In 2000, Gail Werner-Robertson and her husband Scott began their mission of supporting families affected by autism by establishing the GWR Sunshine Foundation based on their own personal experiences. When each of their two boys were diagnosed with autism, they searched for support in Nebraska and did not know where to turn. At that time, the state of Nebraska ranked as low as 48th in the availability of autism-related services. Hope ran short and the needs were great.
The GWR Foundation increased support available for treatment options and programs offered to those affected by autism. From groundbreaking pilot projects designed to develop the social skills of middle and high school students, to summer camps and community outings for families, to more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning, major steps have been taken in the battle against this challenging disorder.
Although significant progress was made since 2000, the needs of families in the Heartland called for an expanded organization that would engage even more individuals, corporations and foundations in the cause.
The Autism Action Partnership was introduced in June 2008 as a public foundation working to meet the needs of families that are calling for more services, more coordination of efforts and greater awareness of how our community can help these remarkable people live productive, meaningful lives.