My Journey

My name is Val Young, I am the Founder/Director of U2LWA, a Non-profit, serving and supporting families living with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). I’m also an author of My Brother And I, A Quest To Find A Cure, a Podcaster, but most importantly, I am a mother living with autism! My journey began more than two decades ago when I came across a young girl who exhibited similar behaviors to my son. This encounter led me to seek medical advice, which confirmed my son’s Autism diagnosis. The experience was a turning point that brought a newfound purpose to my life, propelling me to bridge the gap in society’s understanding and acceptance of Autism. My journey was not without its challenges. I admit that my biggest obstacle was overcoming personal procrastination, one being a book I wrote in 2004. I channeled my experiences into my book, which is a testament to my journey, and finally published it in 2020. Today, U2LWA is gearing up to host our inaugural Prom event, an initiative at creating unforgettable experiences for teens and young adults living with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). By launching our inaugural Prom, I aim to create a space where every attendee can feel like a king or queen, with a red carpet entrance, paparazzi, and crowns. I am committed to keeping all U2LWA events free of charge, I believe that no family living with Autism should bear additional financial burdens to access supportive services. My vision goes beyond just events, as I aspire to build a global support network for families.