Welcome to a supportive community for those caring for low-functioning adults with autism. Whether you’re a parent, teacher or professional, this is a place to connect with others and share real-world solutions.
You’ll find conversations with experts on challenges like aggression, eating disorders (e.g., Pica), epilepsy, and incontinence, along with discussions on therapies and medications. We offer practical advice, how-to videos and insights from both home and community settings.
This is a space to ask questions, share experiences, and learn from others facing similar challenges. You’re not alone, we’re here to help you navigate this journey with support and real solutions.
To see how we are using these resources and tips in our local community here in Austin, TX, Visit j13.org
Meet Our Team
Kay Carr
Mike Carr
As parents of a son with profound autism, Mike and Kay embarked on an exhaustive search across the country for the perfect program for individuals with high support needs. When they found nothing that would accommodate their son’s unique requirements, they made the bold decision to relocate to Austin in 2011 after securing a commitment from the University of Texas to help build something entirely new. Over the next six years, working with UT faculty from three different departments and dozens of dedicated students, they developed a home-based program for individuals with severe autism that allowed their son to flourish in ways they had never imagined possible.
The resulting home program became the foundational cornerstone for what is now J13 (https://www.j13.org/), a community day and respite program which serves numerous young adults with autism or multiple disabilities, many with profound support needs similar to their son’s in Austin. The Autism Labs podcast and YouTube channel share many of the hard lessons learned leading up to the founding of J13, as well as during its start-up years. More recently, Mike has started interviewing parents, BCBA’s, medical professionals and others around the country in an effort to find and share best practices and illustrative stories to help parents with a profoundly autistic child.
Ivy Mendoza
Executive Assistant – Behind every growing organization is a capable assistant making sure the details are handled. Ivy is that assistant.
Hailing from the Philippines, Ivy is the glue that holds all the details together. From social media management to podcast editing, her efficiency and sharp eye for detail help keep the Autism Labs team running smoothly.
Outside of work, Ivy trades spreadsheets for headsets. She’s a passionate gamer who loves the fast-paced action of Apex Legends and Call of Duty: Warzone, where her tactical mind really shines.
She’s also a proud cat mom to four fur babies—with a soft spot for each with their own quirks and routines.
Ashley Elliott
Director of Operations – With a bachelors in education and a master’s in English-linguistics, Ashley brings deep experience teaching English to the Deaf community using American Sign Language and working as an instructional designer has strengthened her ability to think visually and communicate with clarity.
Ashley brings a rich and diverse background to our team. She is an Oklahoma Indigenous native (Choctaw) and she and her husband are raising two energetic, small children. Her hobbies include beadwork, basketball, and books!
With a generous heart and a spirit of service, she volunteers her time with her church, with NameStormers’ nonprofit partner J13.org and as a certified ASL interpreter.
