ABOUT OC AUTISM FOUNDATION:         

OC Autism Foundation was founded in 2010 to help children and families living with Autism access basic healthcare, education, program and services through the lifespan.  

 

TIMELINE

3/2010  

Founded OC Autism Foundation in Garden Grove, CA in 200 sq/ft office 

 

12/2010    

Inspired by Tommy and his family to host the 1st Annual OC Autism 

Breakfast With Santa. Photo booths and milk and cookies served to 25 

families 

 

4/2011        

Austin the monkey mascot debut at Adventure City amusement park in 

celebration of April Autism Awareness Month 

 

9/2015    

The 4,000 sq/ft office opens in the City of Westminster to expand the 

social skill program and parent support group 

 

03/2020     

COVID-19 forced office closure and transition to remote program and 

services 

 

06/2021     

Grand Re-Opening of the office in the City of  Garden Grove to a smaller 

2,000 sq/ft office. Return to in-person therapy, advocacy and workshops. 

 

12/2021    

Host the 12th Annual OC Autism Breakfast With Santa & Resource Fair 

for 5,000 guests, including 1,500 children, 500 volunteers. Offered free 

continental breakfast, live entertainment, photo booth, arts and crafts and 

much more. 

 

9/2024     

Autism AAPI Conference to publicly introduce the concept of THE VILLAGE a cultural center for 

diversity and employment center for inclusivity. To meet the needs of the 

AAPI and disability community.

Goal #1:  1st benchmark $100,000 (100 community leaders for $1000 pledge)

Goal #2: 2nd benchmark $1,000,000 (100 community members for $1000 pledge) 

 

12/2024     

Planning on hosting the 15th Annual OC Autism Breakfast With Santa & 

Resource Fair (TBA) 

 

ABOUT JULIE DIEP: 

OC Autism Foundation was founded in 2010 by Julie Diep, an Autistic adult, proud mother, disability advocate and Speech-Language Pathologist. Diep, 48, is an Autism neurodivergent self-advocate and neuro-affirming healthcare provider recognizes CULTURE AS THE SOLUTION to increasing access to education, healthcare, mental health support and resources to individuals and families in OUR COMMUNITY, especially for people living with Autism. 

 

Diep, 48 celebrates her transformation and accomplishments. Her prior struggles with masking, chronic depression and sensory overload paved the way to her journey for our community in actualizing the dream to build THE VILLAGE. She will take the first step and make the initial pledge to shine with all the beautiful stars supporting OUR DREAM at the OC Autism Celebrity Gala.  No longer allow others to dim her light and that of all the 1.7 Million children in the US who have Autism and developmental disabilities.

  

ABOUT AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER:         

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a person’s ability to process, communicate and connect with the world.  People with Autism often have sensory motor integration issues that stems from neurological dysfunction in the central nervous system.  The world becomes overwhelming at times, so they need THE VILLAGE, a safe space to regroup and recharge, and to get the support to join the circle of friends, family gatherings, community events and the workforce. 

 

Autism can impact an individuals physical health, mental wellness, access to education & healthcare and quality of living throughout the lifespan. Problems with daily living skills, such as eating, sleeping and grooming are linked to limited participation in leisure activities.  Programs and services that recognize the strengths of individuals on the spectrum focus on the abilities rather than the disability. A neuro affirming approach increases mental health by raising awareness and allowing extra time and support to become regulated to reconnect to society and the community. Changing the culture of how we view Autism and other disabilities will reduce social isolation and thereby acceptance of outside assistance. THE VILLAGE is a much needed space to come together to celebrate diversity and to address culture as one of the leading barriers in our community. We need to create opportunities for leisure activities and promote inclusion for socialization as well as employment. 

 

QUICK FACTS: 

 

ABOUT CHILDREN

1:36 Children in US with Autism 

1:6 Children with developmental disability 

19% of all children in Orange County children 3-22 years old in special education and have a diagnosis of Autism

1.7 Million children in the US who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. 
 

ABOUT ADULTS

80% Adults with Autism are unemployed 90% Reported having sensory issues 

80% Felt socially isolated 

60% Struggle with social interactions 

50% Have difficulty communicating 

30% Reported bullying or 

        harassment at work