Rep your section for autism: Autism Speaks and Indie Go Inspire launch purpose-driven partnership

When gospel recording artist and pastor Dr. San Franklin received the news that her son, Nikko, was on the autism spectrum, she felt an earthquake of emotion beneath her feet. 

At ten years old, after years of misdiagnoses and confusion, her son was finally identified as autistic. “At first, I thought it was something I had done wrong,” San shared. “I questioned God, thinking it was a punishment. But what I didn't know then was that it was a calling.” 

That calling would grow into something much larger than one family’s journey. Today, through a powerful collaboration with Autism Speaks and Indie Go Inspire, San Franklin is not just an advocate, she represents hope and a voice for countless families walking a similar road. 

A mission meets its moment 

Patrice DeLisser, CEO and founder of Indie Go Inspire, has always believed music can move hearts, heal minds, and unify people across cultures. Her company - originally designed to elevate independent music artists - has grown into a global platform promoting purpose-driven outreach and advocacy. Patrice’s personal connection to autism made the partnership with San Franklin and Autism Speaks a no brainer. 

“My godson was diagnosed as a toddler. He's 13 now, and we’ve walked this quiet journey for years,” Patrice shared. “When I learned about San’s experience with her son, something clicked. I knew God was putting the puzzle pieces together.” 

San, who had received life-changing support from Autism Speaks after her son’s diagnosis, didn’t hesitate when Patrice asked which cause she’d like to support through Indie Go Inspire’s charitable wing. “Autism Speaks,” she said immediately. “No question.” 

That instant connection formed the foundation of a partnership fueled by purpose. 

Autism gave me a new song. Now, I sing it so others can discover their own harmony.

Dr. San Franklin

Turning pain into power 

For San, the journey from diagnosis to advocacy has been transformational—not just for her son, now a thriving college student studying computer science, but for her ministry, her music and her wider community. 

“At The Love Center South in Nashville, we have children and adults on the spectrum who are now part of our ministry,” San explained. “We wear it proudly. Autism is a language. And once you learn that language, it changes everything.” 

She credits Autism Speaks with helping her decode that language. Through early resources, parenting support, therapy referrals and community programs, San and her son found a new outlook on life. 

“They helped me see this wasn’t the end. It was just a new way of life. That changed everything.” 

Bridging faith, family and music 

While San brought her faith and lived experience, Patrice brought a deep understanding of music’s power to connect and start a movement. Their first collaboration, born during the pandemic, began with an interview and blossomed into a sisterhood. 

“I was watching her speak on a livestream, and I felt this undeniable pull to reach out,” Patrice recalled. “At first, I resisted. I thought she had too much going on. But the feeling wouldn’t go away. When I finally asked her to partner with us, she said yes without hesitation.” 

The partnership between Indie Go Inspire and Autism Speaks through San’s platform allows proceeds from the Indie Go Inspire "Rep Your Section®" brand and its events to directly support autism-related outreach. It also shines a spotlight on the often-overlooked intersection of faith, mental health and neurodiversity in the Black community.  

From August 1, 2025 - July 31, 2026, Indie Go Inspire will donate 10% of the purchase price of every item sold from the Rep Your Section® Apparel Collection to Autism Speaks, with a minimum donation of $25,000. 

“In our culture, we label children as ‘bad’ when they’re really just misunderstood,” San said. “I use my platform to change that narrative. I tell parents: you are not broken. Your child is not broken. Get help, get answers, and know that there’s a family waiting to receive you.” 

A puzzle piece with purpose 

The Autism Speaks puzzle piece is more than just a symbol for San, it’s a metaphor for her life. 

“Every day is a new puzzle piece. You may not place it perfectly on Monday, but by Wednesday you start to figure it out,” she said. “And music has always been a key piece of our puzzle. From the time my son was two, he was drawn to rhythm. Music helped him speak when words were hard to find.” 

Today, the music, the ministry, and the mission are seamlessly interwoven. Through Indie Go Inspire’s outreach model, more families are learning about early intervention, community support and the hope that Autism Speaks can provide. 

A shared calling 

At the heart of their partnership lies a profound harmony, two women united by the power of their voices. One has lifted hers through sermons and gospel music. The other commands influence across industry and culture.  

Together, they are shining a light on families often overlooked and transforming the conversation around autism within both faith communities and the world of music. Every day, they demonstrate that love, much like music, knows no boundaries. 

“Autism gave me a new song,” San reflects. “Now, I sing it so others can discover their own harmony.”