Newly Diagnosed

Mentoring Program

Welcome to your village. Find your people.

We know that an autism diagnosis can be scary, but you are not alone. Our Mentoring Program is specifically designed for parents of children who have been diagnosed within the last 2 years. We will provide support, education and resources alongside a community of caregivers who are ready to go on this journey with you. We want you to feel empowered to take informed actions and feel confident while supporting your child. Our Newly Diagnosed Mentoring Programs offers:

  • Cohort Model: Parents/caregivers are a part of a small cohort, with the goal of forming strong bonds with each other and our Raising Harts family as they go through this journey.

  • Group Support: Participants attend 6 bi-monthly zoom meetings facilitated by Adrien Asaff, our mental health therapist and Candice Hartford, Founder/Executive Director. Each of these zoom meetings focus on a specific topic and/or may feature guest speakers with expertise in certain areas. 

  • Hub Connection: Families will be encouraged to continue their connection by engaging in programs offerings both in the Hub and in the community.

  • Mentor Pairing: After the 5th group zoom meeting, mentees will have the option to be paired with a parent-mentor for an additional three months.

Orange hearts.
This group and organization have taught me that I am not alone and there are a lot of amazing families out there dealing with the same thing. Raising Harts is an amazing resource
— Sarah McDonnell (Spring 2025 Cohort)