Coastal Conversations
If you have ever wondered what it looks like when one person decides to make a difference and simply does not stop, meet Isabelle Mosca. Twenty-four years ago, she started a small parent support group in South Jersey for families navigating an autism diagnosis. Today, she leads FACES 4 AUTISM, a nonprofit that has grown into a powerful force for awareness, education and inclusion across the region and beyond.
It started in 1999, when Isabelle and her husband welcomed twins, and when her son began showing signs that something was different, she took action and created a nonprofit for kids on the autism spectrum, like her son, and for the families who love them.
Through her work and experiences, Isabelle’s journey highlights the importance of awareness, compassion and community support. Her story offers a glimpse into the ways one person’s efforts can help foster inclusion and make a lasting difference in the lives of others.
In our Coastal Conversation, Isabelle shares how the mission has shifted from searching for cures to championing acceptance, and why she believes the best is still ahead.
Here are some excerpts from our Coastal Conversation:
AS: Your son inspired you to start FACES 4 AUTISM. What were those early days like?
IM: In 2001, Families for Autistic Children was the original name of our organization. It started as a support group to help parents share their strength so that they did not feel alone. We brought in medical and education experts in all fields so that we could understand, educate and support one another.
AS: How did your personal journey shape the mission and vision of the organization?
IM: In 1999, My husband and I welcomed boy/girl twins. When my son was a toddler, he started exhibiting behaviors and symptoms, so we had him evaluated. Working in a hospital, I had facilitated support groups in the past, so I started one in 2002, with a child psychologist and the rest is history. Not long after that, we became a nonprofit organization.
AS: What are some of the most impactful programs or initiatives FACES 4 AUTISM offers today?
IM: We created Bubbles 4 Autism, a worldwide awareness and acceptance program in schools and businesses every April. Schools continue to celebrate autism or neurodiversity every year! Massi’s Mission swim and safety scholarships have helped many autistic children feel safe in the water. Project Lifesaver is a Sheriff’s Department program which is funded by FACES, and we are very proud of their efforts to provide support to families who have elopers, and it gives them peace of mind. Elopers are individuals, most often children, who wander or bolt away from a safe environment without warning. Also, worldwide autism authority Dr. Temple Grandin has spoken at our conferences, and met with our committee to create change in how others see neurodiversity and employment.
AS: How have you seen awareness and support for autism evolve in South Jersey over the years?
IM: When we first started the support group in 2002, answers were our main goal. People were looking for cures. Then it evolved into creating awareness in the community. Now in 2026, we are hyper-focused on neurodiversity and acceptance of those on the spectrum. Therapies and treatments are changing regularly. There are more sensory-friendly programs and services than ever! When I speak in a classroom, almost everyone raises their hand because they know somebody who is autistic. Years ago, only a couple of hands would go up.
AS: What challenges did you face in building the organization, and how did you overcome them?
IM: Creating awareness was vital in the early days. Connecting with educators and medical professionals to help us understand how to help others was key. Establishing those connections has helped us over the last 24 years to educate the community in person and on social media with great credibility. The hardest part was finding time to run the organization and help my own family with our own struggles. We adapted and grew from what we learned together.
AS: Can you share a moment or story that truly captures the impact of your work?
IM: I have seen many children who have grown over the last 24 years into employed adults living their dreams. I’ve encouraged siblings and parents to share their strengths and struggles with others. Offering support has always been our mission. My job roles include educator, supporter and cheerleader for these families.
AS: What role does community play in supporting individuals and families affected by autism?
IM: Our community has listened to our awareness and acceptance messages and has responded with training programs and meaningful employment for teens and adults on the autism spectrum and beyond. Businesses have been encouraged to create sensory-friendly experiences, and dietary options for neurodiverse individuals. The press has been helpful in writing stories about our organization and the accomplishments of our neurodiverse individuals in the community. Area organizations and businesses have also been at the forefront of sponsoring our events and activities, as well as helping us raise funds at our annual comedy event called Stand Up for Autism.
AS: How do you continue to grow and adapt the organization to meet changing needs?
IM: We are very fortunate that we’ve had motivated Board Members over the last 24 years to move our mission of education and support forward. We do most of our own fundraising to keep our programs going, and sometimes it requires a village of supporters.
AS: What advice would you give to families who are newly navigating an autism diagnosis?
IM: Often parents with a newly diagnosed loved one lean heavily on social media. Research is important, but it’s even more important to connect with local individuals who are on the same journey. As an adult self-advocate, Stephen Shore says, “If you’ve met one person with Autism, then you’ve met one person with Autism.” Each person on the Autism spectrum is unique and has an entirely unique set of needs and goals.
AS: Looking ahead, what are your hopes and goals for the future of FACES 4 Autism?
IM: The goal of FACES 4 AUTISM is to make our organization unnecessary. To educate and support the community to the degree that everyone includes everyone. To teach people that neurodiversity is OK. To know that everyone is accepted, supported and accommodations are made for everyone. I look forward to young creative, innovative people one day taking on this task of education and support by putting their own twist on the method of communication. All of our FACES families and supporters are very special to me and I wish them all the very best.
“Everyone includes everyone.” It sounds simple, but behind those three words are 24 years of hard work, heart and an unwavering belief that every person deserves to be seen, supported, and accepted. Isabelle Mosca has built something lasting in South Jersey, and if her vision holds, the best measure of her success will be the day it is no longer needed.
Coastal Conversations highlights people in our community who are making a meaningful impact. If you know someone who would be a great fit for a future column, please contact me at ShoreCoastalConversations@gmail.com.
From the shore to your door, let’s keep the conversation going.
