Autism Rising offers support for families raising children with special needs

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Parents raising children with special needs often say the experience is challenging and isolating. One Savannah-based nonprofit is working to change that, offering families free or low-cost support and advocacy.

Autism Rising was founded by Christie Bell, a Licensed Professional Counselor, after her own son — who has special needs — had a difficult encounter with law enforcement. The incident prompted Bell to create an organization that could bridge the gap between families and first responders while providing comprehensive support to parents and children.

“We’ve sat in to talk to teachers with the parents,” Bell said. “I mean, we can be their voice if need be.”

For families like Eric and Shamaine Mills in Effingham County, Autism Rising has made a meaningful difference. Their five-year-old son, Elan, has autism and experiences public meltdowns. While the Mills say they feel blessed raising their son, they acknowledge facing challenges that differ from other parents.

The organization provides multiple forms of support. Liaisons like Denise Johnson work directly with children in public settings to help them build social skills and manage emotions in real-world situations. The organization also attends school meetings with parents and provides a dedicated space where children can decompress or draw if they are having trouble communicating verbally.

“That’s my whole objective for them to know — that they matter. They matter. They are here for a reason,” Johnson said.

Shamay Mills credits the one-on-one support with helping her son develop coping strategies for situations he will encounter throughout his life.

“Going to the park and learning how to manage emotions in different situations — those things are going to come up,” she said. “Being one-on-one and recreating those scenarios helps him learn how to handle it when it happens later on.”

For families navigating the complexities of raising children with special needs, Autism Rising provides more than resources — it offers reassurance that they do not have to make the journey alone.