When Katy Jackson learned her two-year-old son, Hendrix, was diagnosed with autism, she felt overwhelmed, suddenly facing a world of acronyms, therapies, specialists, and decisions she never expected.
“I know it’s a big community and I’ve known autistic people my whole life, but I never really knew how challenging it is. There are no directions given for this,” explained Katy.
Katy admits she dove in without a road map. She read everything she could find, including works by Temple Grandin, who helped her understand autism not as something to “cure” but as a different way of experiencing the world. That perspective became her compass as she learned how to communicate with Hendrix, now five years old, who is non-verbal.
As she pieced together resources, Katy realized other parents were just as lost as she had been. Recognizing the need for guidance, she began sharing her notes—step-by-step guides for overwhelmed families on how to access respite care, In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), regional center services, and much more. Her phone number became a lifeline for these families.
Hendrix’s love of water also became a guiding force in Katy’s journey. It led her to Surfers Healing, a nonprofit surf camp for children with autism, co-founded in 1996 by Israel “Izzy” and Danielle Paskowitz after they discovered the calming power of the ocean on their own autistic son, Isaiah.
Inspired by the impact of Surfers Healing, Katy launched Local Autism Warriors, a separate grassroots organization that provides support and community for families with autistic children. Local Autism Warriors connects parents to resources, offers guidance and raises funds to support Surfers Healing, ensuring the surf camps remain free for families.
“Hendrix is so active, and I knew he loved the water. He loves the beach, ocean, river, lake—I mean, he likes puddles of water,” expressed Katy. “Surfers Healing was recommended to me, and I got involved with them. I love the Paskowitz family, so I’ve gotten the community involved and held fundraisers.”
Over the past three decades, Surfers Healing has provided free surf camps for thousands of children with autism across the country, from San Diego to Rhode Island—and even in Mexico and Puerto Rico. But for Katy, it’s not just about surfboards and waves—it’s about dignity, joy, and inclusion. As noted on Surfers Healing’s website, “Autism parents are always hearing about what their children cannot do. But at a Surfers Healing camp, it's all about what their kids can do.”
Looking ahead, Katy hopes to grow Local Autism Warriors. She hosts an annual gala in Redondo Beach that blends fundraising for Surfers Healing with raising awareness about people with autism. “This year the gala was more focused on having kids there,” said Katy. “I had a whole sensory area, and they all got sensory toys. Some of the surfers came to the event and interacted with the kids, so when the kids went to their first day of camp, they remembered them—that’s the equivalent of a celebrity to them. I think that’s really cool.”
At its core, Local Autism Warriors remains rooted in Katy’s spirit of giving—making sure no parent feels alone. She knows firsthand the difference a simple resource, a supportive conversation, or even just a knowing smile can make.
“I wish there was a universal hand signal for autism parent to autism parent or, something to be like, hey, you're okay.”
This December, as we celebrate giving in all its forms, Katy reminds us that sometimes the greatest gift isn’t money or material—it’s understanding, compassion, and the willingness to walk alongside someone on their journey.
“…I never really knew how challenging it is. There are no directions given for this.”
Ways to Find and Give Support
Katy Jackson and Local Autism Warriors are here to help—whether you need guidance, resources, or just someone to talk to, email localautismwarriors@gmail.com. You can also support the cause by attending the annual Santa Surfing Competition in Dana Point on Saturday, December 13, benefiting Surfers Healing. Visit surfingsantacontest.org for details.