My personal journey of raising a severely disabled child born 30 years ago with Autism has been so complicated. But, in many ways it has also been a blessing because it taught me more than anything else about the fragile nature of life and my need to adapt to things that were beyond my control.

I shared some of these stories in my recent book GROW or FOLD and I want to point out some things that we are doing at One River to play our role in the broader conversation of providing support to the Autism community. April is World Autism Acceptance Month, and The Kindness Project showcases artwork created by student artists in our Digital Art Shuffle® programs.

Our students explored how to express acts of kindness, empathy, and inclusion through drawing, painting, and digital design. Through playful imagery, symbolism, and personal storytelling, each piece reflects a unique interpretation of what it means to be thoughtful, inclusive, and connected to others.

This collection serves as a reminder that creativity can inspire understanding—and that small acts of kindness can make a meaningful impact. We are showcasing these artworks in public exhibitions within each of our communities. Please come out and support our students and the Autism organizations that we have partnered with.