Visits/Trainings

"60% of schools have limited or no initiatives aimed at increasing Autism awareness and inclusivity among students and staff. (Source: Special Education Advisory Council, 2023)"
Solution: Our resources and programs provide schools with the tools needed to create effective Autism awareness initiatives and foster a more inclusive environment.

Our visits are designed to be an engaging, interactive, and educational experience for young learners in grades K-5, allowing them to creatively explore the Autism spectrum while blending art integration, creative learning, and play. Each session is one hour long and features our “Autism Through The Alphabet” ABC Coloring Book and coloring pages.

What to Expect:

Interactive Author Visits: During our author visits, we bring along our “Autism Through The Alphabet” ABC Coloring Book, allowing kids to creatively explore the Autism spectrum through fun and engaging activities. Jaiden and I will share our story, discuss the importance of Autism awareness, read some pages from our coloring book, and provide coloring pages and hands-on activities for participants to enjoy.

Speaking Engagements: We offer insightful and inspiring talks tailored to foster awareness, understanding, empathy, kindness, and representation. These sessions aim to create more supportive and inclusive spaces for all kids to thrive and cover topics including our Autism journey, raising an autistic child, the importance of representation for black autistic youth, being an entrepreneur, building confidence and a positive self-identity, and working to transform Autism education and awareness! 

One Giant Play Date: Our sessions feel like a giant play date where kids get to meet and have fun with Jaiden! They will also have the opportunity to see a young inspiring role model who is defying the odds, running a business, and is a genuine representative of the Autism community. Through interactive and engaging activities and discussions, children will learn about Autism in a positive and inclusive way.

"When children see role models who reflect their own identity, they experience a 25% improvement in academic performance. (Source: National Bureau of Economic Research)"

Solution: Our educational resources and speaking engagements emphasize diverse role models, offering positive representation that empowers children—especially those who are often overlooked and underrepresented—to build confidence and strive to reach their full potential.

Professional Development/Staff Training- "Empower and Educate: Building Supportive Environments Through Autism Understanding"

Empower your team with valuable insights and strategies through our interactive Autism training. Led by a dynamic mother-and-son duo, both proudly on the Autism spectrum, this session offers a unique and impactful perspective to foster awareness, empathy, and inclusion for all children to thrive, learn, and grow together.

Why Attend?

With 1 in 36 children diagnosed with Autism in the U.S. (CDC, 2024), the need for inclusive education and support services is greater than ever. Our training equips your staff with the skills and knowledge to create compassionate, supportive learning environments.

What You’ll Gain:

  • Holistic Understanding: Learn about Autism from lived experiences.
  • Practical Strategies: Foster social-emotional development and create inclusive spaces.
  • Increased Confidence: Build positive relationships with autistic children.
  • Sustainability: Ensure the long-term impact of inclusive practices.

Session Highlights:

  • Introduction to Jai At Play and our “Autism Through The Alphabet” Workshop Program
  • Personal stories and strategies from a mother-and-son team both on the Autism spectrum 
  • Interactive activities and discussions to deepen Autism understanding and promote empathy and inclusion
  • Brainstorming inclusive approaches tailored to your institution’s needs

Benefits for Your Team:

  • Enhanced Autism awareness and understanding
  • Promotion of empathy-driven practices
  • More inclusive environments where every child can thrive, learn, and grow 

Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your institution's approach to Autism education! 

Shekira Farrell: Speaker Bio and Engagement Information

My journey as an Autism advocate began in 2014 when my son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Navigating first-time motherhood alongside learning what Autism meant for us and our journey, as well as my own late-diagnosed Autism as an adult, has given me a unique and profound perspective. This experience has fueled my commitment to challenge the negative misconceptions and limitations often associated with Autism.

Key Topics I Cover Include:

  • Personal Experiences with Autism and Motherhood: Sharing my journey of raising an autistic child and learning about Autism while navigating first-time motherhood.
  • Advocacy Efforts and Overcoming Misconceptions: Highlighting my commitment to fighting negative misconceptions that often surround an Autism diagnosis.
  • Insights from My Late-Diagnosed Autism: Reflecting on my late adult Autism diagnosis and how it has enriched my advocacy and mental health.
  • The Journey of Entrepreneurship & Jai At Play: Explaining the inception and impact of Jai At Play and how it’s transforming Autism awareness and education.
  • Championing Diversity in Autism Awareness: Highlighting the critical need for diverse voices in Autism awareness, challenging stereotypes about Autism within the Black community, and ensuring no child is left behind.

My storytelling and advocacy have made me a sought-after speaker at various events, including the Monmouth County 5th Annual Autism Forum & Resource Fair, “Autism Acceptance Dinner & Dialogue” with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Monmouth County, the “Kindness Is” Podcast with Kind Cotton, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America National Trauma-Informed “The Role of DEI in Trauma-Informed Practices.”

By sharing my journey and insights, I strive to inspire and empower others while advocating for a more inclusive and understanding society that embraces Autism and ensuring that autistic youth feel seen, heard, included, and understood.
I am available for speaking engagements and collaborations and look forward to partnering with organizations to further my mission of transforming Autism awareness and education.

Book Us Today!

If you are interested in booking an author visit or speaking engagement, please contact us at contact@jai-at-play.com.