The HANDS in Autism® Advisory Board provides guidance, insight, and feedback to support our training, outreach, and implementation efforts. Advisory members bring lived experience, professional expertise, and community perspectives to ensure our work remains responsive, inclusive, and effective.
Our advisory structure reflects multiple perspectives and areas of expertise, allowing us to collaborate meaningfully across individuals, families, professionals, and community champions.
Individual Advisory Members
Individual Advisory Members are individuals with lived experience who provide direct insight into how programs, resources, and supports impact daily life. Their perspectives help ensure that HANDS in Autism® initiatives remain person-centered and grounded in real-world experiences.
These members play a critical role in shaping materials, implementation strategies, and training approaches that reflect the voices of individuals we serve.
Family Advisory Members
Family Advisory Members offer the perspective of caregivers, parents, and family members who support individuals across the lifespan. Their feedback helps inform programming that is practical, supportive, and aligned with family needs and priorities.
Family advisors contribute valuable insight into navigating systems, accessing resources, and promoting meaningful outcomes for individuals and families.
Professional Advisory Members
Professional Advisory Members bring expertise from education, healthcare, research, policy, and related fields. This group provides guidance on evidence-based practices, implementation strategies, and emerging trends relevant to autism and developmental disabilities.
This section also includes members who previously served as part of the IPP Implementation Advisory, whose contributions supported implementation planning, evaluation, and applied practice. Combining these groups allows for streamlined organization while maintaining recognition of their important roles.
LCC Champions
LCC Champions
LCC Champions serve as advocates and collaborators who support the dissemination and implementation of HANDS in Autism® practices across communities and systems. They help extend the reach of training and resources by championing inclusive practices and promoting collaboration at the local and community level.
Their involvement strengthens connections between research, training, and real-world application.