Become a Member

Episode #226: Motherhood, Tech and Autism with Tracey Hawkins

Tracey Hawkins became part of the autism community in 2018 when both of her sons were diagnosed with autism—just seven months apart. When it comes to autism, structure and routine are so important. But as a mother, Tracey couldn’t find the right technology to support her family’s needs. She knew she couldn’t change the diagnosis, but she could improve the support system around it.

So, she created the Thrive App—a tool designed to organize the chaos and connect parents with providers. In her own home, Tracey uses the app in multiple ways: to give her older son a clear after-school schedule and to enable real-time communication with her younger son’s care team through the chat feature.

This isn’t just another calendar planning app. Thrive was built through a neurodivergent lens, offering clear directions, visuals, and resources for emotional regulation throughout the day. It’s designed to create a smoother path toward independence.

The Thrive App offers a 7-day free trial, with subscription options of $7.99/month or $49.99/year. It’s a valuable tool for families of all kinds—supporting kids of all ages and needs as they learn structure, routine, and self-sufficiency.

#autism #speechtherapy

Today’s Guest:

Tracey Hawkins is a native of North Carolina, originally from Morehead City. As a devoted wife and mother, Tracey adeptly balances her full-time work commitments while making her family the central focus of her life. She is the founder and CEO of Thriving on the Spectrum, a tech startup that develops interactive and digital supports tailored to the needs of the autistic and neurodivergent community. Inspired by her two children with ASD, the company’s Thrive App offers a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to leveraging technology in our everyday lives. Additionally, Tracey serves as the Executive Director of the TOTS Foundation, where she works to highlight the talents of the autistic community and ensure they secure meaningful and fulfilling employment opportunities. Tracey values service, community connection, and advocating for the needs of the autistic community. She is an advisory council member for HOPE NC, an inclusive housing community in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area. She was recently appointed by former Governor Roy Cooper and current Governor Josh Stein to serve as a member of the Commission on Children with Special Health Care Needs, which monitors and evaluates the availability and provision of health services to children with disabilities in North Carolina and services provided under the Health Insurance Program for Children.

Additionally, Tracey has served as a community research partner for a health equity study conducted by Khalilah R. Johnson, PhD, MS, OTR/L, and funded by The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. She is also an Advisory Board Member for Brian Boyd, PhD NIH-funded study on Racism and Resilience Among Black Autistic Children and Caregivers. Tracey’s commitment to service is further demonstrated through her involvement in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated (initiated in Kappa Omicron Chapter and a current member of Durham Alumnae Chapter), the Durham, NC Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, and the Durham Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated. She is a proud graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina Central University and currently resides in Durham, NC with her husband, Zack, and sons Zachari, James Preston, and Adam.

What’s Inside:

  • An application to create structure with visual prompts.
  • A seamless chat feature to connect parents and providers.
  • How the Thrive App can help families organize chaos.

Mentioned In This Episode

If you found this podcast helpful, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me to support more people—just like you!
If you have not done so already, subscribe to the podcast. This ensures that you do not miss an episode!

Listen on
Apple Podcasts

Listen on
Stitcher

Subscribe
via Email

You Might Also Like…