We make the whole system work better.
CAAN connects self-advocates, families, providers, and businesses to build a more inclusive Capital Area for autistic and neurodivergent people.
The hidden cost of fragmented support.
When the systems around autistic individuals don't communicate, families pay the price in time, money, and missed opportunities. We call this the Silo Tax. CAAN exists to eliminate it — by advancing connections, promoting opportunities, and advocating for change across every stage of life.
The Report That Started It All
The Baton Rouge Area Foundation, in collaboration with SSA Consultants and the Huey and Angelina Wilson Foundation, released the Comprehensive Study of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Resources in the Capital Region. It named what families already knew: the single most common frustration was the lack of coordination across the service provider community. CAAN was built to solve that problem.
2016
Building the Foundation
CAAN established five task forces to facilitate communication across every aspect of community life — spanning Medical & Therapy Services; Awareness & Family Support; Transition & Workforce Development Opportunities; Development of the Professional Workforce; and Advancement of Educational Opportunities.
2017-2019
501(c)3 Status Achieved
After navigating the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, CAAN emerged with sharper focus and a deeper vision — achieving 501(c)3 nonprofit status and beginning the work of building a sustainable, community-wide network.
2021
Growing the Network
In partnership with Our Lady of the Lake Children's Health, CAAN hired a Program Manager to survey the landscape of autism services across the Baton Rouge area and identify where a convening organization could be most impactful. That role grew into the organization's first Executive Director position in 2023.
2022-2023
A Plan for the Future
CAAN completed a comprehensive strategic plan to guide the network's growth through 2027 — with clear goals to grow the network, expand opportunity through business, and invest in community knowledge through the State of Neurodiversity report and annual conference.
2024
“The single-most common frustration expressed by parents and providers is the lack of coordination within the ASD service provider community.”
— 2016 BATON ROUGE AREA FOUNDATION REPORT
WHERE WE’RE HEADED
Three goals. One community.
Through 2027, CAAN's work is organized around three strategic objectives — each one designed to dismantle the silos holding our community back.
Ready to be part of the network?
Whether you're a family, provider, business, or community leader — there's a place for you at CAAN.