We are Eye Contact, a devoted family committed to turning challenges into triumphs for those on the autism spectrum. Our passion lies in creating welcoming communities, fostering inclusion, acceptance, and unconditional love. Join us on this journey of hope and empowerment.
Our mission is to transform lives, fostering inclusion, knowledge, and love for families touched by autism
We envision a world where autism is understood, celebrated, and fully included in the tapestry of human life.
No profit Eyecontact was created in August 2023 by Grazi Gadia and her husband Carlos Gadia, MD. Dr. Gadia is a pediatric neurologist specializing in autism, which is why Grazi began his mission to welcome mothers of autistic people from Brazil and other countries who came to be treated with Dr. Gadia since 2007. Grazi put the spotlight on the stories of overcoming these mothers, always with an artistic frame.
Our No Profit offers innovative events that disseminate evidence-based information to families and individuals across the lifespan. In our annual program, we will provide congress, workshops, arts courses for people with autism and professionals in the field, arts festivals for autistic people, a support network for ASD families and social skills groups. Eyecontact serves families in the U.S. and around the world, offering virtual services and in-person programs and services.
is a renowned visual artist and autism advocate. With a background in Advertising and Marketing, she has dedicated the last seventeen years of her life to South Florida, where she found her passion for promoting autism awareness and inclusion.
Her journey began as an exhibitor at ARTBRAZIL editions in Fort Lauderdale, where her art gained recognition. Grazi was invited to paint murals at the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Dan Marino Center, marking the start of her mission to bring art and creativity into medical environments.
She expanded Eyecontact’s mission by organizing exclusive art festivals for autistics, building a global community of artists with ASD. Additionally, with her husband, Dr. Carlos Gadia, she assisted in organizing autism conferences, including TEABRAÇO, RIO TEAMA, BAHIA DE TODOS OS TEA, and the AUTISM GLOBAL DAY in Fort Lauderdale in 2023.
In response to the pandemic, Grazi launched TCHEADORO – the I International Autism Congress, fully online, featuring renowned speaker Dr. Temple Grandin. She also founded ARTS & HEARTS, a company offering online art classes for children with ASD.
Grazi is a tireless advocate for artistic inclusion and the bond between mothers and autistic children through art. Her commitment to the cause shines through in every project she leads, inspiring communities worldwide.
Dr. Carlos Gadia received his degree in Medicine from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) in 1980. He completed his residency in Pediatric Neurology at the University of Miami School of Medicine and specialized in Childhood Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology at Boston Children’s Hospital, where he was also an Instructor at the Department of Neurology – Harvard Medical School.
Throughout his career, Dr. Gadia served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and as an Adjunct Professor in the Departments of Neurology at the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine – Florida International University and Pediatrics at the College of Osteopathic Medicine – Nova Southeastern University.
In addition to his academic contributions, Dr. Gadia is a co-founder of the nonprofit organization Eyecontact – Lives Shaped by Autism, alongside his wife Grazi Gadia, in the United States. He serves on the board of the ICO PROJECT and co-founded significant initiatives such as TEABRAÇO, RIO TEAMA, BAHIA de Todo os TEA, and TCHÊADORO. He currently holds the position of Medical Director at TITA Therapy and serves as an ambassador and curator of TEARTEIRO – Autismo e Arte and AUTISM GLOBAL DAY – Traveling Workshop.
You can contribute to our project in various ways, including making donations, participating in our events, volunteering, or spreading our mission to others. To learn more about how to contribute, visit our donation page or contact us directly.
We offer a variety of inclusive art programs, from in-person classes to online courses, tailored to meet the specific needs of individuals with autism. Our programs aim to develop artistic skills, promote self-expression, and provide a supportive environment for creative growth.
To enroll your child in one of our art courses, simply visit our online registration page. There, you'll find detailed information about each course, including dates, times, and requirements. If you have additional questions, feel free to contact us for assistance in the enrollment process.
Funds raised through donations are used to finance our educational programs, community events, art exhibitions, and family support. Each donation directly contributes to promoting inclusion, providing educational and artistic opportunities, and offering vital support to individuals with autism and their families. We regularly publish detailed reports on fund usage to ensure complete transparency and accountability to our donors.