Thank you to everyone who attended the meeting and to our speaker, Elizabeth Hendrick
Autism awareness support group of Georgia
Join us in making a difference for families affected by autism.
Autism Allies of Georgia is an official member of the Griffin Spalding Chamber of Commerce
Who We Are
Bobby C Gearing III, MD,MS
Bobby C Gearing III, MD,MS
Bobby C Gearing III, MD,MS
Dr. Gearing is a Pediatrician and partner at Griffin Pediatrics. Originally from Rochester, New York, Dr. Gearing relocated to McDonough, Georgia, five years ago. Before making the move south, he served as the Medical Director at the renowned Anderson Center for Autism in Staatsburg, NY. Over the years, through countless conversations wi
Dr. Gearing is a Pediatrician and partner at Griffin Pediatrics. Originally from Rochester, New York, Dr. Gearing relocated to McDonough, Georgia, five years ago. Before making the move south, he served as the Medical Director at the renowned Anderson Center for Autism in Staatsburg, NY. Over the years, through countless conversations with parents—especially mothers—he repeatedly heard the same concerns: limited access to therapy, fragmented services, and a lack of coordinated community support.
Motivated to make a difference, Dr. Gearing joined forces with one of these mothers , Mrs. Megan Obert, to create Autism Allies, a community-driven organization dedicated to supporting families, increasing awareness, and promoting inclusion for individuals with autism
Megan Obert
Bobby C Gearing III, MD,MS
Bobby C Gearing III, MD,MS
Born and raised in Spalding County, Megan Obert has always been deeply connected to her community and enjoys spending time outdoors with her family. Her journey into autism advocacy began with her son, River Obert, who was diagnosed with autism after his pediatrician, Dr. Bobby Gearing, noticed signs and referred him for evaluation.
Throu
Born and raised in Spalding County, Megan Obert has always been deeply connected to her community and enjoys spending time outdoors with her family. Her journey into autism advocacy began with her son, River Obert, who was diagnosed with autism after his pediatrician, Dr. Bobby Gearing, noticed signs and referred him for evaluation.
Through her experience navigating River’s diagnosis, Megan recognized the challenges many families face—feelings of uncertainty, limited local resources, and the need for more awareness and support within the community. Determined to make a difference, she partnered with Dr. Gearing to establish Autism Allies,.
Megan continues to be a compassionate voice for parents and a driving force in helping others feel seen, supported, and connected on their journey.
Established 2025
Autism Allies is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization devoted to enriching and empowering the lives of youth, adults, and families within autistic and neurodivergent communities south of Atlanta.
Autism Allies at the Exchange Club in Griffin, Ga
September 2025
Resources
Toolkit for Improved Sleep-Autism Speaks
Wandering and Elopement- National Autism Association
Tips for Challenging Behaviors-Autism Speaks
Sleep difficulties are common among children with autism, often affecting both the child’s well-being and the entire family’s daily life. Many children with autism have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or maintaining consistent sleep routines. Factors such as sensory sensitivities, anxiety, irregular melatonin levels, or challenges with transitions can all contribute to disrupted sleep
Tips for Challenging Behaviors-Autism Speaks
Wandering and Elopement- National Autism Association
Tips for Challenging Behaviors-Autism Speaks
Children with autism may sometimes display behaviors that are seen as challenging—such as aggression, self-injury, tantrums, or resistance to change. These behaviors are often a form of communication, especially when a child has difficulty expressing needs, emotions, or discomfort with words.
Wandering and Elopement- National Autism Association
Wandering and Elopement- National Autism Association
Wandering and Elopement- National Autism Association
Wandering, also known as elopement, is when a child with autism leaves a safe space or caregiver’s supervision unexpectedly. This behavior can happen for many reasons—some children may be drawn to places they find interesting, like water or playgrounds, while others may try to escape situations that feel overwhelming, such as loud noises or crowded environments.
Going out to Eat
Wandering and Elopement- National Autism Association
Wandering and Elopement- National Autism Association
Dining out can be an enjoyable family experience—but for children with autism, it may also bring unique challenges. New environments, unfamiliar foods, background noise, bright lights, and waiting times can all feel overwhelming or unpredictable. With thoughtful preparation and understanding, eating out can become a positive and rewarding experience for both the child and the family
Fun Zone FREE Event
Come and join us on Saturday, November 15th, at
Fun Zone from 11 am to 1 pm
Sensory Friendly Santa
Come and join Bloom Therapy as they host their annual Sensory Friendly Santa event!
Support Our Cause
Join us for our first wine tasting Fundraiser Saturday December 13th, from 6pm-9pm at the Bailey-Tebault House in Griffin, GA. There will be food, music, and of course, wine!
No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.
Aesop
"You can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness!" – Anne Frank
Autism in the news
GI issues and children with Autism
GI issues are very common in children with Autism
Mematine Improves Social Impairment in Youth with Autism
Promising treatment for social interaction in children with Autism
Thank you to our Donors
Guest speaker Paisley Smith from the Calvin Center
Come and join us at our next meeting on November 18th from 5:30-7:30, where we will have a speaker from the Calvin Center speak about their Equine Therapeutic Riding Program