Autism Mom Spreading Acceptance

When Dr. Patrice Dawson talks about her son Spencer, she is full of pride. A former educator turned advocate, she is determined to show other parents that children with autism can thrive in ways they may never have imagined.

Spencer was diagnosed with autism when he was 6 years old.

He faced speech delays and struggles with social skills, processing and sequencing. Today, at 16, he is an athlete for Special Olympics New Jersey, was Employee of the Month at his school store, and has a YouTube channel with 5,000 followers. He enjoys bowling, Sunday dinners with family, swimming, telling jokes, Roblox, pizza, and pancakes.

For Patrice, who lives in Egg Harbor Township, Spencer’s growth fuels her mission. She frequently shares their journey on social media. As an Autism New Jersey Ambassador, she displays our “Proud to be an Autism Ambassador” and “I Love Someone With Autism” badges on her Facebook page, and autism stickers decorate her car. On a recent Sunday, she gave out information about autism at her church and regularly participates in community events to spread awareness.

“I think a lot of parents feel overwhelmed, like they’re stuck,” Patrice said. “I like to influence people because I want them to know there’s help, and that their children can thrive in so many ways. Our children can do things. It’s important for me to share that.”

Patrice, who has a PhD in Christian Education, is also an author. Her memoir, It Didn’t Kill Me, is her story of faith and determination during trying times.

She first learned of Autism New Jersey shortly after Spencer was diagnosed. She has participated in our annual conference twice, once in 2017 and once virtually during Covid.

“It was so valuable and ever since then, I’ve stayed connected,” Patrice said. “I am so grateful for the knowledge and information I have acquired from Autism New Jersey.”