Our Story

Inspired by Dr. Isaac Pope of Pope’s Kids Place, the Lewis County Autism Coalition (LCAC) was founded in 2010 through a state-led Community Asset Mapping Project. From that first gathering of parents and providers, a movement took root, grounded in collaboration, inclusion, and action.

Now a longstanding 501(c)(3) nonprofit, LCAC is best known for our annual Southwest Washington Autism Conference and for developing the SMART (School-Medical Autism Review Team) model, 

now active in 31 counties,

to improve autism diagnosis and coordinated service referrals across Washington State.

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We offer inclusive, year-round programming, including Neurodiverse Teen & Adult Social Groups, ASD Groups of Belonging, Summer Spectrum Camp, and the Cultivating Inclusion Celebration, where we honor individuals who go the extra mile to create welcoming communities for people of all abilities and backgrounds. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we give back through initiatives like Weighted Warmth, which provides free compression and weighted vests, and our Micro-Grant Program,

which supports schools and community organizations advancing disability equity.

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In 2025, we’ll host the 2nd Annual Car & BMX Show and celebrate the grand opening of the Spectrum & Development Community Center, with a public launch planned for late July. This long-awaited space will provide essential therapies, disability services, education for parents and providers, community events, inclusive employment opportunities, intentional spaces for belonging, and training programs, all designed to bring meaningful connection and support directly to rural families in Lewis County.

Rooted in strong partnerships and grassroots leadership, LCAC remains committed to building a more inclusive future for autistic, neurodiverse, and developmentally disabled individuals,

locally and beyond.