I'm raising money for Black Autism Coalition through the 2025 Flutie 5K!

The Black Autism Coalition (BAC) is a parent-led grassroots organization founded by Cynthia Laine, a mother of four boys, two of whom have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). BAC was born from Cynthia’s personal journey of navigating educational and healthcare systems that were unwelcoming and culturally insensitive to Black families. With the aim of providing a space for families like hers, Cynthia launched BAC to address the gaps in services, advocacy, and support for Black families raising children with autism.

Cynthia’s journey to founding BAC was driven by the unique challenges she faced as a Black mother navigating autism care. Many families in her community were experiencing similar struggles—feeling isolated and unsupported in a system that didn’t address their specific needs. Cynthia realized that Black families often lacked culturally relevant resources, peer support, and guidance on how to navigate the complex systems of education, healthcare, and insurance. This realization inspired her to create BAC, a space that would offer culturally competent services, education, and advocacy for families of color.

BAC's mission centers on empowering Black families by providing resources, support, and advocacy that reflect their unique cultural and linguistic needs. The organization has grown to provide various services designed to help families navigate autism care with confidence.