An award-winning author and mother of three children with autism has expanded her support organisation to include Bermuda and welcomed a local mother to its board.

Stephanie Williams, a Florida-based Bermudian entrepreneur who won an advocacy award at the inaugural Global Autism Mom Awards in 2025, launched Fostering Connextions with a mission to support families navigating autism and neurodiversity.

She invited on to its board Selessia Smith, a Bermudian mother of five children — four of whom are on the autism spectrum.

Ms Smith’s goal is to “make life easier” for the island’s autism community and the announcement of her appointment comes during Autism Awareness Month.

Fostering Connextions provides support groups, advocacy, educational resources and quarterly publications for families, and has launched The Connextions Circle, a network bringing together participants from Bermuda and around the world.

It offers weekly book discussions centred on autism and neurodiversity, a supportive space for caregivers and those with neurodiverse abilities, as well as access to shared experiences, resources and education.

Ms Williams said: “It’s a safe and inclusive environment for connection and empowerment.”

She noted that after The Royal Gazette reported on her success, as well as her advocacy for early intervention services, families from Bermuda contacted her speaking of challenges they faced locally.

She said that Ms Smith had “transformed her journey into advocacy as she now steps forward boldly in this space”.

“What was once a journey of survival has now transformed into one of purpose, resilience and action,” Ms Williams added.

Ms Smith said it can be traumatic for a parent when their child is given a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and that support was crucial.

She explained: “When a parent finds out, it’s a traumatic thing to go through. The life you pictured has altered and you have to make a whole new future.

“It’s important knowing you are not alone. I went through a depression stage that made me start advocating. I thought I was alone.

“We are starting up with the book club and looking to do more in the near future.

“I want to get as many families to join as possible and let them know it’s inclusive. I want everybody to know it is a very supportive group.”

Ms Smith said there would be a centralised database of resources and services provided by different departments, agencies and organisations.

She said that legal protections were also needed for families in a similar position to hers.

Ms Williams said: “Watching Selessia walk in her purpose with such passion and determination, overcoming obstacles while creating real solutions for her children, is what advocacy is all about.

“It’s what inspired me to open the door even wider, to connect with my fellow Bermudians and support in a way that creates lasting impact.”

The mission of Fostering Connextions aligns with that of Bermuda Autism Support and Education, a charity on the island.

Sherri-Lee Bucci, the president of BASE, said her organisation was inspired to contact Ms Williams after reading about her in the Gazette.

She added that the charity wholeheartedly supports Connextions and will help bring people together for its networks.

Ms Bucci said: “In the article, [Ms Williams] expressed a desire to give back to the community of Bermuda — first by listening and learning, and then by collaborating with an organisation focused on awareness, education and support.”

She added: “Connextions is a brilliant concept — a safe space to discuss, share and thoughtfully challenge ideas.

“It offers a rich environment for connection, support and learning. Each book of the month will spark diverse perspectives and meaningful conversations.

“BASE values creating spaces where participants feel respected and free to share their experiences. Not only will parents find support, but caregivers and individuals with a shared interest in neurodiversity, particularly autism, will also benefit.

“Connextions provides an ideal platform for learning, reflection and collective growth, where participants gain insight from both the book and one another.”

Ms Williams said: “At the heart of this initiative are the families who will be served and the children whose lives will be impacted.

“No one should feel misunderstood, alone or as though their voice is not being heard within their community.”

Ms Williams said that while the partnerships represented a meaningful step forward, much remained to be done.

She added: “There are several needs within Bermuda and this work cannot be accomplished in one moment or through one initiative alone.

“As the population continues to grow, so do the needs. Real change requires intentional effort across multiple levels, with the right supports being put in place.

“My heart has been deeply moved by what I’ve seen and heard. The needs are real, but we need more consistency and commitment to the changes required.

“True impact happens when we make the decision to be part of the solution.

“The youth of today are our tomorrow and we have a responsibility to ensure that the changes we create now will guide the community in a positive direction.

“We are shaping future generations to become strong, compassionate citizens. No parent should feel shame or guilt because of their child’s needs.

“Every family deserves to feel supported, understood and connected to a community that is willing to walk alongside them.”

• For more information about Fostering Connextions, visitinstagram.com/fosteringconnextions.