About | Solving Autism – The Name
My name is Alyson Shaffer, and I am the founder and owner of Solving Autism, LLC. I’ve been in the field since 1987, when autism affected 1 in 10,000 children. Today, that number is 1 in 36—and it continues to rise.
When I founded my company in 2013, choosing a name was not easy. I wanted something that included the word “autism” so families searching for help online could easily find us. Having been part of this field for decades, I’ve witnessed a remarkable evolution in our understanding of autism and the support systems available.
I often reflect on the saying: “When you’ve met one individual with autism, you’ve met one individual with autism.” While there may be similarities among those on the spectrum, each person is entirely unique. A diagnosis of autism is rarely isolated—it often comes with co-occurring challenges such as:
- Anxiety
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Eating challenges
- Epilepsy
- Fine motor weaknesses (such as dysgraphia)
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Learning disabilities
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Sensory integration dysfunction
- Sleep disorders
Working with someone on the autism spectrum means addressing far more than the core diagnosis. Each individual presents a unique set of strengths and challenges—and every part matters. From sensory needs to emotional well-being, we focus on the whole person to help them become the best version of themselves.
I understand that the puzzle piece symbol can be controversial. But to me, it’s a powerful reminder: every person I’ve worked with is a beautiful, complex puzzle. Our job is to support them in putting those pieces together in a way that helps them thrive.
I want to be clear: I am not trying to imply that autism is a problem or a deficit to be fixed. The puzzle piece, once commonly used as an autism symbol, was sometimes seen as portraying autism as something broken or missing. That’s not how I see it. I am not trying to solve a problem—I’m supporting each person in reaching their fullest potential.
At Solving Autism, we recognize and celebrate each individual’s strengths and their unique contributions to the world. We embrace neurodiversity, and we believe that every person we work with has infinite potential.