Empowering Autistic Adults, Families, and Service Providers
Creating inclusivity in the classroom and the community
Our Core Philosophy
Advancing Neurodiversity Through Action
Inspired by the journey of our son, we partner with universities and educational institutions to provide specialized education, advocacy, and support for neurodiverse students and their families.
This is Lucas’s Story…
Early Diagnosis
• Lucas diagnosed with moderate-to-severe autism in 2006
• The Wintrode Family realizes the challenges ahead
Years of Advocacy
• Searching for specialists
Navigating therapies
• Learning what works and what doesn’t
Progress & Milestones
• Discovery of lesser-known therapies and resources
• Educational achievements & Increasing independence
• Transition into adulthood
• Creation of the foundation to help other families benefit from those experiences
What We Do & Don’t Do
a Self-funded scholarship foundation
What We Do
- Support autism-focused educational and service initiatives
- Support the Lucas P. Wintrode Autism Support Services Program
- Partner with educational institutions and autism-focused organizations
- Support initiatives such as the Lucas P. Wintrode Learning Lab
What We Don’t Do
- Function as a public fundraising organization
- Accept public donations
- Operate under donor influence
Recipient Profile
The LPW Autism Foundation is currently supporting the following institutions:
• South Dakota State University (Brookings, SD)
• Sioux Falls School District (Sioux Falls, SD)
• Disability Advocacy & Support Specialists Foundation (Cooper City, FL)
• Els for Autism Foundation (Jupiter, FL)
• Northwest Catholic High School (West Hartford, CT)
• St. Thomas Elementary School
• St. Timothy Middle School
• Camp Starfish Foundation (Rindge, NH)
…and the list keeps growing!
2025
Philanthropic Family of the Year
40+
Students participating annually in LPWAF Org Services
1
Endowed Professorship in Autism Studies
$1,000
student stipends a semester for 40+ students
Milestones achieved through our other recipients include:
⋅ Comprehension training & support
⋅ IEP advocacy support
⋅ Sensory support
⋅ ASD student support
⋅ Music, arts, and dance training
⋅ Enhanced security technology
⋅ Behavioral training strategies
