Shahriar Afshar

Shahriar Afshar is a community-focused leader, policy strategist, and autism father dedicated to building compassionate, practical, and innovative solutions for autistic individuals and their families. With more than 30 years in public service, urban policy, community engagement, and nonprofit leadership, he has led over a dozen organizations and helped government, business, and community partners work together to tackle complex social, policy & business challenges. These experiences shaped his belief that progress requires compromise & collaboration, leaving your ego behind and leveraging individual & organizational core competencies. Shahriar’s path shifted when he became the parent of a son with profound autism, now 18. Like many families, he encountered systems that were fragmented, outdated, and under-resourced. While individuals were helpful, bureaucracies often failed to support those with the highest needs. This lived experience clarified the urgency of creating solutions that are scientifically grounded, scalable, and sustainable. He now advocates for a coordinated, nationwide effort to build better systems and a better future for autistic individuals. His perspective reflects both professional expertise and years as a “Dadvocate” navigating crises, caregiving, and the realities of profound autism. His work in autism media through AutismSpa.com Podcasts, his mentorship of early-stage autism and disability-focused startups, countless speaking engagements and time as Executive Director of the Autism Society San Diego have deepened his commitment to more meaningful, family-centered solutions. Motivated by the gaps he witnessed, Shahriar founded three mission-driven organizations to advance autism housing, business, and innovation through complementary pathways.