Our Story

Our son, Jagger Ford, was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in February, 2021.   At the time of diagnosis, it was a whirlwind of terms, specialists, therapies, hospitals, figuring out insurance coverage, etc.…  It can all be so overwhelming.  Once the dust began to settle and we did our research, we were able to decide on which therapies were best for him according to Jagger’s individual needs.  It wasn’t always so easy, though.  Jagger had just turned four and we had been searching for schools to enroll him in, several of which turned us away once we disclosed his diagnosis.  We also noticed that while there was no lack of doctors or terminology, there was a void of local and personal support outside of the walls of medicine to help navigate our newfound life with Autism. 

Although we had our fair share of obstacles, our family considers Jagger a huge success story within his personal journey.  He’s graduated from his therapies, cultivated many friendships, engages and excels in sports and music, and continues to work on his emotional well-being.

Since Jagger’s diagnosis, we have made it our mission to break the negative stigma that follows Autism and those it affects.  By creating EmPath for Autism, our goal is to provide a network of hope and support necessary for your child and their community to achieve the same success!

Leslie Williams,
EmPath Board President

How We Help

The EmPath Family is dedicated to giving back and creating a stronger, more supportive community for future generations — with a special focus on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

In the past, we’ve hosted awareness events, shared “Jag Swag,” and encouraged donations, which we then presented to trusted ASD organizations we personally know and support.

In 2023, we launched EmPath for Autism and hosted our first-ever Circus Bizircus event, raising funds to help children and families access crucial early intervention therapies. The money raised was distributed both through established ASD organizations and directly to Cincinnati-area families in need.

Since then, we’ve continued to expand our reach and impact. In 2024 and 2025, we introduced programs like JagTag Safety Bracelets, YMCA accessible swim lessons, and advocacy initiatives such as our Protective Fencing Petition to keep children safe near retention ponds. We’ve also created Moms Chat, a safe space for caregivers to connect and share support, and hosted unforgettable events like Circus Bizircus Lunar. We also launched A Night for EmPath - “Love Without Limits”, a community celebration honoring parents, caregivers, and supporters of Autism.

Every fundraiser, event, and initiative we take on is fueled by one mission — to empower, support, and protect families living with Autism. With your help, we can keep the momentum going and impact the lives of even more families, here in Cincinnati and beyond.

The journey is well underway — and it’s only getting bigger from here. 💙