Birthday Dream Program
The AWA Birthday Dream Program is more than just a birthday gift;
It is an opportunity for children to truly feel the sense of community and to showcase their social-emotional growth in a new environment with peers. It is the sense of belonging that we would like to introduce to our children.
About the Program
Many children with autism face social and emotional challenges and may not have many friends. To support these children, Ahead with Autism offers the ‘AWA Birthday Dream Program.’ This initiative provides either a dream birthday party for a child, complete with friends and everything needed for a memorable celebration, or a birthday gift intended to support the child’s personal
growth and development.
What We Do
With the support of our sponsors, donors, and our organization, we arrange and fund all the elements of a child’s dream birthday party, including inviting friends and ensuring your child has a wonderful time. We believe that children on the spectrum deserve to enjoy special moments with friends, and we are dedicated to making those moments a reality.
Dream Birthdays in Action
Every child with ASD deserves a magical birthday, and we’ve had the privilege of making these dreams come true. Explore their unique birthday journeys, filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Click the tabs to see how we brought their dream day to life!
Enjoyed a Barbie & Mario-themed party with friends, featuring a fun shredded paper show.
Will go on a trip across the US, sponsored by Ahead with Autism, to experience independence, socialize with friends, and develop valuable social skills over an extended period.
September Birthday Celebrant
Celebrated with a Pikachu & Monster Trucks-themed pool party, complete with friends and exciting activities.
Apply for AWA Birthday Dream Program
If you have any questions, please check our FAQ or feel free to contact us directly for more information.
Please note that to apply for the AWA Birthday Dream Program, your child must have an official ASD diagnosis.
FAQ
Your child must be between the ages of 2 and 16 and diagnosed with autism. If selected, we will request an official ASD diagnosis so we can organize your child’s birthday.
Anyone can contribute to the Birthday Dream Program by clicking the “DONATE” button. Every dollar makes a difference. Additionally, companies and non-profit organizations can become official partners. To learn more about becoming a partner, please email us at info@aheadwithautism.org;
You can apply between the 1st and 15th of each month before your child’s birthday. For example, if your child’s birthday is on November 5th, you should apply between October 1st and October 15th. Applications submitted outside this timeframe will be automatically denied.
No, the birthday events are fully funded by our sponsors and donors, so there is no cost to you. However, you are always welcome to make a donation or encourage friends to contribute to support future events.
There is no need to reapply. We keep your information in our database, and your child will have the opportunity to win in the future.
Yes, the information you provide is strictly confidential and will not be shared outside our non-profit organization.
To promote our program, we need to share media materials from the birthday events on our website and social media platforms. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee privacy in these cases.
The age range for applicants is 2 to 16 years old.
Yes, you may invite as many guests as you wish. However, please send us the guest list at least one week before the event.
You are welcome to apply if you live in a different state. However, we may only be able to organize a party in California at this time. If your child wins, we can still send a birthday gift.
Yes, as long as the celebration is in the same month as your child’s birthday, we can celebrate on a different day. Typically, we aim to hold the celebration on a weekend.
You can check the status of your application by contacting us at info@aheadwithautism.org; We will provide updates on your application and any upcoming events.
We make every effort to accommodate special dates, but availability may vary. If your child’s birthday is near a major holiday, we will work with you to find a suitable time for the celebration.
We strive to provide gifts that are meaningful and supportive of the child’s development. While we do not impose strict restrictions, we encourage gifts that promote learning, creativity, or personal growth.
Yes, we welcome volunteers who are passionate about supporting children
with autism. If you’re interested in volunteering, please email us at info@aheadwithautism.org to learn more about available opportunities.
Winners are chosen through a fair and impartial selection process based on the information provided in the application. All applications are reviewed carefully, and selections are made to ensure a broad and equitable distribution.
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please contact us as soon as possible at info@aheadwithautism.org. We will do our best to accommodate changes based on availability.
Absolutely! We appreciate any help in spreading the word about our program. You can share information about the Birthday Dream Program on social media, with community groups, or by contacting local media outlets. For more details, email us at info@aheadwithautism.org.
If you have any other questions or concerns not covered in this FAQ, please reach out to us at info@aheadwithautism.org. We are here to help and will respond to your inquiries as quickly as possible.