents the chance to ask questions and learn directly from experts in the field of autism care.

We left the meeting feeling energized and optimistic about the future of autism support. The team at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital shares our passion for improving the lives of children with autism, and we’re excited to work together to bring these important programs to life. Stay tuned for updates on these initiatives and how we continue to build a stronger, more supportive community for families affected by autism.

Thank you for your ongoing support as we work to create a brighter future for children with autism and their families.