Empowering the autism community by funding research, supporting media creation & providing alternative education opportunities.
Our mission is to empower the autism community by funding innovative research, supporting neurodivergent voices in media, providing a multidisciplinary space for development and growth for neurodivergent individuals, and providing financial aid for autism-related extracurricular programming. We are committed to enriching education by offering grants to schools, fostering inclusive environments, and promoting a greater understanding of autism.
Our vision is a world where neurodivergent individuals are empowered, understood, and celebrated, with access to enriched education, inclusive spaces, and opportunities to amplify their voices, fostering a society that embraces diversity in all its forms.
2025 Goals
Provide Financial Aid for Autism-Related Extracurricular Programs
Goal: Award scholarships to 10 neurodivergent youth in 2025 and 20 within the first two years to participate in extracurricular programs (e.g., arts, sports, social skills workshops) that enhance social engagement and life skills.
Long-term Vision: Scale to provide at least 100 scholarships per year by Year 5, with an emphasis on reaching families with limited financial resources.
Establish Enrichment Programs for Neurodivergent Community Members
Goal: Host 3 community enrichment events in the first year, such as workshops, camps, or social gatherings, providing safe and supportive environments for neurodivergent individuals.
Long-term Vision: Expand enrichment programming to host quarterly events across 5 cities by Year 5, with a range of activities like skill-building workshops, art programs, and recreational outings.
Build a Sustainable Funding and Support Network
Goal: Secure at least 20 founding donors and 5 corporate partnerships in the first year to establish a stable funding base.
Long-term Vision: Grow the donor network to 500 individuals and 20 corporate partners by Year 5, enabling the nonprofit to scale its programs and amplify its impact.
Our Long-Term Goals
Launch a Neurodivergent Media Fund
Goal: Build a media grant program within the first 18 months to support the production of 3–5 media projects, such as video games, tabletop games, or comics, created by or featuring neurodivergent individuals.
Long-term Vision: Grow the media fund to support 10 projects per year by Year 3, creating a library of diverse stories that elevate neurodivergent perspectives in the media.
Develop and Distribute Autism Education Grants to Schools
Goal: Launch a grant program to fund autism education tools in 10 schools by the end of the second year, focusing on teacher training and sensory-friendly classrooms.
Long-term Vision: Increase funding to reach 50 schools within five years, aiming to improve autism education and inclusive practices across public and private educational institutions.
Establish A Local Chapter of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN)
Goal: Launch the first local chapter of ASAN in Lexington within 12 months to provide a strong community hub for autistic self-advocates and allies. The chapter will focus on fostering a supportive environment, organizing events, and facilitating discussions that empower neurodivergent voices.
Long-term Vision: Grow the chapter into a regional leader in self-advocacy by Year 5, with regular programming, educational resources, and partnerships that amplify autistic individuals’ rights and autonomy across the Boston Metrowest area. Aim to involve at least 100 active members and host quarterly community events to address relevant issues and promote neurodiversity in local policy and culture.
$14,800 in Scholarships for Social-Emotional Growth in Autistic Youth
In 2024, LEAF in partnership with Guild Chronicles, LLC awarded $14,800 in scholarships to support autistic teens and young adults in accessing social-emotional therapeutic programs. These scholarships provided crucial resources for participants to build self-confidence, enhance communication skills, and foster meaningful connections. By reducing financial barriers, LEAF empowered these individuals to thrive in programs tailored to their unique needs, reinforcing our commitment to creating inclusive and supportive environments for neurodivergent youth.
How You Can Support Us
Your support empowers LEAF to create innovative programs and resources for neurodivergent individuals. Here’s how you can help:
Donate
Contributions directly fund autism research, media projects, and educational programs.
Volunteer
Join us in organizing events, supporting programs, or spreading our mission.
Partner With Us
Collaborate on initiatives that champion neurodiversity and enrich the community.
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Our Story
The idea for LEAF was born out of Andrew Harris Schramme’s first-hand experiences as a game designer, therapist, and educator working with neurodivergent individuals. In 2010, Andrew developed the Guild Chronicles Program, an innovative roleplaying initiative that leveraged storytelling and collaborative gameplay to create an engaging learning environment for autistic teens and young adults. Through this program, participants not only found a supportive community but also experienced measurable growth in social skills, confidence, and self-advocacy.
Over the years, Andrew witnessed the program’s impact: teens who had once struggled to engage socially began building lasting friendships, expressing their creativity, and developing problem-solving skills in ways that traditional learning environments had not fostered. Inspired by these transformations, Andrew recognized the broader potential for interactive and alternative programs tailored to autistic individuals’ strengths and interests.
Driven by a vision of expanding these opportunities, Andrew founded LEAF with the goal of making innovative support resources widely accessible to neurodivergent individuals. The organization aims to create inclusive spaces that go beyond conventional support frameworks—places where autistic teens and adults can not only thrive but actively shape their own narratives. By combining Andrew’s expertise in education, therapy, and game design, LEAF seeks to amplify the voices and talents of autistic individuals, helping them navigate their unique paths to success and fulfillment.
