Mother of autistic child reaches out to others | KOB.com

Mother of autistic child reaches out to others | KOB.com:

A local mom is reaching out to families of children with autism and it started with a simple idea; pay it forward.

Amanda Ellis is stuffing boxes full of toiletries. "We've sent them as far as Maine and New Jersey," she said.

The care packages are going to the families of children with autism. "Even just, you know, giving them toiletries. It alleviates the stress of having to come up with the money for that, that month."

Ellis created To Autism With Love in January. "It's all in the name of paying it forward," she said, and she means it. Ellis was forced to leave her job because of a degenerative back. "There are some days I can't even get myself dressed."

"We were going to lose our house. We didn't have any gifts for Christmas." So, Ellis turned to Facebook for help. You see, her six-year-old son Aiden has autism. She'd already created a Facebook page for awareness and support when her son was diagnosed. It was there she received help to get back on her feet. "All of our followers just kind of showed us an outpouring of support," said Ellis.

Now, she's returning that help to others. Things may not be ideal for her, but she says being able toshare her struggles and give to those less fortunate than her, is a great coping mechanism. "There's something really therapeutic about helping people, I mean it soothes the soul," she explained.

Along with donations and help from people around the country, To Autism With Love continues to grow. "It shows that we really do put these together and we take our time and it's made with love."

Since January, To Autism With Love has sent packages to 184 families. Ellis says she's hoping to collect enough money to become an official non-profit. Then, she hopes to keep growing.

If you'd like to learn more about "To Autism With Love" visit: http://www.toautismwithlove.org/

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