Our Partners
Message from our Junior Founder
Edna Dereje, Founder
"I co-founded Championing Autism because I truly believe in the power of inclusivity and the joy that comes from participating in sports and hobbies. My cousin Darius, who has autism, has been my biggest inspiration. Growing up, I watched him face exclusion in participating in sports and other hobbies that I freely enjoyed. This made me realize the urgent need for a space where kids on the spectrum can be included to join in and have fun with their peers. Championing Autism is dedicated to breaking down those barriers and creating an environment where every child can feel accepted, valued, and empowered to pursue their passions. It's my tribute to Darius and all the amazing kids out there who deserve to shine."
WIN WIN BUDDY
Win Win Buddy System
A powerful one-on-one program where volunteers and autistic kids build friendship, boost confidence, and grow together. Everyone gains. Everyone shines. Everyone WINS!
A MONTHLY EVENT!!!
CANADA BOOK TOUR August 29th, 2026
Negussu’s Voice traveled to Ottawa, Canada, for a special book reading and sensory event. Through storytelling, role play, and sensory activities, neurotypical children and autistic participants experienced the world through the eyes of a child on the autism spectrum. The event helped change the narrative around autism; encouraging understanding, acceptance, and belonging for every child.
SENSORY EXPERIENCE August 29, 2026
The sensory event brought Negussu’s Voice to life. Through hands-on activities, children experienced how a child on the autism spectrum may process language, sounds, and the environment differently. It deepened the book’s message by building autism awareness, understanding, and empathy; helping children recognize that different ways of experiencing the world deserve acceptance and respect.
A NEW ERA OF SEEING AUTISM - Launched April 18, 2026
Negussu’s Voice marks the beginning of a shift in how we see autism and inclusion. This book brings you into the inner world of a child on the spectrum, where the need for inclusion is not a concept but a deep yearning, a quiet hunger to belong. It shows how connection is felt, and how rejection is felt just as deeply, even when it goes unseen. Through this, inclusion stops being something we talk about and becomes something we are called to live.
Monthly Event!
This is more than just a monthly meetup. It’s a chance for peers with autism and volunteers to come together, build real connections, grow side by side, and for volunteers to step into meaningful leadership in our community.
Three volunteers stepping into leadership in our organization and growing alongside our peers with autism.