Life & Work with LaShell Dauterman of Dayton

Today we’d like to introduce you to LaShell Dauterman.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
A Brief History of the Dayton Autism Society

The Dayton Autism Society was founded with a simple but powerful mission: to ensure that individuals with autism and their families in the Miami Valley have access to support, understanding, and opportunity. What began as a small group of parents and advocates seeking connection and resources has grown into a respected community organization serving families across the region.

In the early years, the Society focused on creating safe spaces for families to share experiences, exchange information, and build a network of support. Meetings were informal but impactful, driven by volunteers who recognized the need for local advocacy, education, and awareness. As more families connected with the organization, the need for structured programming became clear.

Over time, the Dayton Autism Society expanded its reach by offering educational workshops, family events, and community outreach initiatives. Partnerships with local schools, service providers, and community organizations strengthened the Society’s ability to advocate for inclusion and equitable access to services. What once operated on passion alone evolved into a structured nonprofit organization with a clear vision and growing impact.

Today, the Dayton Autism Society continues to serve as a hub of connection and empowerment. Through outreach programs, collaborations, and special initiatives designed to support individuals across the lifespan, the organization remains committed to building a more inclusive Miami Valley. With plans to expand programming and deepen community partnerships, the Society looks toward the future with the same heart and determination that sparked its founding.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like many grassroots organizations, our journey has not always been easy. While our mission has remained strong, we have faced meaningful challenges along the way.

Funding has consistently been our greatest obstacle. Because we rely primarily on grants and donations, sustainability requires constant effort. Securing resources to maintain and expand programming takes ongoing outreach, relationship-building, and strategic planning. Each year, we work diligently to ensure we can continue providing meaningful support to families in our community.

Another challenge has been growing active memberships across the counties we serve. While our reach spans multiple communities, it can be difficult to recruit board members and volunteers from each county who are able to commit their time and talents. We know that strong regional representation strengthens our organization, and we continue working to engage passionate individuals who want to help guide our mission forward.

Despite these challenges, our commitment has never wavered. Every obstacle has reinforced why our work matters and has pushed us to grow, adapt, and strengthen our foundation for the future.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As President of the Dayton Autism Society, I balance my leadership role with my full-time work as a school administrator in a local district. For the past 29 years, I have dedicated my life to the field of education, serving as a music teacher, special education teacher, and administrator. My professional journey has taken me from teaching in Japan to working in Columbus, Dublin, and other diverse educational settings that have shaped me as both an educator and leader.

My specialization is in special education, it was the focus of my doctoral studies. I aim to help families understand the complex processes of obtaining an IEP and other services while supporting teachers in developing the knowledge and confidence needed to effectively educate students with disabilities. I believe that when families and schools work together with clarity and compassion, students thrive.

One of my greatest sources of pride is the growth of the Dayton Autism Society over the past several years. We have worked intentionally to expand advocacy efforts, increase access to resources, and create meaningful opportunities for families throughout the Miami Valley.

Two of our most impactful initiatives have been our Vaccine Education Initiative (VEI) and Safety on the Spectrum program. Through VEI, we sought to better equip medical professionals when administering vaccinations to individuals with disabilities. As part of this effort, we distributed more than 1,000 sensory kits to families for use during medical appointments. These kits included noise-reducing headphones, fidgets, and communication boards to help reduce anxiety and support effective communication in clinical settings.

Through our Safety on the Spectrum program, we partnered with local police departments and first responders to provide professional development focused on autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disabilities. This training offers practical strategies for communication, awareness, and de-escalation to help ensure safer, more informed interactions within our community.

As a parent of a child with autism, this work is deeply personal. I will continue to be a voice for my son and a dedicated advocate for others like him who have been profoundly impacted by autism.

What matters most to you?
What matters most to me in serving as a member of the Dayton Autism Society is ensuring that families never feel alone. Navigating an autism diagnosis can be overwhelming, emotionally, educationally, and financially. If we can provide even one family with clarity, support, or a sense of belonging, then our work is meaningful.

I am deeply committed to building a community where individuals with autism are understood, respected, and given every opportunity to thrive. That means advocating for better resources, equipping professionals with knowledge, and creating programs that meet real needs. It also means listening, truly listening, to families and individuals so that our work reflects their lived experiences.

As both an educator and a parent of a child with autism, this mission is personal. I understand the systems families must navigate, and I know how powerful it is when someone walks alongside you. Serving in this role allows me to combine my professional expertise with my personal passion to create lasting impact in the Miami Valley.

At its core, what matters most is building a stronger, more inclusive community….one where every individual on the spectrum is valued, supported, and empowered.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.autismsocietyofdayton.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dasoh937/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564992008839