Autism-Friendly Consulting

Autism-Friendly Locations & Events

We'll help you prepare your business or special event to offer services, products, and to make the experience more enjoyable for families and people with autism.

Sensory rooms and spaces

We'll help create the perfect space for your customers and/or employees to calm their senses.

Hiring people With Autism

From attraction to exit, we can assist with your Employee Lifecycle (ELC) needs.

For far too long, families and people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been shut out of so many of the activities in the community that most people often take for granted. Enjoying a night out at a restaurant, employer functions, sports and entertainment venues, community festivals, going to the grocery store or airport, are just a few among the countless activities that families end up avoiding because of the significant challenges they’ve experienced. We understand the feelings of isolation and the many frustrations that these families face, thus we aim to open those doors that have remained closed, unlocking opportunities for the autism community to take part in activities they enjoy. After all, everyone deserves to be accepted, respected, and valued.

Why Autism-Friendly Consulting by Making Strides For Autism, Inc.?

Making your business more welcoming to families and people with autism can help you be a recognized leader in community inclusion of all individuals, widen your customer base and increase revenue, and foster in your customers a personal stake in your business’ success.

Making Strides For Autism, Inc. is unique in that we’re comprised of diverse professionals, families and people with autism. We support and advocate for the autism community. We connect the community to autism. No other nonprofit organization or business can provide this first hand insight. Making Strides For Autism, Inc. offers training and support to businesses to help them become Autism-Friendly.

From zoos, museums and theatres, to dentists and doctors’ offices, to grocery stores, restaurants and hotel groups, to banks, car washes, churches, summer camp, after-school programs, and community centers. The options are unlimited!

Why Autism-Friendly vs Sensory-Friendly?

To make something sensory friendly one typically adjusts the auditory, visual and olfactory stimulation to levels acceptable for the population that will be experiencing it. Since people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) do have difficulties with self-regulation and adjusting to sensory stimuli, it makes sense to begin here. However, such environmental changes alone do not make something Autism-Friendly. Since the primary difficulties facing people with ASD concern language, social skills and repetitive/rigid behaviors, making something Autism-Friendly also requires the introduction of visual supports to make the environment more predictable and address challenges with transitions, as well as tools to address difficulties with social interaction and perspective taking.

You’ll Receive...

Training for your employees at your location on how to welcome and support families and customers with autism
A roadmap for incorporating strategies and procedures to support families and customers with autism and establish long-term relationships
Guidance for your Human Resources staff, assistance with mapping out your talent acquisition, onboarding, employee benefits, and accommodations when hiring people with autism and caregivers with children on the spectrum
Customized support materials for your business (Social Stories, Guides, Visual Aids, Marketing Materials, etc.)
Friends With Autism Branded Identification Business window decal, logo for marketing materials, and a business toolkit
Listing on our community resource directory and in our Friends With Autism Resource Digital Magazine
And more...