What We Do
Faith on the Spectrum was born from a mother’s love and determination to create a world where people with autism and sensory sensitivities don’t have to struggle to participate in their communities but rather are embraced and supported. As a mom to a child with autism, I’ve experienced firsthand how difficult it can be to find truly inclusive places where my child isn’t just present, but fully engaged, included and supported.
We are a nationwide nonprofit organization dedicated to building inclusive environments for individuals with autism and other disabilities. Our mission is to partner with faith-based organizations across the U.S. to assist them in creating sensory friendly spaces. Additionally, we provide guidance to these organizations on developing and implementing a “Buddy System” that will ensure every individual has the support they need to thrive in their spirituality. We believe that with the right environment and guidance, individuals with sensory processing challenges can fully experience fellowship and community.
What truly sets Faith on the Spectrum apart in autism Advocacy.
is not that we advocate for inclusive environments, we actively create them. Our Buddy System is at the heart of what we do, ensuring that every individual receives personalized support. Inclusion isn’t just about making space, it’s about making sure that space works for each unique individual. A buddy isn’t just a volunteer; they are a guide, a support system, and a friend who helps bridge the gap between the individual and the world around them. We support and encourage volunteers with special needs to join our team, we have all ability opportunities.
We also believe in long-term mentorship and empowerment. We recognize that individuals on the spectrum have incredible strengths and talents, and those gifts should be nurtured. That’s why we are working toward a program that pairs individuals with long-term buddies, who not only support them in their environments but also help them explore their interests and strengths. Over time, these buddy relationships will evolve into mentorships, helping each individual build confidence and discover paths that align with their skills, whether that’s education, career exploration, or community involvement.
Right now, we’re in the early stages of making this vision a reality. We are actively seeking faith-based locations that want to embrace inclusion by developing sensory rooms and incorporating trained buddies to support individuals during services and events. In the future, we hope to open a dedicated brick-and-mortar space where faith leaders can provide teachings in a fully sensory-friendly way. But for now, our priority is reaching as many places of worship as possible and giving them the tools and resources to become truly welcoming.
Whether you’re a faith leader looking to make your space more inclusive, a volunteer ready to step in and be a buddy, or someone who believes in this mission and wants to support us through a donation, there’s a place for you here. Every contribution, whether it’s time, resources, or financial support, brings us one step closer to creating faith communities where individuals with autism and other disabilities don’t have to struggle to belong.
Join us in making faith accessible to all. Because everyone deserves a place where they feel seen, supported
