Shopping to Support the Autism Community

How to Support Small Businesses That Employ, Empower and Fund Programs for Individuals with Differing Abilities

As you shop for birthdays, holidays, housewarming gifts – and yourself – throughout the year, did you know you can spread cheer to your recipients while also supporting the autism community?

From family members to neighbors to teachers, you can find items from plenty of businesses and nonprofit organizations that will leave you feeling good about spending your dollars. There are a wide range of autistic-led businesses across the country with incredible products and services. Some focus on neurodiverse employment and training, while others put actions in place to ensure autism-friendly practices.

We adore our kiddos here at Hopebridge and look forward to the day they can use the skills they learned here in our centers to grow into more independent adults. In line with this vision, we understand the importance of providing more opportunities for autistic adults and individuals with differing abilities—and we want to support the brands that are doing exactly that!

So, before you hit the order button on Amazon this year, consider making your money matter even more by checking out these 12 small businesses. For those who want to keep it local, you can find the business closest to your home state, but you can order from most of these brands online, even if you’re not their neighbor.

1. SMILE Biscotti, Arizona
   This award-winning business has gotten a lot of press, and for good reason! Perfect for those on your list who love coffee and tea, this biscotti comes in delicious flavors like cinnamon vanilla, double chip and pistachio cranberry. SMILE – Supporting My Independent Living Enterprise – was founded by an autistic adult and his parents to help others impacted by autism, make advancements in life skills development and independence, and create social connections. You can also find the SMILE Biscotti in retailers around Phoenix and Scottsdale.

 

2. Remarkable Yard Cards, Georgia
   Designed by an award-winning duo of sisters, both on the autism spectrum, Remarkable Yard Cards crafts personalized yard signs that make a statement. Imagine the smiles from your friends and family as you surprise them with a giant sign to congratulate them, welcome them home, or wish them a happy birthday. From pets and unicorns to tie dye and sports, there are endless options and messages to broadcast your message. The business serves Forsyth County and North Fulton County.

 

3. The Chocolate Spectrum, Florida
   If your recipient has a sweet tooth, you’ll need to check out The Chocolate Spectrum, which creates “sweet opportunities for those with autism” while handcrafting the most beautiful and tasty chocolates. The themed truffle boxes are our personal favorite, but you can also find treats like the viral Dubai chocolate bar, fudge, chocolate-covered pretzels and pick-your-own-toppings chocolate bars. The shop provides apprenticeship opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities through its Chocolatier Training Program. The retail shop is located in Jupiter, FL, but ships its delicious products around the country.

 

4. Designer Beads by Jess, Indiana
   Handcrafted with care by Jessica, a young woman with autism, this jewelry line offers a range of bracelets, earrings, key chains and more in a range of colors and themes. The Etsy shop is a great place to look for puzzle piece necklaces and infinity bracelets if you want to show off your support during World Autism Month. We also love the high school and college-themed jewelry as gifts for graduates. If you’re local to Indianapolis, you will also want to follow @designerbeadsbyjess to find Jessica at expos and craft fairs around town.

 

5. Extraordinary Gifts, North Carolina
   Run by a 501c3 organization that creates meaningful employment opportunities for adults with autism and other developmental disabilities, Extraordinary Gifts offers handmade premium candles, soaps and other artisan gifts. Created by this inclusive workforce in Chapel Hill, NC, products feature scents like sweet tea, fresh fig, birthday cake, hazelnut coffee, Carolina coast and more. Wholesale and corporate orders are welcome, in addition to single items, and you can find Extraordinary Gifts in person at retails around North Carolina.

 

6. The Plant Kingdom, Kentucky
   For our Louisville friends who have a green thumb, this autism-friendly business has a store filled with beautiful plants and garden accessories, plus provides other plant services and consulting. The Plant Kingdom is part of the Autism Friendly Business Initiative for Families for Effective Autism Treatment (FEAT) of Louisville. The garden center also sells gift cards on their website, if you are unsure how to wrap up a plant for your next party!

 

7. Savor by Suzie, Pennsylvania
   This company sells grain-free, gluten-free and nut-free pretzels (plus offers vegan options!), while helping to grow the neurodiverse workforce and spread autism awareness. Flavors range from sea salt to Lil’ Bit Spicy to dark chocolate. They also offer a gift box shipping option during the winter holiday season, plus subscription options. Buy them online or check out the store locator on the site to find a retailer near you.

 

8. Beauty by Jenna in California
   Step up your self-care game or grab a thank-you gift for a friend with help from this brand. Founder Jenna created this business with her sister-in-law only six months after graduating from beauty school. Beauty by Jenna creates USDA certified organic lip balm and lip scrubs, all while creating employment opportunities for adults with special needs.

9. Team Woofgang, Connecticut
   Have a dog lover in your life? Team Woofgang makes gluten-free, all-natural dog treats their pupswill love. Even better, this nonprofit organization’s mission is to provide daily purpose for adults with a wide range of intellectual and developmental disabilities.

 

10. Popcorn for the People, New Jersey
    Established to create career opportunities for the disabled community, this popcorn is a tasty snack, and the fun package design makes it an even better gift. We’re not sure which is our favorite: traditional flavors like Old School Butter, or new flavor experiences like Chicago Baked Cheddar and Dark Chocolate Espresso. Popcorn for the People provides fair wages, career advancement opportunities, respect and equality within its workplace.
11. John’s Crazy Socks, New York
    Founded by a father-son duo, this social enterprise is on a mission to “spread happiness” while showing what people with differing abilities can achieve. Known for its wide selection of fun, expressive socks, the company employs individuals with disabilities and gives back through donations and awareness products that support organizations like the Special Olympics and autism advocacy groups. Can’t decide which design to buy? We love the Sock of the Month Club!
12. ExtraSpecialTeas, Massachusetts
    This nonprofit teahouse and vocational program empowers young adults with autism and other developmental differences through meaningful employment and community connection. The tea blends, gluten-free goodies, Tea Bone dog treats and other products make for creative gifts and daily sips. By providing hands-on training, life skills development and a welcoming space to work and grow, ExtraSpecialTeas helps participants build confidence, purpose and a sense of belonging—one cup of tea at a time.

Even More Support for the Autism Community

At Hopebridge, everything we do is aimed at supporting our patients, their families, our clinicians, and the neurodiverse community as a whole.

If you are looking for more ways to help others with autism and developmental delays, consider a role working with us so you can help even more kids and families reach new heights.

Or, if it’s your family that could use more support, we’re here for you, too. We offer autism testing, applied behavior analysis (ABA therapy), occupational therapy and speech therapyto help our kids reach their fullest potential. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we support families like yours.

*Informed consent was obtained from the participants in this article. This information should not be captured and reused without express permission from Hopebridge, LLC. Testimonials are solicited as part of an open casting call process for testimonials from former client caregivers. Hopebridge does not permit clinical employees to solicit or use testimonials about therapeutic services received from current clients (Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts 5.07-5.08; BACB, 2020). Hopebridge does not provide any incentives, compensation, or renumeration for testimonials provided by a former client or client caregiver.