Meet Jenn Harding | Boy Mom

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jenn Harding and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jenn, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My own business was never even a thought. After I created the autism safety alert form, the tremendous response made me realize how great the need is. Being an autism parent is lonely, but not as lonely as being an autistic individual. My goal is for my son and children like him to be truly accepted and for them to be aware of all the support they have available,

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The success of the form, came from my determination to help as many families in Connecticut as I can. With each town that joined, another adjacent to it would also. The notes, messages and calls of gratitude unveiled how important this is to so many families. One message that I will never forget was from a mom and it said, ” If this existed years ago, I might know where my daughter is”. I never knew words could shake a person to their core the way those did. No parent should ever not know where their child is.

Before the form my organization was the annual Autism Walk. This year will be the 8th Walk with Derek. The event has turned into so much more. Several other organizations will be joining us to bring resources and information to the families. My mission is to show families regardless of a diagnosis or the severity of it, there is so much support available. One of the hardest parts of being an autism parent is the loneliness. It is an amazing feeling when my phone goes off no matter the time of night, because a mom is having a hard time and just needs someone to be there that gets it. Through Walk with Derek, we bring families together that truly understand this life. Absolutely no judgment, all are included!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Derek is the drive behind all that I do. My son has been through things no child should ever have to experience, and to come out smiling the way he has is more inspiration than I have had my whole life. Derek has diagnosis of severe non-verbal autism, Tourette’s Syndrome and epilepsy. This year alone he was physically harmed in a special education school, he has been bullied, alienated from a group, and he still prevails. He is the reason I keep going every day.

Website: Walkwithderek.com

Instagram: Walk with Derek

Facebook: Walk with Derek