Each week, #SpanningtheNeed will present an “Inspirational Person of the Week’ and have a “Q & A” with one of its many gifted individuals and/or groups who are willing to go out of their own way to help others. This week’s featured is Scott Austalosh from Voices 4 Autism.
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Name: Scott Austalosh
Position: Executive Director
Organization: Voices 4 Autism
Bio:
Scott Austalosh has made a profound impact on both the entertainment industry and autism advocacy. Scott’s beautiful daughter, Sophia, has been the fuel that drives his passion. In 2021 he launched Sophia’s Place, the world’s first calming room featuring printed electronics on the walls, designed to provide a sensory-friendly space for children and adults with autism. After two years of collaboration with Disney Jr. star Genevieve Goings, world renowned physicist and tech founder Dr. Kate Stone, and an amazing team of local contractors, the project was completed. Scott is now working to bring a mobile version to more families.
Scott’s journey into autism advocacy was deeply personal. In 2018, inspired by the authentic, beautiful connections his daughter, Sophia, formed with the famous musicians he worked with, he decided to capture this magic in the award-winning short film In the Moment, featuring Kevin Martin, singer of Candlebox.
However, it was Scott’s first film, Sophia, I Love You, that truly put his mission on the map. The film, which captured the extraordinary love between Scott and Sophia, was the brainchild of filmmaker Ryan Sanderson. After witnessing the remarkable bond between Scott and his daughter, Sanderson was inspired to tell their story. Their award-winning film is currently being used in special needs training programs across the country. The short documentary was also the driving force and inspiration behind the creation of Sophia’s Gift, a non-profit created by the Autism Society of Mahoning Valley to provide immediate assistance to families of special needs children during times of crisis. The film’s success also led to plans to adapt it into a feature film, with casting complete and production underway. Both films have won multiple awards worldwide, including Autism Film of The Year. Scott will travel to Orlando this May 2026 as In the Moment has been nominated as Most Inspirational Short Film at the International Christian Film Festival.
Before venturing into autism advocacy, Scott had an accomplished career in the entertainment industry. In 2015, he was called to manage Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, Bootsy Collins. Later he managed his Live Nation Tour. That same year, Scott organized a tribute to Prince, shortly after the legendary musician’s passing.
In 2014, Hollywood Gaming recruited Scott as their Entertainment Director, overseeing their grand opening and curating their entertainment programming.
Scott’s career began in 2011, when he launched his first large-scale music festival to raise awareness for cancer after battling the disease himself. With no prior festival experience, he relied on his marketing skills and music background to create a successful event, leading to further opportunities. By 2013, Scott had become a sought-after talent buyer and concert booker for venues.
Through his remarkable journey, Scott has seamlessly combined the love for his daughter, Sophia, his passion for music, his commitment to supporting individuals with autism, and his personal experiences to create lasting change in both the entertainment industry and the lives of those affected by autism.
What made you go into this field?
My beautiful daughter, Sophia. My journey into this field was deeply inspired by my experience as a single dad raising an autistic daughter. Witnessing her unique challenges and strengths has fueled my passion to make a meaningful difference in the lives of autistic individuals. We have a lot of fun!
What’s the biggest factor that has helped you be successful?
The biggest factor that has helped me is my unwavering commitment to purpose. Raising an autistic daughter on my own has instilled in me a deep sense of determination and resilience. I’m blessed to have a strong network of friends and colleagues, too. This has been invaluable in helping me navigate challenges and stay grounded. I don’t have a failure switch, so I always approach projects already thinking they’re going to succeed.
What is the biggest professional mistake you made along the way?
One I made early on was underestimating the importance of delegating tasks and trusting others with responsibilities. I learned the importance of building a team.
What is the hardest decision you ever had to make in this field?
I was recently awarded a significant grant from the State of Ohio and Governor DeWine’s office, to create a mobile version of the world’s first autism calming room with printed electronics on the walls — something that my team and I are incredibly proud of designing. However, I ultimately decided to turn down the grant. One of the conditions required any work to be open to public bidding, which meant the possibility of replacing my team. From my initial sketches on a scrap of paper, to two+ years of hard work, trial, and error, my team was by my side. Their dedication and expertise were essential to my dream being realized. That bond is irreplaceable. In the end, I chose my team. I believe in God’s timing. If it’s meant to be, another opportunity will present itself.
If you could start all over again, what would you do differently regarding your profession?
I think I would focus more on building meaningful connections. In the beginning I was so focused on learning everything myself and pushing forward that I didn’t fully appreciate how valuable it is to have others to bounce ideas off of and share experiences with.
What inspires you to do good in our community?
What inspires me is seeing the results of my hard work. Seeing how my daughter alone has impacted the people around her by just being an amazing human being is all the fuel I need! I thank God every day for Sophia.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering in the community?
I get to see how it directly impacts individuals firsthand. True giving is giving of yourself. Giving of yourself is giving without wanting anything in return (read that again). Do that and you’ll find your purpose.
What song best describes you or is the soundtrack of your life?
This is a tough one. I love music and have so many favorites. I am lucky to work with crazy talented people, including Disney stars and Touring musicians almost on a daily basis. Their songs will get stuck in my head sometimes for days! So, pretty much anyone I’m working with at that moment has their songs on auto-repeat in my head.
What is your best accomplishment or experience in life?
Easy one. Being a dad to my daughter Sophia. Anyone that knows us personally knows the love we have for each other. She is truly a gift to me and those that get an opportunity to meet her.
Who is your role model and why?
This is ever-changing for me. I’ve found that we don’t always know someone is a role model until they’re no longer with us. For example, my dad passed a few years ago, and I’m starting to finally understand some of his advice and ways of approaching life. It’s a wonderful journey to experience.
If there was one person you’d like to meet, past or present, and why?
This is a tough one. I’d like to change this up a little. I’d love to meet with my grandfather at my present age. I would love to have a “grown adult” conversation with him and tell him about my life thus far. I’m sure I’d get a big hug. I’d also love to meet with my dad one more time as well. I know he’d be proud.
A favorite quote that you live by?
Commitment is, keeping your promise long after the feeling you had when you made it, has gone.
