In April 2007, Scott and Ashley Jackson left their doctor’s office with two things: an autism diagnosis for their 2-year-old son Tyler and an overwhelming anxiety for the future. Recognizing the importance of early intervention, the young parents began to research treatment options in Houston. Scott, an offensive lineman for the Houston Texans, turned to his coach, Joe Marciano, the father of an autistic boy, for help. Joe told Scott while the cost of full-time therapy can be frightening, Tyler’s improvement would be priceless. Shortly after, the Jacksons enrolled Tyler in full-time therapy at Houston’s Texana Center.

In the two years since Tyler’s diagnosis, Scott and Ashley have witnessed incredible progress. Once limited to a five-word vocabulary, Tyler has transformed into a chatterbox. His irrational tantrums have been replaced with polite requests for attention and a once frightening world has become an exciting one.

With Tyler as their inspiration, Scott and Ashley want to help other parents navigate the challenging world of autism. In 2009, they formed the Tackling Autism Foundation as a way to help reduce the cost of autism therapies and allow more families the opportunity to have their kids treated.

Orlando Sentinel article highlighting our first event.

Houston Chronicle article on Tyler and Scott.

Although we have yet to find a cure for autism, the lives of these amazing children can be greatly enhanced by two things.

1. A loving family to nurture these beautiful minds.
2. Professional assistance to find ways to connect with the unique world of autism.

We identify autism treatment centers dedicated to providing quality therapy for families in need. We help organize events centered around these facilities with the proceeds going directly towards reducing the price of treatment. The valuable donations made to the Tackling Autism Foundation help provide reasonable rates for families in desperate need of assistance.