5 MILLION AND COUNTING

For individuals in the ASD community, the world can be an overwhelming and isolating place. Everyday settings, like restaurants, stores, and schools, often have sensory elements that feel manageable to most people yet create significant barriers for those with ASD. Lights that are too bright, loud sounds, strong smells, and unpredictable crowds can turn a simple outing into a difficult experience, preventing many with ASD from participating fully in public life.

With over 5 million individuals living with ASD in the U.S. alone, and the CDC estimating that 1 in 36 school-aged children is diagnosed with the condition, with that number projected to rise, the need for autism-friendly spaces has never been more urgent. For these individuals and their families, the lack of accessible environments leads to social isolation, mental health challenges, and missed opportunities for individuals with ASD to participate in society. Families often plan outings around the accessibility of spaces, limiting their choices to environments that can accommodate their loved ones.

This is where Welcoming Spaces makes a difference. Our mission is to empower businesses and organizations by transforming their environments into inclusive, accessible, and welcoming spaces for individuals on the autism spectrum. Through a combination of training, sensory assessments, space design, and resource development, we guide both public and private institutions in creating environments that respect and accommodate diverse needs.

Just as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) established public accessibility standards for individuals with physical disabilities, Welcoming Spaces advocates for neurodiversity by helping organizations create spaces that are predictable and comfortable for all. By making these small yet powerful changes, we unlock the potential for truly inclusive, community-centered venues.

Imagine a world where public places are designed to include rather than exclude, where families don't have to worry about whether a museum, business, or library is accessible to their children with autism. For families and individuals alike, autism-friendly spaces are not just conveniences; they are essential pathways to experiences, connections, and a more fulfilling life.

At Welcoming Spaces, we are committed to creating these pathways. With your help, we can bridge gaps, increase understanding, and build inclusive environments, fostering a world where individuals with ASD and neurodivergent identities feel fully recognized, supported, and warmly welcomed.

​

Read the CDC's Community CDC's Community Report on Autism:

https://www.cdc.gov/autism/communication-resources/community-reports.html

​

Read the Autism Society's Statement on Increasing Autism Prevalence Rates:

https://autismsociety.org/autism-society-addresses-increased-autism-prevalence-rates-in-2023-cdc-report/ ​​