Eileen Coleman, a mother of five –– two whom are autistic (one recovering through a home program) –– has worked tirelessly in Delaware to improve chances for all children to overcome autism.

Based upon her own experience with her autistic children, Eileen started a non-profit foundation, Heal Autism Now Delaware (The HAND Foundation) to help provide financial assistance and information to parents of autistic children. Through the HAND Foundation, these parents can gain assistance to educate their autistic children at innovative institutions that the state can rarely provide.

Eileen has always recognized the potential of all children, especially those tots severely impacted by autism. She believes in providing opportunities for children to grow and overcome their illnesses or physical disabilities and reach their full potential. Under her care and tireless efforts, her own son ––once diagnosed as severely stricken by autism –– has largely overcome autism’s debilitating effects. Eileen has five children, and through all sorts of financial difficulties and other challenges, Eileen has never given up. She ensures that all of her children attain the best schooling possible. And through all of her extra efforts, she still works, fosters a good family atmosphere: one of positive attitudes, love, and an orderly house and home. Eileen always helps others in times of misfortune, and has proven time and again an effective advocate for families with autistic children. She works tirelessly to improve the lives of children with autism, and she has educated herself in and dedicated herself to the legislative process to do so. Currently, she has commenced work on starting a special charter school program for students with autism. She also co-coordinated a conference in Delaware to educate people about issues related to the affliction.

In view of the many challenges many parents of autistic children face –– including children regressing deeper into its characteristic afflictions, job and property losses, mounting financial difficulties, and the like –– it is small wonder that so many such parents become immobilized in their grief, stress, and depression. But Eileen somehow found the strength to put together and run her own two homegrown programs for her two autistic sons, all the while becoming an effective advocate for autistic children and their families. Having pressed on to raise a wonderful family of well-behaved, accomplished children, Eileen Coleman has given her time, her talent, and her commitment to helping others find the means to deal with autism and its very difficult challenges.