Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine Simmons.
Hi Jasmine, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Totally AUsome, Totally Jace (TauTJace) is dedicated to my four-year-old autistic son Jaceion, affectionately known as “Jace”. 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 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 a Registered Behavioral Therapist in 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 who 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 professionals 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.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been an easy road. I say this because I really had mom guilt. I didn’t know how to process my son’s diagnosis. I felt that maybe it was my fault, but in reality, it really wasn’t. He would cry so much because he couldn’t express himself, which in return made me cry and frustrated because, honestly, I was in a great depressive state. Once I realized that it was not my fault and that we were created to be an inspiration to others, I made a promise to myself and him that we would have more better days than bad. So, days he wouldn’t eat and be so picky, so I had to learn his “safe foods,” which are his favorites, and buy those constantly. Now, he eats almost everything, but that was a process. Earlier on in his diagnosis, Jaceion had extreme separation anxiety and wouldn’t stay with anyone besides me or his father (who, by the way, is beyond patient and excellent with him) because we were the only ones who understood him. He wouldn’t even stay with my mom without crying four hours before eventually calming down. That made it extremely hard for him to be in daycare or stay with immediate family, but they did not give up on him. They asked questions and made an effort to learn him. I thank God for my mother, Venessa, because she helped me so much with Jaceion and still does. Before he went off to school, he was in daycare, and that wasn’t easy because he would cry and be aggressive at times because he couldn’t explain himself, and the daycare at one point was considering letting him go. But he had a teacher named Ms. Wendy and a daycare manager named Ms. Ana who cared for him as if he was their son and grandson. They saw and knew the potential in him. They always called and gave me updates on him, sat with him when he had meltdowns, and still, to this day, call and ask about him. It’s people like them who are a part of Jaceion’s village who made it easier. Now that he is in school, his teacher, Mrs. Straubinger, affectionately known to Jaceion as Mrs. Strawberry, is heaven-sent. She is also a major part of his village. She makes sure we have constant communication in his daily school life. When I have questions, she answers them and holds Jaceion accountable, but also gives him love and grace.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
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.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
When it comes to the business aspect, I would say to keep going because things will not always be slow. I admit when we definitely have slow days in sales and engagement on her social media platforms, but you have to keep going. You have to have faith in yourself, your brand, and the future that’s ahead of you. I wish I knew more individuals who genuinely wanted to mentor me before I started, but I will say the process of learning on my own was worth it because it created a force in me to be reckoned with.
As far as advice for parents and caregivers whom kiddo may have just found out or are going through the autism journey, I would say to keep the faith. The journey is not for the weak, but you can make it. Your child is counting on you, and you make all of the differences. Know that it is not your fault and that your child loves you unconditionally. Seek advice and advocate for your child to have the best resources there are.
Pricing:
- Shirts range from $24 – $38.00.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tautjace.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/tautjace
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554909887060&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/share/DVJJ5UY2xV99btQj/?mibextid=lOuIew
