Autism Moms of Houston Provides Vital Support for Families

The nonprofit group has grown from a small Facebook group to serving over 10,000 families in the Houston area.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 7:53pm

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Autism Moms of Houston began as a small support group in 2019 and has since grown into a nonprofit serving over 10,000 families raising neurodivergent children in the Houston area. Founded by Andreza Carleo, a mother of an autistic, nonverbal, and blind son, the organization provides workshops, support groups, sensory-friendly events, and other resources to help families access care and support. The group's largest event, the annual Autism Awareness Festival and Resource Fair, welcomes thousands of families each year.

Why it matters

Families raising children with autism and other neurodivergent needs often face significant challenges in accessing resources and support. Autism Moms of Houston is filling a vital gap by creating a community-driven, inclusive, and multilingual platform to connect these families and provide them with the tools and services they need.

The details

Autism Moms of Houston was founded in 2019 by Andreza Carleo, a mother of three, including a son named Alex who is autistic, nonverbal, and blind. After spending months in the hospital with Alex as an infant and facing other early challenges, Carleo was inspired to create a support group to ensure no family felt alone. What started as a small private Facebook group has since grown into a nonprofit serving over 10,000 members across the Houston area. The organization now offers workshops, support groups, sensory-friendly events, and dedicated spaces for Spanish-speaking families. It also runs the Alex Autism Alliance, a program that helps young adults with autism develop practical skills and independence.

  • Autism Moms of Houston was founded in 2019.
  • The organization's annual Autism Awareness Festival and Resource Fair is scheduled for April 26, 2026.

The players

Andreza Carleo

The founder of Autism Moms of Houston and a mother of three, including a son named Alex who is autistic, nonverbal, and blind.

Alex

Carleo's son, who is autistic, nonverbal, and blind, and the inspiration behind the founding of Autism Moms of Houston.

Autism Moms of Houston

A nonprofit organization that provides support, resources, and community for families raising children with autism and other neurodivergent needs in the Houston area.

Houston Community College

A partner organization that works with Autism Moms of Houston on the Alex Autism Alliance program, which helps young adults with autism develop practical skills and independence.

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What they’re saying

“What began as a place to share stories and support has since evolved into a nonprofit serving more than 10,000 members across the Houston area.”

— Andreza Carleo, Founder, Autism Moms of Houston

What’s next

The Autism Awareness Festival and Resource Fair, Autism Moms of Houston's largest event of the year, is scheduled for April 26, 2026 from 1 to 4 p.m. at BH Ranch in Houston. Admission is free, but organizers encourage families to RSVP early as space is limited.

The takeaway

Autism Moms of Houston's growth from a small support group to a thriving nonprofit highlights the critical need for community-driven resources and support for families raising children with autism and other neurodivergent needs. By providing a multilingual, inclusive platform for connection, education, and advocacy, the organization is making a significant impact in the Houston area and serving as a model for similar initiatives in other communities.