Building a Loving & Supportive Community
If It’s Not Available, Build It
At the height of the pandemic, navigating motherhood with a child on the autism spectrum felt isolating. For Tiera Moultrie, Autism in the D began as a response to a gap she experienced firsthand. Not as a founder, but as a mother searching for support.
Still, entrepreneurship was not new to her. Tiera had previously built her own graphic design business, helping brands shape and strengthen their visual identities through intentional design work.
In this season of isolation, without access to other parents or shared experiences, Tiera drew on that same builder’s mindset and created what she needed most: connection.
It started with a simple flyer inviting parents of children with autism to meet, vent, and support one another. What followed grew into something much larger. From those early meetups, Autism in the D evolved into a community-driven nonprofit rooted in support, education, and advocacy. Built from lived experience, it became a space not only for her family but for countless others navigating similar journeys.
Creating Inclusion Through Understanding
At its core, Autism in the D is about creating spaces where everyone feels welcome.
For Tiera, inclusion is not static. It is adaptive, shaped by the evolving needs of individuals and their families. The first meetups offered parents a safe place to ask questions and connect with others who truly understood their experiences. Over time, those gatherings grew into a Facebook community of nearly 4,000 members, where families exchange resources, share guidance, and build a sense of belonging.
But access to information alone wasn’t enough.
As Tiera navigated her own professional shifts during the pandemic—from graphic design to multiple entrepreneurial ventures—she recognized a recurring need: sensory-friendly environments for children in public spaces.
That realization led to the creation of Autism in the D’s LLC arm and the development of sensory tents—mobile, inclusive spaces designed to support individuals during events and gatherings. These tents provide comfort, regulation, and a tangible example of what intentional inclusion can look like in real time.
Her commitment to advocacy continued to deepen. Tiera returned to school, earning a degree in psychology with a minor in Applied Behavior Analysis from Wayne State University in December 2025. Through both education and lived experience, she emphasizes a powerful truth: autism is a spectrum, and meaningful support begins with listening. Not all communication is verbal, and understanding behavior requires patience, awareness, and care.
Growing Through Community and Support
Tiera’s connection to ProsperUs Detroit marked an important step in her entrepreneurial journey.
In 2023, she first engaged with ProsperUs through its Entrepreneur Training Program, joining the Spring 2024 cohort. While shifting circumstances led her to step away from the program, her intention in enrolling was to gain support in refining her business plan, strengthening her financial projections, and building her knowledge as an entrepreneur.
Through this process, she was introduced to BUILD Institute, a fellow partner within Detroit’s small business ecosystem. It was there that she discovered Detroit SOUP, a community-driven pitch competition.
In 2024, after completing MBBA’s Capital Connect Program, she entered the Detroit SOUP Citywide Pitch Competition …and won. That moment helped shift Autism in the D from a passion-driven initiative into a sustainable, evolving model.
Following this milestone, the sensory tents became a revenue-generating service, opening doors to new opportunities within Detroit’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Programs like Motor City Match, including a Round 29 award in early 2026, further expanded the organization’s reach and capacity.
More importantly, these experiences reinforced a key lesson: building something meaningful requires both vision and community.
Looking Ahead
Tiera’s vision continues to grow.
In partnership with fellow advocate and special needs parent Kamry Steger of H.I.P.S., she is working toward opening Detroit’s first adaptive and inclusive community center. Now in its third year of fundraising, the project reflects a shared commitment to creating long-term spaces of support for families.
Today, Autism in the D continues to evolve through parent support groups, annual walks, community events, and accessible resources. Each effort remains grounded in lived experience and a deep commitment to showing up for others.
Tiera has also remained connected to ProsperUs Detroit throughout her journey, most recently participating in the 2025 ProsperUs Detroit Family Block Party, where she provided a sensory tent for attending families. While her involvement has evolved over time, it reflects a growing relationship grounded in continued learning, community engagement, and support.
In the spirit of Autism Awareness Month, Tiera’s story reminds us that awareness begins with understanding, and that true inclusion is built through action, care, and community.
Learn more about Autism in the D at autisminthed.com and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
For additional resources, visit https://www.autisminthed.com/asd-resources.
