Mentor Program
Experienced & Well-qualified Mentors You Can Trust
Empowering Parents. Building Confidence. Creating Community.
The TACA Mentor Program connects families navigating the autism journey with experienced parent mentors who offer one-on-one guidance, support, and lived experience. Each mentor is a fellow parent who has walked a similar path—and is now ready to help you navigate yours.
The Mentor Program is grounded in the belief that when you teach a parent how to advocate, problem-solve, and access resources, they can change their child’s future—and help others along the way.
Eligibility Requirements:
To qualify for the TACA Mentor Program, applicants must:
1. Be an active member of the TACA Hope & Help Facebook Group – Engaging in this group ensures mentees are familiar with TACA’s support model and available resources.
2. Have attended at least two TACA virtual events within the last year – Demonstrating participation in TACA’s educational programs ensures a foundational understanding of key autism-related topics.
3. Have downloaded a TACA resource – Accessing and utilizing TACA materials prepares mentees for productive conversations with their mentors.
4. Must be a parent or legal guardian of a person(s) with autism.
5. Cannot have had a TACA Mentor previously.
6. Must reside in the United States.
*At the time of your application, you must have met all the requirements listed.
Application & Selection Process
- Application Periods: Openings will occur at select times throughout the year. Watch for announcements via TACA’s website, social channels, and emails.
- Application Review: All submissions are carefully reviewed to confirm eligibility. Meeting all program requirements is essential to be considered for a match.
- Highly Competitive Program: Please note that the TACA Mentor Program is highly competitive, and the number of available mentor matches is limited. Priority is given to applicants who meet all eligibility criteria and demonstrate readiness to actively engage in the program.
- Matching Process: Approved families are paired with a TACA Mentor based on mentor availability and alignment with family needs.
Mentorship Commitment
- Each mentorship match lasts for three months, during which mentees will:
- Actively engage with their mentor
- Ask questions and pursue personal goals
- Learn to navigate autism-related challenges with more confidence
- This structured timeframe helps mentees build independence while staying connected to the TACA community.
Applications will launch May 12, 2025 at 12 PM PDT with matching beginning June 2, 2025. Spaces are limited and first come first served, dependent on meeting application requirements.
would you like to help other families and pay it forward?
Mentors need to be parents of a child diagnosed with ASD, or of whom they have conservatorship. Mentors must have two or more years experience on the autism journey, be an active TACA Member and have had their own TACA Mentor previously.
would you like to help other families and pay it forward?
Mentors need to be parents of a child diagnosed with ASD, or of whom they have conservatorship. Mentors must have two or more years experience on the autism journey, be an active TACA Member and have had their own TACA Mentor previously.