Autism Friendly Designation

Treat others the way they should be treated. That is what being autism-friendly means – taking the time to learn about autism, accept people with autism as they are, and make sure your environment includes them.

Our Autism Friendly Designation can help. It signals to the public that your organization recognizes, supports and welcomes people with autism and their families.

Co-developed by people with autism and autism experts, the program includes employee training and onsite resources and supports for people with autism and related conditions.

Sign up to get your Autism Friendly Designation and join us in promoting autism acceptance and building community with autistic people.

How to earn your Autism Friendly Designation

• Enroll your business here.
• Have your employees complete training. Our online course takes less than 30 minutes. It can be done at your own pace and in multiple sittings. Available on desktops, laptops and mobile devices (tables and phones).
• Earn your official designation. You will be awarded your designation once 80% of your customer-facing employees complete training.
• Show your support. Display your personalized Autism Friendly Designation title at your place of business, on your website, social media accounts and digital profiles. Let your employees, customers and business partners know you are autism-friendly.
• Spread the word. Encourage your vendors, customers and community to also enroll to receive their Designation.  
• Receive ongoing support from Autism Speaks. Access best practices from autism experts. Participate in events and programs. 

Being autism-friendly is good for society and good for business. 

Autism spans all demographics. So businesses that earn their Autism Friendly Designation signal to the public that they are welcome to all. It’s also good for business. Studies show embracing strategies to include people with autism leads to increased employee satisfaction and customer loyalty. 

"78% [of consumers] will purchase goods and services from a business that takes steps to ensure easy access for individuals with disabilities at their physical locations."

Source: American Institutes for Research Report, A Hidden Market: The Purchasing Power of Working-Age Adults with Disabilities, 2018.

"Being inclusive not only benefits people with disabilities but also helps the bottom line."

Source: American Institutes for Research Report, A Hidden Market: The Purchasing Power of Working-Age Adults with Disabilities, 2018.

"The U.S. Office of Disability Employment Policy categorizes persons with disabilities as the third-largest market segment in the U.S., after Hispanics and African-Americans. This market expands when family members, caregivers and others who prioritize goods and services that are inclusive of persons with disabilities are counted."

Source: Accenture Report, Getting to Equal: The Disability Inclusion Advantage, 2018.