We often get asked about our origin story, how it all began, and what the symbolism behind yellow and ladybugs is. Well, here is our story, as told by our CEO, Katie Koullas.

Yellow Ladybugs wouldn’t exist without one special young ladybug: my daughter. She was having a rough time at school. Invitations to parties were few and far between. So, we both decided to throw a party. She wanted to invite other girls like her, who may be missing out on invitations or play dates. She was going make them her guests of honour, and she was going to name her new club after her childhood special interest – yellow ladybugs. 

We had 20 girls come along to our first event, with some travelling from as far as three hours away. It was incredible. We saw the parents looking on, with tears in their eyes, as their ladybugs (in their yellow t-shirts, headphones, messy hair) were playing freely and laughing together. I knew this was our new mission, our new adventure. I knew that we could make a real difference. I didn’t know at the time what neurokin meant (autistic peers) or what autistic culture was, but on a basic level, I knew we had found our people. And that’s what we are all about, and what we have been all about ever since that wonderful day in 2015.  

We have hosted thousands of ladybugs at autistic designed and delivered events. It still gets me teary seeing how safe each ladybug feels when they come along to be celebrated for exactly who they are. As I discovered my own neurodivergence, our work evolved, and grew. We have fiercely advocated for systemic change and become leaders in neuro-affirming education. We have proudly provided a much-needed platform for autistic people to share their story, hopes and vision for a better tomorrow. 

Stay tuned, because the best is yet to come...

💛💛💛

Katie

Mia celebrating her birthday as a Yellow Ladybug