Meet Imani G.

As a mother of a brilliant and joyful 10-year-old son, Jason Paul, on the autism spectrum, my connection to autism is deeply personal and transformative.  

When he was diagnosed at two, it hit me like a storm of emotions—fear, self-blame, and uncertainty. I immediately sought out answers, diving into research and reaching out to professionals for guidance on the best therapies, like speech and occupational therapy. Most importantly, I made sure he had a strong support system of family and friends who provided unwavering love. 

Over time, my perspective on autism has shifted. What once felt like a defining moment now seems like just one part of his incredible journey. Today, I focus on his happiness and growth, knowing that progress is about confidence and self-worth, not just milestones. This is why I volunteered to be an Empower Summit & Challenge Champion in my hometown of Houston – to advocate for Jason Paul and the millions of other autistic people who have so much to give to the world.  

My biggest hope is that he leads a happy, independent life, feeling valued for who he is. I'm optimistic because society is becoming more inclusive, with growing awareness and better resources for neurodiverse individuals. I believe he will have the opportunities and support he needs to thrive. 

Learn more about Imani and her journey as an autism mom, advocate and community supporter:

Why is it important to you to be an advocate for your son? 

Advocating for my son ensures his needs and potential are recognized and valued. My love for him drives me to fight for a more inclusive and supportive world, and my legal background helps me navigate systems that families like ours encounter. Every step I take as an advocate is a step toward creating more opportunities for him and others like him. 

What has being an autism mom has helped you to learn about yourself? 

My son has taught me more about patience, resilience and unconditional love than I could have imagined. Since my law school days, I have valued advocacy and fairness, but it wasn’t until my son came into my life that I understood how essential those principles truly are for families navigating autism. 

Why would you encourage others to join in on these one-of-a-kind events? 

This summit is a unique opportunity to be part of something impactful. It’s a chance to learn, connect, and make a difference in the lives of individuals on the spectrum and their families. By coming together, we can create REAL change and foster a more inclusive future. 

 Are there certain issues or shortcomings in your local community that you think need to be addressed as it pertains to the autism community? 

Access to affordable, high-quality autism resources is a major challenge in my area, with long waitlists and high costs creating barriers for families. There’s also a need for greater education and awareness to reduce stigma and promote inclusion. These gaps drive my advocacy and my commitment to building better solutions.