RIVERVIEW, Fla. — A Riverview couple founded Experienced Autism Alliance to support families with resources they sometimes don't know exist.

Tanya and James Hine's 16-year-old son Avery was diagnosed with a severe form of Austism and is non-verbal. 

"We are proud of our boys," said Tanya. The couple raised all three boys in the Bay area. 

The Hines' descibe themselves as 'semi-empty-nesters. 

Tanya is the Executive Director of Experienced Autism Alliance. She works from home linking families to the resources that they need. 

"I could get a call at 9 a.m. and sometimes people will call me at 9 o' clock at night," she said calls like that are personal. 

"Sometime we talk for two hours because they have another mom they can relate to," she added. 

Hines says back when her son was diagnosed resources were not readily available. 

"As soon as he was diagnosed I dove right in and had to figure out everything on my own," she recalls. 

More than 50 families have been helped so far. 

"A lot of families are dealing with different issues and crisis," Tanya adds Experienced Autism Alliance has become a support system for those families. 

The Hines' encourage families with autistic children to look for a balance. 

"It is rough and that's what we're here to tell parents and help them manage," said James Hines. 

They're also strong advocates of self care. 

"Autism doesn't rule everything," he added. 

The Hines' say it's about having a high quality of life and through their non-profit they're helping others do the same.  

At their next event Experienced Austism Alliance will be giving out Scent Evidence kits to the Autistic Community. 

Registration for the scent kit are due by October 20, 2021. 

• Autism Home Again
• October 23, 2021, 4-7 PM 
• South Pointe Clubhouse
• 10510 Southern Pointe Blvd. 
• Riverview, 33578