The idea for Arms Around ASD came about in 2013 with the notion that all family members need support when living with an autistic person. Parenting in and of itself is incredibly demanding. Add to that a family member who processes and communicates atypically and everything becomes that much more intense.

The mission of Arms Around ASD is to support the autism community through self-care and development of executive functioning skills promoting the growth of the community as a whole. Arms is unique in that we provide services for autistic people regardless of age, ability or income AND their families, care providers, support staff and other professionals (teachers, doctors, nurses, therapists, etc) who work with them. Everyone who provides services for AAASD is a volunteer. From our acupuncturist to our Zumba instructor, front desk person to executive director, we all have our arms around autism spectrum disorder. Arms is one giant hug to families who seek our services.

In 2014 we received our nonprofit status and with a volunteer staff of three we saw our first clients (two families) in January 2015. Grants, donations and fundraisers have taken Arms to the next level providing more hours and varieties of therapies, reaching more families and a freestanding center at 191 Charlotte Street. As of the end of 2019, we have 50 volunteers providing 30 unique services for the over 600 people on our mailing list.

From January 2015 to March  2017 Arms Around ASD provided all services at no charge. As of April 1, 2017 we are suggesting a donation for services based on 10% of the market value of the service. Clients who are unable to make a monetary donation may contribute by fulfilling one of the items on the list below. No one will be turned away for inability to contribute.

The mission of Arms Around ASD is to support the autism community through self-care and development of executive functioning skills promoting the growth of the community as a whole.

Website: https://www.armsaroundasd.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/armsaroundasd