When Melinda Lauffenburger officially retired as the executive director in December 2024, she left behind a legacy that began two decades ago. Melinda founded AutismOklahoma in 2002 with a powerful purpose in mind: to help her family and a few others. As a suburban mom with a child diagnosed before there was much understanding about ASD, she knew that connecting with other families would be critical to everyone’s autism journey. What started as a monthly gathering of autism parents at the Edmond Library grew and grew until the library was at capacity. Even then, she didn’t know how big, or how important, AO would become.
Flash forward to Spring 2026, where the AutismOklahoma Walk, the largest autism event in the state, held its 18th annual event. Thousands of families gathered in Tulsa and Oklahoma City to celebrate the community, connect with local resources and be with other families who just get it.
“I’m just so glad that families know that they’re loved at this event, and that it’s a safe place,” Melinda said. “And that, no matter what they’re going through, whatever their family members are going through, that behavior doesn’t matter. The big thing is to know that you’re loved and connected.”
Melinda was at the OKC walk, reconnecting with families who have walked with her since the library days and catching up with parents whose children were now in high school, college and beyond—and meeting new families. She stood in the front row and cheered on the teams as they crossed the finish line, overwhelmed by the size and significance of the event.
“It makes me realize just how much [AO is] needed, and how much we need each other. And just the importance of connecting and walking alongside, so no one feels alone … And that so many others are sharing the same journey in their own way.”
With emotion swelling in her eyes, Melinda reflected on her vow to help her family and “a few others” before her retirement, “I’m glad I could do my part, and I’m glad that others feel the ripple from the team growing and others coming along. It still has the same heart, it still has the same spirit that everybody deserves to be celebrated … And that we’re going to change the world together.”
