Since 1985. The Autism Society Oakland County (ASOC) has been actively involved in our community.   Our mission is "To advocate and support meaningful participation in all aspects of life for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families"

Our tasks involve expanding our network of community connections and resources to reflect the intentions of our more encompassing goal.

Linda Ronan Brown, President

As a proud mother of two young adult sons with autism, I have been an active advocate on behalf of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other disabilities, as well as their families, since the early 1990's.

I have been a member of the Autism Society Oakland County Board of Directors for most of the last 15 years.  I co-chaired the Chapter's Annual Golf Outing for four years and have remained a volunteer for this major fundraiser since its second year.  As a member of a four person committee, I helped to plan two Biomedical Conferences attended by over 600 people from the Mid-west and Canada. For eight years I acted as Chapter Representative to the Oakland Schools Parent Advisory Committee, including participation in the Autism Focus Group and Special Education Assessment team.  

A graduate of the University of Michigan School of Business Administration and the University of Kentucky College of Law, I have practiced management labor law and assisted parents as an advocate in IEPs and Person-Centered Plans.  I am currently working for Community Housing Network, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit. I serve a dual role as a Housing Resource Center Consultant working with individuals with disabilities and their families on the Getting My Own Address Program, and as Trust Administrator for the Springhill Housing Corp. Pooled Accounts Trust. 

My passion is in developing programming, supports, and services for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders so they may live fulfilling, healthy, and productive lives according to their dreams.

Susan Hodess, Vice President

I have been involved with the autism community since my son was diagnosed at age 3 in 1996. Two years later, my second son also received an ASD diagnosis. My husband Ron and I are firm believers in the “options” policy – one therapy may work beautifully for one child and be ineffective for another. We have witnessed it in our own home.

I am very fortunate to live and work in Oakland County.  The special needs community has become a vital part of my family's lives. I am active in the West Bloomfield Schools and serve as a parent liason whenever possible.  Now that my boys are teenagers, I am still involved in helping their respective programs, at the high school and a new district post-secondary program,  whenever possible. 

I am a financial advisor and president of Capital Consulting Group in Bingham Farms. I have been a Board member of ASOC for over 13 years and the former editor of the ASOC newsletter. I volunteer with Lighthouse of Oakland County, Friendship Circle, and I often provide pro bono financial planning for low-income earners. I am now focusing my practice on helping families of special needs children plan for their future.

I am honored to be a part of a wonderful group of committed and caring individuals on the ASOC board.