Owen’s Story
We live in South Carolina — and we love it! It’s such a beautiful place to raise a family.
In 2022, we were blessed with our son Owen — our handsome, smart ball of energy.
Early on, we noticed that Owen needed some extra support, especially with his speech — he was nonverbal. Countless times we talked to his pediatrician about his condition, asking questions, sharing concerns, and seeking guidance. His pediatrician sent out referrals for a developmental pediatrician to evaluate Owen’s needs. But here in South Carolina, that waitlist is about 18 months. As parents, that felt like forever.
We were fortunate to start working with BabyNet after nearly a year of trying to find support. We’re so grateful for the care we’ve received through them — they’ve been wonderful. But as parents of young children with autism know, kids age out of BabyNet services at age 3 — and Owen is quickly approaching that milestone.
We knew we couldn’t stop advocating or waiting on long lists. So, Brian and I took it upon ourselves to seek out therapies and resources that could help Owen right now.
One day, I brought Owen to a therapy center called Now We Are Talking. As I was checking in, I shared our story with the receptionist. That’s when the office manager overheard us and asked:
"Have you heard of the Lowcountry Autism Foundation?"
At the time, I had no idea what she was talking about. She explained that the Lowcountry Autism Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides advocacy, resources, financial assistance, and support services for families affected by autism — all free of charge — thanks to the generosity of community donors. They help bridge the gap so children can access critical therapies and services without being limited by long waitlists or financial barriers.
Without hesitation, the office manager contacted Mrs. Townes on our behalf. Within a week, we had an appointment. And within a month, Owen was seen by a developmental pediatrician — something we had been waiting and hoping for.
That support made all the difference.
This experience inspired us to launch Owen’s Outriders — because no family should feel alone or stuck in endless waitlists when their child needs help. We want to be part of the solution, building a community that embraces, supports, loves, and accepts every child and every family on this journey.
About Us
Owen’s Outriders is a community of riders, families, and supporters who come together to embrace, support, love, and accept individuals with autism.
The heart of this movement is very personal. Owen is my son — an amazing young boy on the autism spectrum whose joy, spirit, and determination inspire us every day. What began as a simple way to show support for Owen and others like him has grown into something much larger: a movement where people of all backgrounds unite to raise awareness, promote inclusion, and celebrate the unique strengths of those on the spectrum.
Through organized rides, community events, outreach programs, and the purchase of branded items that proudly spread our message, Owen’s Outriders strives to foster understanding and connection between the autism community and the broader public. The sale of these items helps fund our initiatives and allows supporters to visibly share their commitment to love, acceptance, and inclusion.
Our members — whether they ride motorcycles, volunteer, shop our merchandise, or cheer from the sidelines — share a common mission: to create a world where individuals with autism are fully embraced for who they are, and where families feel supported on their journey. Every mile we ride, every event we host, and every item purchased carries the message that compassion and community matter.
We ride for Owen. We ride for every child and adult on the spectrum. We ride for a more understanding world.
Owen’s Outriders is a registered nonprofit corporation in the state of South Carolina. All proceeds from donations and the sale of branded items directly support our mission and community programs. We are committed to transparency and stewardship as we continue to build a more inclusive and supportive world for individuals with autism and their families.
🏍️ Ride for a Cause
coming soon