Supportive spaces for individuals with autism
Each year, through Baker Tilly Wishes, the Baker Tilly Foundation provides 15 grants of $10,000 to not-for-profits nominated by our team members. Strategy and Innovation Manager Rainer Nsenki reflects on how the Kansas City Autism Training Center has profoundly affected his family.
A positive space for growth
When Rainer and Hannah welcomed their son, Noir, they noticed developmental differences atypical for his age. After a doctor’s visit, Noir was diagnosed with autism. Determined to find the best education and support for their son, Rainer and his wife began exploring their options.
Their search led them to the Kansas City Autism Training Center. “The center felt welcoming from the start,” Rainer explained. “We knew this could be a place where Noir could learn, make friends and feel understood.”
Empowering individuals on the autism spectrum
The Kansas City Autism Training Center helps children from ages 2 and older on the autism spectrum maximize their potential through evidence-based education, treatment and training.
Rainer supports their fundraising efforts, while Hannah volunteers with teachers to assist with learning activities for Noir and other students. After witnessing how beneficial a supportive and welcoming environment can be, Rainer now passionately advocates for the organization.
“The center has become an invaluable resource for us,” he said. “Their guidance has been essential in helping us navigate Noir’s diagnosis.”
Seeing progress
Thanks to the individualized training he receives, Noir, now four years old, has shown remarkable improvement.
“Noir used to be non-verbal,” Rainer shared. “But in the past six months, he’s started speaking more, recognizing objects, and has a much more positive outlook. Our family has experienced so much optimism since finding this organization.”
The center’s dedication to supporting individuals with autism and their families inspires Rainer and Hannah to give back any way they can.
Baker Tilly Wishes helps create new sensory spaces
The grant from the Baker Tilly Foundation will help the training center expand and renovate existing spaces. This includes building additional classrooms, upgrading playground spaces with inclusive sensory features, and constructing new sidewalks and entranceways.
“This investment will create a more supportive and empowering environment,” Rainer said. “The center makes a lasting difference in the lives of those it serves, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”