Alumni Spotlight: Mamta Mishra (‘04) - Advocacy, Education, and Hope for Autism

Mamta Mishra, a 2004 alumna, has been fostering autism awareness for more than twenty years. She received her master’s degree in special education from Jax State and is the founder and president of the Autism Foundation of Gadsden, Alabama (AFGA).

Mishra said it was Jax State professors who encouraged her to share her story to support other caregivers.  

“Many professors at JSU encouraged me to share my story and journey with my son, Parag,” Mishra said. “Their encouragement planted the seed for my book, which I eventually wrote eleven years after graduating from JSU, to help other caregivers of loved ones with special needs. I credit JSU with inspiring me to use my experiences to benefit others in similar situations.”

Mishra said Parag was diagnosed with autism at the age of two years and seven months, and she received invaluable support from Jax State faculty during this time, providing direction and evidence-based knowledge to support their journey. She said one class in particular, the Assistive Technology course, proved especially influential in shaping Parag’s vocational training program.

“Together, we developed creative ways to repurpose everyday household items for new uses,” Mishra said. “For example, Parag adapted a dessert pump, originally intended for icing cakes, to pour lip balm and creams into jars. These innovative approaches were a direct result of the practical knowledge I gained at JSU, highlighting the university’s lasting impact on our journey.”

Mishra said Parag has grown into a happy and productive young man with autism, running a business making candles and cosmetics, and is a self-taught artist. “Parag’s progress serves as a story of hope for other caregivers, demonstrating the power of love, courage, and hope in navigating autism,” Mishra said.

It is through her caregiving journey that she is actively involved with the Autism Foundation of Gadsden, Alabama, and has written two books to provide encouragement to others.

Her first book, “Autism: Our Journey and Finding Happiness,” was released 10 years ago, and her second book, “Energy Management Mantras for Caregivers,” was released in September 2025. She offers hope to caregivers and provides research-based teachings to help individuals with autism live fulfilling lives. Both are available on Amazon. 

“The AFGA is dedicated to spreading hope and happiness among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families,” Mishra said. “The foundation works to increase autism awareness in Northeast Alabama.”

AFGA hosts an annual autism conference that offers continuing education units for physicians, educators, social workers, counselors, Board Certified Behavior Analysts, and first responders. It also provides caregivers with hands-on, practical knowledge grounded in evidence-based research.

In addition, the AFGA introduced a new program for caregivers in October 2025. “AFGA introduced its Internet-based Caregiver Skills Training program developed by the World Health Organization in collaboration with Autism Speaks,” Mishra said. “This initiative aims to create a support group for caregivers, enabling them to learn, share experiences, and access resources through networking.”

Mishra asks the Gamecock community to help foster autism awareness.

“I want the Gamecock community to know that I dream of making Gadsden known as a special needs haven—the friendliest city in the world,” Mishra said. “I call for the support of the Gamecock community to join me in serving others and fostering autism awareness in Northeast Alabama, making everyone hopelessly hopeful.”

To learn more about her journey, how to become involved with the Autism Foundation of Gadsden, Alabama, or the annual conference, visit asdofgadsden.org.