irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2023
What they reported doing
- #1 primary $49KInformation and Referral Services: We provide information and referral services for all individuals, families, professionals, and support staff who require resources related to autism specific support groups, clinicians, disability services, disability advocacy, and general assistance in their residential location regionally, nationally, and globally. Our trained staff assisted 3,408 individual contacts during the fiscal year with autism related requests through our general email account, our website contact form, toll-free phone service, Facebook messages, Twitter replies, and LinkedIn contacts. Additionally, we send informational email newsletters to our membership of over 20,000 people notifying them of resources in various locations across the U.S. and Canada.
- #2 $22KIndividual and Family Education Program: We assist both individuals and families with individual education plan (IEP), individual service plan (ISP), person centered planning PCP), and vocational support by reviewing provided documentation, making informed recommendations, and attending related in-person meetings to address individual, family, teacher, and administrator suggestions for current, future, and transition planning. Our education and policy-specific trained staff members assisted 156 individuals and families during the fiscal year, including those from diverse linguistic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
named programs · 5 · from sources
What they call their work
GRASP ComfortKits
Distributes customized sensory kits designed to meet a variety of sensory needs including sound, temperature, tactile, chewing, and visual input.
Individual and Family Education Program
Supports individuals and families with IEPs, ISPs, person-centered planning, and vocational needs by reviewing documentation, making recommendations, and attending meetings.
Information and Referral Services
Provides resources and referrals for autism-specific support groups, clinicians, disability services, and advocacy through email, phone, and social media, assisting thousands annually.
Life Coaching
Offers coaching in executive functioning, financial skills, communication, relationships, and life transitions for autistic adults and families, available nationally and internationally.
Online Support Groups
Hosts virtual peer support groups for men, parents, LGBTQIA+, and faith-based communities, as well as youth recreation and wellness programs.
activities · 7 groups
What they do
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Autism and Neurodiversity Family Support Services 3 activities
- Coaching services for autistic and neurodivergent individuals and familiesOffers customized coaching sessions for autistic adults, individuals with neurodivergence, couples, parents, and families, delivered nationally and internationally via Zoom, with text or chat-based options for non-speaking clients. Coaching focuses on practical, evidence-based solutions from a neurodiversity perspective.
- Information and referral servicesProvides free information and referral services to connect Autistic and neurodivergent individuals and families with local resources and neuro-affirming support. The service reached over 3,200 individuals annually and supports thousands across the U.S. and Canada.
- Neuro-affirming autism and neurodevelopmental assessmentsProvides affordable, remotely delivered autism assessments via computer or phone, including testing for ADHD, OCD, PTSD, and learning disabilities, with services available for youth and adults. The organization has offered these assessments for six years with an emphasis on improving accessibility and affordability.
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Disability Rights Advocacy & Self-Advocacy Empowerment 2 activities
- Advocacy for cross-disability and intersectional inclusionAdvocates for cross-disability inclusion in policy, research, and collaboration, with a focus on recognizing intersectional experiences within the Autistic and neurodivergent community.
- Regional and international empowerment programsOperates regional and international programs aimed at increasing empowerment, visibility, and community engagement of Autistic, neurodivergent, and disabled adults through affirming programming and outreach.
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Autism & Neurodiversity Education Workshops 2 activities
- Educational workshops and training programs for institutionsOffers educational workshops, webinars, and seminars on autism and neurodivergence for schools, universities, corporations, and organizations. Also provides training and certification programs for professionals and delivers presentations at regional and national conferences.
- Parent education and advocacy supportHosts free workshops for parents to provide guidance on IEPs, 504 plans, and school-based support programs for children with neurodivergence. Also provides education and vocational support, including assistance with IEP, ISP, PCP, and transition planning for individuals and families.
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Sensory-Inclusive Programming and Support 1 activity
- Distribution of sensory ComfortKitsProvides customized sensory ComfortKits designed to support a range of sensory needs, including sound, temperature, tactile, chewing, and visual input, to enhance comfort and self-regulation for neurodivergent individuals.
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Adaptive Sports Programs 1 activity
- Inclusive youth recreation and sports programsOperates inclusive soccer programs and recreation camps for Autistic, neurodivergent, disabled, and neurotypical youth, including a free in-person program on Hawaii Island. Provides sports equipment to students with financial need and supports schools and community organizations in developing accessible athletic programs.
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Social Skills Development for Neurodiverse Youth 1 activity
- STEPS program for neurodivergent childrenDelivered the STEPS program for Autistic and neurodivergent children on the eastside of Hawaii Island, with a session completed in Spring 2026.
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Peer-Led Mental Health Support Groups 1 activity
- Virtual peer support groups for neurodivergent communitiesFacilitates recurring virtual support groups led by trained Autistic and neurodivergent staff, serving specific identity-based communities including women and non-binary individuals, men, LGBTQIA+ individuals, neurodivergent parents, and faith-based participants. The program has operated for over 20 years, providing safe and confidential peer support.
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financials · form 990 · fy2023
revenue
Total revenue$204K
Contributions & grants$204K100%
Program service revenue$00%
Investment income$00%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$189K
Program expenses81%
Admin / overhead6%
Fundraising13%
Salaries & benefits$540
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineFacilities
balance sheet
Total assets$144K
Cash$15K
Investments$0
Liabilities$10K
Net assets$134K
Liquid reserves1.0 mo
4 years on record · 2020–2023 · YoY revenue -18.0%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2023
Who runs it
board members · 3
- Brian Liston — Board Committee Member
- Janine Kruiswijk — Board Committee Member
- Kate Palmer — President
relationships · 11
Who they work with
- Autism Society Partner — Resource partner offering Spanish-language materials on autism and COVID-19.
- Autismo Diario Partner — Resource partner providing Spanish-language autism information.
- Ava Sofia Foundation’s Autism Moms of Kona Partner — Partnering to deliver an inclusive soccer program for Autistic, Neurodivergent, Disabled, and Neurotypical youth on Hawaii Island.
- FAR Fund Funder — Provided a generous grant that supported GRASP's initial establishment and 501(c)3 filing.
- GRASP Network — Member organization using the GRASP name and platform to deliver programs and support
- Karl Wittig, P.E. Partner — Former board member or committee member recognized as emeritus
- Organization for Autism Research Partner — Resource partner providing Spanish-language family resources.
- Patreon Partner — Partners with Patreon to host discussion groups and on-demand webinars for members.
- Robert E. Hedin Partner — Former board member or committee member recognized as emeritus
- Stephen Shore, Ed.D Partner — Former board member or committee member recognized as emeritus
- The Cultura Media Partner — Resource partner offering Spanish-language autism handbooks, infographics, and expert interviews.
strategies · 5
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Community-Driven Sensory and Practical Tool Developmentmethodology: community_informed_designBy co-designing sensory support tools and programs through direct community input, the organization ensures real-world usability and effectiveness, because tools grounded in daily lived experience meet actual regulation needs better than clinically derived ones.
- Identity-Affirming, Non-Therapeutic Coaching Modelmethodology: life_coaching_modelBy offering life and transition coaching—rather than therapy—that is neurodiversity-affirming and goal-focused, the organization supports autonomy and skill-building without pathologizing, because practical problem-solving in a non-clinical frame increases agency and reduces resistance.
- Neurodivergent-Led Design and Deliverymethodology: neurodivergent_ledBy centering Autistic and neurodivergent individuals in organizational leadership, program design, and service delivery, the organization ensures cultural validity and community relevance, because lived experience produces more effective, affirming supports.
- Neurodiversity-Affirming Frameworkmethodology: neurodiversity_affirmingBy rejecting deficit-based models and affirming autism as a valid neurocognitive identity, the organization fosters self-determination and psychological safety, because identity affirmation improves engagement, coping, and long-term well-being.
- Peer-Led and Lived-Experience Supportmethodology: peer_led_supportBy using peer-led groups and facilitators with shared neurodivergent identities, the organization builds trust and mutual understanding, because shared lived experience enables deeper connection, reduces stigma, and increases practical relevance of coping strategies.