Meet Ashley Smith of Apache Junction

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Smith

Hi Ashley, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
We were founded in 2024 by Ash Smith. Ash is a single mother of an amazing child with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Ash founded ASD CLUB in the hope that it will bring change to our school systems. We are dedicated in providing peace of mind to families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and giving schools much needed support. Our donations are given to all children on the Spectrum in need, without regard to their race, religion, or background. There are many ways we can improve understanding and acceptance in the school system for children with ASD. We strive to create a better world where children with ASD at school feel like they have a safe space to learn and grow, and we thank all of you for helping us to achieve that.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Having a child with ASD brings out so many worries for parents in regards to how our children are going to be treated at school not only by other children but teachers, staff members and before and after school program staff. The lack of education for school teachers and staff about how to navigate Autism Spectrum Disorder in school classrooms and extra curricular activities is an issue that has proven to cause a lot of ignorant misconduct in schools. Parents have to work twice as hard to fight for their child’s rights in school that have ASD. It should not have to be a long bumpy road. Ash wants to help children, parents and schools work together and not against each other due to lack of knowledge, resources, funds and accommodation tools. With your donations we can make a difference in the lives of children with ASD and how they experience school classrooms.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
We are a non-profit organization dedicated to helping children, families, and schools reach their potential for inclusivity in each and every classroom for children on the spectrum and open up communication between parents and teachers in regards to what works best for the well being of the individual child to reach their learning potential. The following are just a few of our programs we will be implementing at a number of schools near you.

Fundraising Events (Petting Zoo, Walk-a-thon, Family drive-in movie night, etc.)

Water Safety Classes- Provided for free for children with ASD.

Accommodation tools provided to school teachers and paraprofessionals to help children with ASD in the classroom.
For example: Noise cancelling headphones, rocking chairs at desks or under desk foot peddles for quiet stimming, fidget toys, Q cards to help non verbal children express their feelings in the classroom, and so much more.

Free seminars for parents and teachers about how to work together and navigate IEP and 504 plans.

Free classes for school staff, after school program staff and teachers to educate on proper ways to help children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in school.

After school activities for children on the spectrum.

We will also provide many different resources for parents.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Ash grew up with many different interests from chess club, reading many books, going on adventures, wanting to save the world, having Gordan Ramsey and Walker Texas Ranger as role models. Personality wise, Ash has a calming demeaner and can make anyone feel they have a friend who they can count on. Ash knows how hard school can already be growing up especially if you are diagnosed on the spectrum. There is no reason why we can’t change that and all it takes is one step at a time, one day at a time and one person at a time to make a difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ASD-CLUB.com
• Other: https://ASD-CLUB.shop