The Matiti FoundationEmpowering lives through understanding

A registered 501(c)(3) non-profit

Every autistic person deserves a life of dignity, choice, and belonging.

The Matiti Foundation walks alongside autistic individuals and their families with therapy access, practical family coaching, and community spaces designed to be calm, predictable, and welcoming.

Support Our MissionExplore our programs

94 cents of every dollar goes directly to family-facing programs.

Two children and three adults sitting together on a rug, calmly building with wooden blocks in a bright community room

“For the first time, we felt understood.”

Amara, parent in the Family Circle program

About our foundation

A world where every autistic person is empowered to reach their full potential

Our mission

Through advocacy, education, and direct support, we work to break down barriers and foster a community of true inclusion and understanding for every individual on the autism spectrum.

Our vision

To be a leading catalyst for life-enhancing research and accessible resources — ensuring neurodiversity is celebrated and families have the tools they need to thrive at every stage of life.

What we do

We offer programs that assist individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families, focused on early intervention, support services, education, advocacy, and community integration.

  • Family support & resources

    A clear navigation path from early diagnosis guidance to transition-to-adulthood planning, backed by peer-led support groups. You are not alone.

    • Early intervention: ABA, speech & language, occupational therapy
    • Music and equestrian therapy referrals
    • Teen chats, videos, and independence planning

  • Advocacy & awareness

    Neuro-inclusion is about understanding and adapting to the ways different people experience the world. We partner with policymakers, educators, and employers to protect the rights of autistic people.

    • Autism-friendly workplace accreditation
    • Reasonable accommodations and sensory break rooms
    • School and public-space inclusion reviews

  • Community programs

    From sensory-friendly events to vocational workshops, our programs build confidence, friendship, and real opportunity.

    • Monthly sensory-friendly market
    • Annual Walk or Jump with Matiti
    • Biweekly Mom & Pop roundtables

Our core values

  • Inclusion

    We believe in a society where everyone belongs — at school, at work, and in public life.

  • Empowerment

    We focus on strengths, not challenges, and build on what each person already does well.

  • Integrity

    We are committed to transparency and to evidence-based practices in every program we run.

  • Collaboration

    We achieve more working alongside families, clinicians, educators, and the wider community.

Join us

Whether you are a parent, family member or friend looking for answers, an individual seeking community, or a donor wanting to make a difference, there is a place for you here. Together, we can build a future defined by possibility.

Support our missionGet in touch

Our Story

A journey that began with hope, dedication, and love

Our journey with The Matiti Foundation began not with a roadmap, but with unwavering hope, deep dedication, and boundless love. When our son, Matiti, was diagnosed with autism at two years old, we faced a landscape of uncertainty. Like many families, we were initially overwhelmed by fear, questioning what the future held for our beautiful boy.

But through that trial, we found profound grace. We realized Matiti was a profound blessing who revealed the unique beauty of the human spirit and invited us on a journey of hope, dedication, and purpose that extends far beyond his childhood, guiding us to support every milestone into adolescence, adulthood, and the beautiful path of life ahead.

Guided by hope and the belief that every life is a masterpiece in progress, we founded this organization to be a beacon for families walking this path. We believe that autism is not a barrier to a meaningful life, but a different way of experiencing the world.

Our commitment goes beyond the early milestones. We are walking alongside our children through the transformative transition into adolescence and adulthood. Whether it is navigating the complexities of teenage years or building paths toward independence in adulthood, we are dedicated to providing the tools, community, and unwavering support needed to ensure that every stage of life is filled with dignity, purpose, and endless opportunity.

Walk with usLearn about our mission
We walk this path together, trusting that our children’s futures are as bright and limitless as their potential.

The Matiti Foundation

Founded with love, hope, and purpose

Get involved

There is a place for everyone in this work

Meaningful change happens when families, donors, volunteers, and community partners come together. Choose how you would like to support the autism community.

  • Donate

    Your gift funds therapy access, family coaching, and sensory-friendly community programs for autistic individuals and their families.

    Give today

  • Volunteer

    Lend your time as an event helper, peer mentor, administrative supporter, or autism-affirming community advocate.

    Join us

  • Partner

    Schools, clinicians, employers, and local organizations can help us expand reach and create inclusive spaces together.

    Become a partner

  • Advocate

    Share our resources, attend community events, and help others understand the value of neurodiversity and inclusion.

    Spread the word

Not sure where to start?

Reach out and tell us about your skills, resources, or ideas. We will help you find the right way to contribute.

Contact us

Programs & initiatives

Practical support at every stage of life

Six programs, each designed with autistic people and their families rather than for them.

  • Early Intervention

    Developmental support for children, ideally starting before age three.

  • Family Support & Resources

    Navigation, peer groups, and respite for the whole household.

  • Education & School Support

    Educator training and inclusive, sensory-aware classrooms.

  • Teens & Adult Transition

    Life skills, vocational training, and supported employment.

  • Community Programs & Events

    Sensory-friendly gatherings that build confidence and friendship.

  • Advocacy & Awareness

    Policy, workplace, and public-space neuro-inclusion work.

Volunteer & contact

Tell us how you'd like to be involved

Whether you need support, want to give your time, or are exploring a partnership, a real person reads every message.

Family support line
Weekdays, 9am – 5pm