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Join us Saturday, November 7: Autism Awareness 5K and Resource Fair at Cane Bay High School, 9 am to 1 pm. See details

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Serving families in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester Counties

No one
waits ALONE.

Too many families leave with a diagnosis, a list of phone numbers and no clear next step. We walk beside them through the wait for services, and your gift is what keeps us showing up.

Give todayWaiting for services? Start here
Mary Richardson and her family in matching basketball jerseys on a gym court

The gap: from diagnosis to help.

Too often, families leave with a diagnosis, a list of phone numbers, and no clear next step. Bridging the Gap Society for Autism was created to walk beside them during that gap: offering resource navigation, caregiver support, insurance guidance, and a community that understands.

Our mission

To support and empower individuals and families affected by autism by bridging the gap from diagnosis to services through education, resources, community connections, and advocacy.

  1. Diagnosis
  2. The wait: we walk beside you
  3. Services

How we help

We educate, support, and guide caregivers, from the moment of diagnosis and throughout the journey.

  • Caregiver education

    Guidance after diagnosis, including insurance basics, behavior support, and creating supportive environments.

  • Services & advocacy

    We help caregivers understand, find, and access services and supports they may be entitled to.

  • School support

    Help preparing for IEPs, understanding school rights, and communicating with your child's school.

  • Behavior strategies

    Practical strategies for challenging behaviors, development, and learning at home and in the community.

  • Navigation & resources

    Help finding local services, navigating waitlists, and connecting with trusted providers.

  • Ongoing support

    Questions don't stop when services begin. We're here to provide guidance and connection along the way.

Caregivers need support, too.

Real challenges. Real families. Real support needed.

  • 37%

    of parents of children with autism report clinically significant depressive symptoms.

    Hastings & Johnson, 2001

  • 40%

    of parents of children with autism report clinically significant anxiety symptoms.

    Hastings & Johnson, 2001

  • 72%

    of parents of children with autism report moderate to high caregiver burden, and many meet criteria for burnout.

    Dabrowska & Pisula, 2010

  • 1 in 3

    parents of children with autism report needing professional mental health support, but many do not receive it.

    Zablotsky et al., 2013

We believe caregivers deserve to feel seen, supported, and cared for, too.

Started by a mom who knows the wait.

Mary Richardson, founder and CEO of Bridging the Gap Society for Autism
  • Mary Richardson, MS, BCBA, LBA
  • Founder & CEO
  • Mom of a child on the spectrum

Bridging the Gap Society for Autism was created from a place of love and a deeply personal understanding of what it means to wait.

Why I do this

As a mom, my youngest son is on the autism spectrum, so I understand this journey personally and professionally. I know how overwhelming it can feel to receive a diagnosis and then be placed on a waitlist. That's why I'm committed to educating, empowering, and supporting caregivers, because no family should have to navigate this alone.

How I got here

I have over 10 years of experience in ABA therapy and caregiver training. My journey in this field has been driven by a deep passion for helping children with autism reach their full potential and supporting the caregivers who make it all possible. I've worked in clinic, home, and community settings, providing therapy, training, guidance, and resources to help families navigate this journey with confidence.

"Supporting and guiding caregivers and their families isn't just my life's mission, it's my calling and my heart."
My motto is "save the mama, save the baby."

Education

  • PhD in Developmental Psychology
    Capella University, in progress
  • Master of Science in Psychology
    The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
  • Bachelor of Science in Psychology
    University of South Carolina
  • Four boys grinning and making faces for the camera
  • A boy in a "First Day of Kindergarten" shirt
  • A boy smiling at the top of a playground slide
  • A boy puffing out his cheeks for a silly photo
  • Toy dinosaurs lined up on a living room rug

Because behind every child waiting for services is a family who deserves support today.

No one waits alone.

Mary Richardson smiling with her family, all bundled up in hoodies

Our first community event

Nov7Saturday

Autism Awareness 5K and Resource Fair

Saturday, November 7, 9 am to 1 pm at Cane Bay High School

Run, walk or cheer at the 5K, then stop by the Resource Fair to meet local providers and other families who understand. Everyone is welcome, and so are the kids.

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Help a family through the wait.

Your generosity helps Bridging the Gap Society for Autism show up for families during a time that can feel overwhelming and uncertain. Every gift helps us reach more families, listen to their needs, and offer support while they wait for services.

Together, we can remind caregivers that they matter, their families matter, and no one waits alone.

Pick what your gift supports

Partner with us.

ABA providers, therapists, pediatric practices and local businesses: the families on your waiting lists are the families we walk beside. Partnering with Bridging the Gap Society for Autism helps them feel supported before their first appointment, and connects you with families who need your care.

  • Sponsor the 5K and Resource Fair

    Put your name behind our first community event and the families it brings together.

  • Host a table at the Resource Fair

    Meet families face to face, answer their questions and let them know what to expect.

  • Fund caregiver education

    Help caregivers feel more confident supporting their children while they wait.

Become a partner

Waiting for services right now?

Reach out. Tell us where you are and we'll help you find your next step.

You don't need to have it all figured out first. Whether your child was diagnosed last week or you've been on a waitlist for months, we'll listen and walk through it with you.

Want to volunteer, give or partner with us? Email us, too. We'd love to hear from you.

Email us

info@btgs4autism.net
Get support for my familyPartner, volunteer or give

Please leave out medical or insurance details in your first email. We'll talk through those with you directly.