Organizations that support artists, musicians, entertainers, computer geeks and entrepreneurs on the autism spectrum. The Art of Autism has a regular of newsletter of opportunities that goes out to our subscribers. If you have an organization you would like to add please email theartofautism (@) gmail.com.
See a separate listing of art programs by State here.
AASCEND is the Autism Aspergers Coalition for Educating, Networking and Development based in the Bay Area in California.
Academy of Special Dreams brings awareness to the special needs population through an online gallery, visual art, film, performance and writing competitions. Located in Los Angeles, California.
Actionplay offers training and professional development for education, arts, and culture professionals to develop compassionate and sensory aware experiences for people with autism and related conditions. Located in New York City.
Advocations connections people with disabilities with employers nationwide. They have a Disability Think program in Charlotte, North Carolina, that coaches autistic people on problem-solving and brainstorming.
Ambitious About Autism is a U.K. organization which offers schools and employment initiatives. They also host an art exhibit open to U.K. artists.
AANE Artist Collaborative is a collaborative of 32 and counting artists on the spectrum. They have an ongoing exhibit in Boston and other exhibits in New England.
ANCA provides international recognition for artists, poets, scientists and creatives on the spectrum through their magazine, website, radio shows, and awards ceremonies.
Arts and Healing Network is an online resource celebrating the connection between arts and healing.
Art Lifting represents marginalized artists with licensing agreements.
Artists with Autism – Promotes Micro-Enterprising, Provides Opportunities, Creating Independence in Pompano, FL.
Aspire Accessories is an artisan program in Houston which trains autistic people on artisan crafts such as leather work, jewelry making, and other artisan skills.
Aspiritech software testing harnessing the power of Aspergers and autism. Located in Illinois.
The Autism Acceptance Project promotes acceptance and accommodations for Autistic people. They have art exhibits and performances in Canada.
Autism Creatives Collective – a community of creative autistic people. The ACC identifies opportunities and supports these writers, artists, musicians, storytellers and other creative fields to find jobs, careers, and other ways to share their creativity with the world.
AutisticsintheArts is a website that features many different types of artists including fine artists, paper crafts, jewelry making, fiber, books, etc.
Autonomous Press owned by disabled workers takes submissions and book proposals from autistic people.
Autonomy Works provides marketing and digital operations tasks such as marketing operations, content management, and reporting and analytics. They employ autistic people for these tasks.
Autism Women’s Network supports women on the spectrum.
Autisticeye is a U.K. based website that sells art work of people with autism and Aspergers.
The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network advances disability rights for Autistic people.
Autistic Services, Inc. gives people with autism the opportunity to get involved in the visual and performing arts. Located in Williamsville, New York
Autism Spectrum Center has an annual autism art gala in October. They are located in San Luis Obispo, California
Autism Women’s Network supports women and girls on the spectrum.
Awe in Autism provides inspiration and encouragement to those affected by autism. They do this through their website and live shows.
BlueCrayonz is a Florida-based nonprofit that supports young people on the autism spectrum by helping them receive the services they need.
Brighter Future Charity offers opportunities for artists on the spectrum to share their creations. They are based in the Los Angeles area.
With a Brush of Love transforms the lives of children on the spectrum through their surroundings.
Celebrate Edu provides a path to a positive future for people on the autism spectrum. They have an online entrepreneur curriculum.
Chocolate Spectrum offers training in making chocolates in Jupiter, Florida
Coding Autism helps autistic individuals find jobs in the software and technology industries. Located in Los Angeles, CA.
The Dan Marino Campus in Ft. Lauderdale, FL offers nationally recognized certifications in computer technology, hospitality and retailing.
Different Brains is a neurodiversity resource site that welcomes everyone– regardless of condition or philosophy. Their goal is to build a community of advocates for people whose brains think a little bit differently, a space for the respectful sharing of ideas and stories, and a resource for anyone seeking knowledge and support so that no one feels like the “Lone Ranger.”
Divergent Labs Autistic led organization that runs a retreat center (ocatecliffs.org), is hosting an art/drama disability-inclusive group in New Mexico, and has done technical contracts in software development.
Dvine Path trains people on viticulture, agriculture, and the Arts in Fallbrook, CA.
EPIC Assist is an Australian not-for-profit that helps people with autism prepare for, find, and maintain meaningful employment. They also host a yearly art exhibition for professional and emerging artists with disability
Exceptional Minds is a nonprofit vocational center and animation studio for young adults on the autism spectrum. Located in Sherman Oaks, California.
Extraordinary Ventures in Chapel Hills, North Carolina trains and employs autistic people.
Food for Thought in Columbus, Ohio helps autistic people find jobs. They have a gluten-free bakery.
Forever Glass in Placerville, CA hires autistic people to make beautiful Keepsake glass creations out of recycled materials.
Futures Explored is a nonprofit in Northern California which provides life skills and work-related training to people with developmental disabilities.
Green Bridge Growers is a sustainable agricultural venture in Indiana that provides job opportunities to autistic people.
Growing Solutions Farm is a vocational garden program in Illinois Medical District.
Harambeearts partners with grassroots programs in Africa to train local caregivers to provide art programs to volunerable children and adults, many who are autistic.
Hidden Wings is a program in Solvang, California that provides art, recreation, drumming, and technology programs to young adults on the autism spectrum.
Inclusion Films is a practical film workshop for people with developmental disabilities. Locations across the United States.
Islands of Brilliance – Milwaukee, Minnesota utilizes project-based learning which allows our students to grow their intrinsic capabilities and practice communication, increasing their likelihood of independence as adults.
JSDD’s Wellness, Arts Enrichment (WAE) Center’s Art Access Program offers programs such as writing, poetry, and painting. Located in Lyndhurst, New Jersey.
KindTree serves and celebrates people on the spectrum through art, recreation, and community. They offer a variety of opportunities for artists around the globe. Located in Eugene, Oregon.
Lettuce Work is an innovative nonprofit in New Albany, Ohio which produces hydroponic lettuce mixes and employs autistic people.
Life with Art is a U.K. nonprofit located in Central Glasglow that has workshops and art and photography exhibitions.
MADEIT Film and Media Production. In partnership with Inclusion Films teaches all aspects of film makers. Based in San Diego, CA
Madison House Autism Foundation is a Maryland-based nonprofit which addresses challenges of autistic people through their lifespan. They offer a variety of programs and host art events.
Merchant Street Art Gallery of Artists with Autism is located in Kankakee, Illinois showcases artists and musicians on the autism spectrum.
Meticulon out of Alberta, CA hires autistic people for software testing – many remote jobs are available.
MindSpark provides technical training and jobs to autistic people in Los Angeles area.
The Miracle Project enables children and teens with autism and other special needs to express themselves through music, dance, acting, story, and writing. Locations in California and New York.
The Museum of Special Arts provides educational opportunities, career development, art internships and work opportunities for artists with disabilities
The National Arts & Disability Center (NADC) gives small critical grants up to $1500 to artists in California
NFAR (National Foundation for Autism Research) offers training programs in software testing and computer programming for autistic adults. They also offer transition programs. San Diego, California
nonPareil Institute offers technical training to autistic adults. Located in Texas.
Passwerk is a Belgium company that trains and employs autistic people to be software engineer testers.
Picasso Einstein has an initiative called “PersonVentured” Self-Employment and offers training teaching self-employment using simple concepts and accessible tools like website/graphic design & social media
Polly’s Place is a shop through the Autism Trust that sells art work and crafts of people on the spectrum.
Popcorn for the People As one of its projects, Let’s Work For Good created the brand, Popcorn For The People, whose profits go towards providing training and employment for adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.
Puzzles Bakery & Cafe – Schenectady, New York
Rising Tide Car Wash in Florida trains people on the autism spectrum to be elite car wash professionals.
Roses for Autism hires autistic people to grow, cut and package flowers in Guilford, Connecticut.
Rosie’s Foundation creates employment opportunities for people of diverse abilities. Located in Culver City, CA.
Specialisterne trains people with ASD for software testing and data handling
Spectrum Laboratory collaborates with artists with autism to create film and theater productions. Based in Los Angeles.
Spectrum Works is a screen printing nonprofit in New Jersey that employs autistic people.
Strokes of Genius purpose is to educate and empower individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) by promoting their artistic abilities.
Synergies Work helps people with disabilities become financially sustainable entrepreneurs and contributing members of society. They are an accelerator and a co-operative for entrepreneurs with disabilities. Located in Marietta, Georgia
The Specialist Guild in San Francisco teaches tech skills to adults on the spectrum.
Ultra Testing in New York provides software testing jobs to people on the autism spectrum.
Ventures ATL – Atlanta, Georgia provides meaningful job opportunities for people on the autism spectrum
VSA Arts is an international organization that provides education and opportunities to artists with disabilities. They have research studies and information for parents and artists on their website.
We Are Lions (WAL) believes art has the power to transcend any boundary in the known universe. Their mission is to harness this power and use it for good. By creating art, the most universal language, on canvases everyone has access to, they give people who deserve it a platform to share their stories. They offer an artist gallery and products with money coming back to the artist.
I’ll add to our list. Thank you!
Hi my name is Elana Tucker I have an 8 year old grandson who is autistic. He is a dancer, singer, actor and he draws freehand. He is awesome. He wants to start his own autism foundation. He also wants his own clothing line. And he wants to be a singer dancer and actor. He is AMAZING! Can you please give me advice on how to start his dream. This is all he talks about.
Anyway Thank you and hope to hear from you soon
Elana Tucker
[email protected]
562-370-7609
You should have Actors for Autism on the list for Los Angeles and Ventura county. They provide vocational training in filmmaking, special effects, animation, and video game design!
I have an 11 year old son that builds all kinds of spin projects. All hand made and he wires them using electrical motors and such. They are beautiful products that he could very well sell as kits. Anything from Wind Turbines to Helicopters with propellers on each end that spin. All made from wood and electrical material. He wants to launch his own business. He has made some money going around the neighborhood mowing lawns and has reinvested money in this projects. How can I help him start his business? He has a very creative mind and designs and puts together very cool things for his age.
Maria, I’ll email you.
Debra Muzikar
Hi I have a son he is 29. He has a job but fights the aspergers every day . We live in Maryland and was wondering if there is a support group in the Howard county area ? He is becoming a hermit he don’t go out with friends because they all drink and he don’t . He plays music he is self taught guitar and piano. If you know of any type of groups I would appreciate it thanks.
I’m looking for any organizations that a musician/composer with ASD could join. My 18 year old son is a composer of electronic music (his own original compositions, not mixes) and I’m unsure of what kind of organization I can connect him with to help him branch out beyond YouTube.
Ruth O’Brien is starting an online mentoring group for musicians. I think it is called ‘UPBEAT’.
Isn’t there a mindspark in Minnesota? My 17 year old son is graduating in June. He has Aspergers. He is very smart in math and science and he is a wiz on the computer. I saw a news piece where they showed they hired young adults with Aspergers. I would like to find out about this.
May consider.
Hi how are u.I have a special need disable son 24yrs but function at 4yrs in his Bain.
Born with Brain injury premature 1lbs 4months with many devolepoment of deal of grouth.
Is low functiion Autism.
My son Daniel Ahmeen love video game.fan of Spiderman.Is making his ouwn video with all action figures toys making a game He can mane all the games and actors and toys .Amazing how he can put all together he in interesting in acting I some thing he had a personally act like Ray Charles.Tom Cruse.Green Arrow.In many of his move games he make in his home. I will appreciate if my son can be sponcer he has lots of acting love to dance.
Thank u
Hi. Im 31 ASD i have a business that i sell Autism Awareness and other Awareness gear. I make decals and shirts too. I am also an advocate in my community with Fire and law enforcement. I dont have much support just my mom and a couple of other people. I learned from watching youtube and reading books. I also created my own website. I dont sell much, so i try to learn to do new things hopefully i can sell.
Are there any resources for people on the spectrum who enjoy writing and want to get published eventually? In Denver?
Are there any resources to help promote my groundbreaking interactive fiction? It is my life’s project of twenty years by me, an autistic former NASA software engineer, about an autistic savant. Please please let me know if anyone has any ideas, and do check it out:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1761213991/h2o-a-drop-in-the-ocean?ref=ew6f6d&token=4786dc66
I think it’s pretty cool and just hoping it reaches its audiences so I can hear what others think!
May “H2O” serve as inspiration, hope, and an example of what we can achieve not just we as autistic artists but We, as human beings.
Looking for a program that teaches music media in NYC area for people in the autism spectrum.
Are there any resources for people on the spectrum who enjoy writing and want to get published in North Texas area around Dallas?
I am looking for young neurodiverse entrepreneurs who will help me learn more about themselves and their business.
Have you turned your passion, interest, or hobby into a business?
Would you like others to learn more about what you do and how you do it?
If you are interested, please let me know. I am doing a study to explore entrepreneurship and understand your experience. If this sounds like you
• Over 18 years of age.
• Identify as neurodiverse, on the autistic spectrum, or have Aspergers.
• Started a business with the help of your family.
• Your business is up and running.
• At least one family member is helping you with your business.
I would like to talk to you if your
• business is selling a product you have created or providing a service, that you were not contracted by an outside vendor to sell.
• You currently have a family member helping you with your business.
• That person, or persons, can be a mother, father, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, cousin, etc.
If you are interested, please contact Chris Danguilan by email at [email protected] or by phone at (312)285-0008.
I am available to answer any questions and talk with you about the study in more detail.
Hi my name’s David I am 34 in australia perth and I’m asd high functioning just came to terms of it recently as well as having cognitive dissonance!
I have been wanting to start getting my life together for so long I have had tens of hundreds of ideas that have been needed to be put to Action but never have because of motivational issues I guess.. all I ever want is to help everyone never thinking about myself..
I have ideas that can change the world..my family have been known to think out of the box.. dad’s dad thought up the Orbital engine..
Where can I go or who t
Can I talk to to get help with being an entrepreneur…. Would SO much appreciate help you have no idea how much
Is there any organization that helps new entrepreneurs who are on the autism scale? I have plenty of ideas for marketable inventions, books, and community programs and such, but I need help with implementation. No idea what to do.
My son has Autism but he is a fantastic artist he even makes his own comic books and creates his own characters. He wants to start his own business to sale his art work and his own comic books can you help me somehow so I can help him start his own business? We also want to donate some of his earnings that he makes off of his art work and comic books to the autism foundation. Can you help us with that also?