Navigating Autism Together Inc. empowers parents and caregivers of children with special needs — offering resources, community, and heartfelt connection for every step of the journey.
"To empower, support, and guide parents and caregivers — helping families navigate their unique journeys with confidence and love."
Navigating Autism Together Inc. is a New Jersey nonprofit created for parents and caregivers who are walking the same road — sometimes unsure of the next step, but never, ever alone.
We believe every family deserves access to clear information, compassionate community, and the confidence to advocate for their child. Whether you're newly navigating a diagnosis, fighting for the right IEP, or simply looking for someone who understands — you've found your people.
Step-by-step guidance for understanding, requesting, and advocating for a meaningful IEP. Walk into those meetings with confidence and clarity.
Practical tips, inspiring stories, upcoming events, and community resources delivered to your inbox — because staying informed is staying empowered.
Free events designed to educate, connect, and uplift caregivers. From IEP workshops to caregiver sessions — there's space here for you.
Curated guides, toolkits, and state resources covering special education law, transition planning, mental health, and financial assistance.
You cannot pour from an empty cup. We create space to breathe, share, and receive encouragement from a community who truly understands.
Special focus on families in underserved communities who face additional barriers to accessing special education services and support.
Passionate advocate, leader, and visionary — dedicated to empowering families navigating special needs advocacy and community development. Over two decades of professional experience in affordable housing, capital markets, asset management, and nonprofit lending.
Yadira Simmons is a passionate advocate, leader, and visionary dedicated to empowering and uplifting those navigating the complexities of special needs advocacy and community development. She brings over two decades of professional experience to her mission.
Her career spans affordable housing, capital markets, asset management, and nonprofit lending, where she has consistently advanced solutions that serve underrepresented communities. As an affordable housing consultant, she advises organizations on development strategy, capital structuring, asset management, and compliance. She also offers wealth management services, helping families and small business owners build financial confidence.
Yadira currently serves as the Founder and President of Navigating Autism Together, and also serves on the Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG), as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), and on several nonprofit and advisory boards focused on equity, education, and economic opportunity.
Her deep well of compassion stems from personal experience, allowing her to lead with both empathy and strength. Whether speaking in community spaces, leading workshops, or walking alongside families in crisis, Yadira's goal remains the same: to offer encouragement, clarity, and hope. Grounded in faith, she shows up with grace and walks in her calling.
Navigating Autism Together is guided by a dedicated board of directors committed to empowering families across New Jersey.
Yadira Simmons is the Founder and President of Navigating Autism Together. A mother, advocate, and nonprofit leader, she created NAT to be the community she wished had existed on her own journey. Yadira brings over two decades of professional experience in finance, law, and community development, alongside the deeply personal experience of raising a child with autism. Her mission is to ensure that no family ever has to navigate this road alone.
Karen Howells is a dedicated special education teacher with over 20 years of experience supporting students with autism and multiple disabilities. Her background spans home programming, public school placements throughout Burlington County, Burlington County Special Services' ESU Autism Unit, and Mount Holly School District. Karen is a passionate advocate for students' rights, inclusion, and communication, and believes that students, families, and school staff should focus on individual strengths to build plans that support academic and social growth.
Aryana Villanueva is passionate about supporting individuals with autism and creating inclusive spaces where families feel seen, supported, and empowered. She works closely with students in education and is dedicated to advocating for understanding and resources within the autism community. Her heart for service and commitment to helping others drives her involvement in this mission, and she is honored to be part of a team making a meaningful difference for families navigating autism.
Bio coming soon. We are proud to welcome Jamil Bryant to the NAT Board of Directors.
Bio coming soon. We are proud to welcome Emma Walker to the NAT Board of Directors.
We welcome passionate advocates, educators, legal professionals, and community leaders.
Real talk, real tools, and real community — delivered straight from Yari's heart to yours. Download any issue below.
IEP season, Autism Acceptance Month, and finishing the school year strong.
⬇ DownloadCalming strategies, IEP checklists, and community event recap from Norristown.
⬇ DownloadBack-to-school advocacy, Parent Circle launch, and strengthening your voice.
⬇ DownloadStarting fresh, back-to-school transitions, and the first NAT Parent Circle.
⬇ DownloadOur very first issue — summer readiness, IEP prep, and faith through the hard days.
⬇ DownloadLearn how to read, request, and advocate for a meaningful IEP. Interpreter services available upon request.
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Subscribe →Come visit the NAT table at the Burlington County Farm Fair! We will be sharing free resources, connecting with families, and spreading the word about our community. Details to follow as we get closer.
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Every contribution helps us reach more families, create more resources, and host free events for the communities who need it most. Your generosity changes lives.
Navigating Autism Together Inc. is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. EIN available upon request.
