Help Us Build a More Inclusive Missouri: Join the Community Autism Resources Initiative

Creating inclusive, supportive communities for individuals with autism and sensory-processing differences starts with shared knowledge and collaboration. That’s why we’re excited to invite families, educators, service providers, and community members across Missouri to participate in the Community Autism Resources Initiative.

This growing, community-driven project is designed to increase awareness of—and access to—autism- and sensory-friendly resources throughout the state. With your involvement, we can help individuals and families more easily find the supports they need to thrive.

What Is the Community Autism Resources Initiative?

The Community Autism Resources Initiative is a centralized, publicly accessible platform that includes:

• A Community Resource Map showcasing autism- and sensory-friendly services and locations across Missouri
• An Events Calendar highlighting autism-friendly and sensory-considerate events happening statewide

Together, these tools help connect families and individuals to resources related to:

• Health and medical care
• Personal and daily living needs
• Recreation, leisure, and community engagement

All submitted resources and events are compiled into shared Google tools, making them easy to explore, search, and access.

Why Community Involvement Matters

No one understands the needs of a community better than the people who live, work, and support within it. Parents, caregivers, educators, service providers, and community members each bring valuable insight into which spaces are welcoming, inclusive, and supportive.

By contributing your knowledge, you help:

• Expand access to trusted, autism-friendly supports
• Increase visibility of inclusive services and events
• Reduce barriers for families seeking resources
• Strengthen community connections across Missouri

Every submission—no matter how small—helps create a more inclusive and informed network of support.

How You Can Get Involved

Getting involved is simple, and there are several ways to contribute:

✅ Submit Autism- and Sensory-Friendly Resources

Know of a healthcare provider, business, organization, or leisure space that is supportive of individuals with autism or sensory-processing differences? You can submit these resources to be added to the Community Autism Resources Map.

✅ Share Autism-Friendly Events

Hosting or aware of an autism-friendly or sensory-considerate event? Submit it to be featured on the Community Autism-Friendly Events Calendar so families across Missouri can easily find opportunities to connect and participate.

✅ Explore and Share

Use the map and calendar to explore what’s available in your community—and share the initiative with others who may benefit or want to contribute.  We are counting on you to help us spread the word!

Join Us in Making a Difference

The Community Autism Resources Initiative is built on the belief that inclusive communities are stronger communities. By working together, we can create a statewide network of support that empowers individuals with autism and sensory-processing differences—and the families who support them.

We invite you to take part, share what you know, and help us continue building a more accessible and inclusive Missouri.

👉 Autism Community Resource Information Page

Thank you for being part of this important work.