Meet Jasmine Simmons | Autism Advocate and Influencer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jasmine Simmons and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jasmine, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Totally AUsome, Totally Jace (TauTJace) is dedicated to my four year old autistic son Jaceion affectionately known as “Jace”. Jaceion is the most important factor behind our brand and success. Our motto is to Accept, Love, Advocate, and Educate. TauTJace launched in January 2024 but Jaceion’s journey started long before then. At age one, I noticed Jaceion had not reached certain milestones and I knew about late bloomers but my gut told me this was different. As a graduate of Child Development and Family Studies, a preschool teacher, and paraprofessional my experience wouldn’t allow me to not search for answers. So I began advocating for Jaceion to be evaluated for Early steps which is an early intervention program in Louisiana which is where we are originally from. It was at 18 months Jaceion was determined to have a speech delay which meant he needed speech therapy and it was later determined that he would need occupational therapy as well. Through the course of have amazing therapy sessions he flourished. We moved to Houston in October of 2021 due a hurricane that destroyed our home and that caused Jaceion to regress severely due to not having his daily routine and his familiar surroundings. At the age of 3 he was officially diagnosed with autism and was considered “high functioning”. I became an Registered Behavioral Therapist for the ABA field and there I learned how to better help my son on his autistic journey. TauTJace is cultivated with kiddos, their parents, their caregivers and professionals whom work with autistic individuals in mind. I host monthly zoom meetings and we talk about various topics within the autistic community as well as create a safe space for individuals to talk without judgment. We also have a support group on Facebook called Totally AUsome Village. One of Jaceion’s favorite parts about this business is the autism apparel because he loves getting dressed and taking pictures. His website is www.tautjace.com. We created several different characters a symbolic bear, symbolic puzzle piece, symbolic heart and various females and males of different ethnicities that represent the autistic community. We also have support apparel for advocates, supporters and professional within the autistic/neurodivergent field. On Jaceion’s socials we share videos of his speech therapy sessions, our after school table times, his cooking skills, the great times as well as the hard times of our journey. I intend to continue use our platforms to bring not only awareness but acceptance to the autistic community.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a patient access representative at one of the top hospitals in Houston where I scheduled patients for physical and occupational therapy. It’s funny because I never seen myself working for a hospital but the position just fell in my lap and I love it because I’m able to help people which is what I love and I’m able to learn about the same diagnoses that my son went through with occupational therapy. I’m very proud of myself because I am always being selected for new opportunities to grow within the company. This job also allows me to work from home which allows me to be more active in my son’s education and day to day needs.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am still fairly new to Houston as I am a Louisiana native. However if my friend came to town I would say we would go to kemah board walk, Galveston beach, Hermann park, Wheeler Ave Baptist Church, Bungalow, on a city tours ride, rooftop cinema, and food park on Almeda. I’m more of a laid back girl so these things bring me and my friends peace.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to give a special shoutout to Jaceion’s and I village. First God, Jaceion’s father James, my mother Venessa, my siblings Corey, Ryan, Courtney(Jaceion’s Godmother), Jaceion’s godmother Jasmine, his grandfathers June, James and Leo, his favorite teachers Ms. Wendy, Ms. Ana, Mrs. Straubinger affectionately known as Mrs. Strawberry, Mrs. Wilson and our family and friends. Our village is powerful and mighty. They push up to be the greatest we can be and invest in us. I would also like to thank Mrs. Barbara Clement Wilson for always being a big part of my childhood upbringing and a advocate for children of various disabilities I hope that I have made you proud it is because of you I advocate the way I do just as you have done for so many children you have encountered.

Website: www.tautjace.com

Instagram: Tautjace

Facebook: Totally AUsome, Totallu Jace