We didn't have this kind of representation, access, or community early in our Autism journey. So we became it for other families.
We are raising $75,000 to bring the first ever Autism Family Workshop Tour directly to families and public libraries nationwide at no cost to them. Free, inclusive Autism workshops, education, and resources for every family who walks through the door because they deserve it, and access and cost should never be barriers.
Fully created and led by autistic voices and lived experiences, providing safe, welcoming, sensory-friendly spaces where neurodivergent and neurotypical children and their families can learn, connect, have fun, and celebrate neurodiversity together.
We have already completed our first stops in New Jersey, New York, and Atlanta. With your support, here is what this tour will accomplish:
✅ Reach 250+ families directly
✅ Equip 750+ children with play-based sensory supports
✅ Distribute 5,000+ individual sensory tools into communities
✅ Partner with public libraries nationwide to keep Autism education accessible year-round
✅ Reach 1,000+ additional community members through shared resources and engagement
What Each Workshop Includes
Each tour stop is a 60-minute inclusive, interactive experience that combines play, movement, and storytelling to make Autism education engaging, relatable, and accessible for diverse learning styles.
Each workshop serves 10 families (up to 30 participants), ensuring an intentionally sensory-friendly and comfortable experience. Every stop also leaves behind lasting resources for children, families, and libraries to keep.
Every family receives:
- An Autism Through The Alphabet ABC Flashcard deck ($30 value)
- Sensory-friendly goody bags for each child (fidget toys, Play-Doh, bubbles, crayons, noise-reducing earplugs)
- Collaborative, hands-on activities including LEGO teamwork challenges, a mini talent show, Communication Charades, and more
- Storytelling and Q&A led by me (a proud neurodivergent Autism Mom), and my son, Jaiden (a proud autistic self-advocate and young entrepreneur)
Each library receives:
- A donated sensory bin (stocked with an ABC Flashcards deck, ABC Coloring Book, crayons, fidget tools, noise-cancelling headphones, noise-reducing earplugs)
- A digital resource pack with printable materials and inclusive tools for ongoing community use
No cost to families or libraries. Free, inclusive Autism education for everyone.
Why This Tour Matters
1 in 31 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with Autism. At the same time, inclusive programming, special education initiatives, and disability-focused resources continue to be cut or underfunded.
Many families lack access to inclusive, affirming programs, resources, and welcoming spaces, and often feel unseen, underrepresented, and unsupported. Many libraries want to provide inclusive programming, but don’t have the access or funding to offer it.
Our Autism Family Workshop Tour is changing that, and bringing access, inclusion, and understanding directly into communities.
Why Libraries?
Libraries have always been a kind and inviting space for my son to learn, explore, and be himself. Bringing these workshops to libraries is our way of saying thank you, giving back, and highlighting them as the vital community hubs and places of belonging they already are for so many children and families.
Our Story
When my son Jaiden was diagnosed with Autism in 2014, I was told a list of things he "might never be able to do,” including talk or work a “normal” job. Instead of accepting that as the final say on his life, it inspired me to advocate for and encourage him and other autistic children and families. I included his name in our business name and his face in our logo, so he'd never have to prove his worth to work for someone else.
Early in our Autism journey, I couldn't find resources that positively reflected my son or helped him better understand himself and his Autism. I also noticed that many autistic children and their families like ours were often overlooked, excluded, and underrepresented in Autism-related resources, spaces, and conversations. So I created what we needed.
Today, we create inclusive, affirming, innovative Autism resources and programs that transform how Autism is understood, viewed, taught, and represented while fostering more kindness, empathy, and inclusion.
Jaiden is a proud self‑advocate and young entrepreneur who uses his voice and experiences to inspire, teach, and lead others. His energy and perspective bring something that traditional programs can’t replicate, giving children and parents the chance to hear directly from an autistic voice who understands.
How Funds Are Used
Local Workshop Near NJ: $1,500
Covers:
- 10 Autism Through The Alphabet ABC Flashcard decks for families
- Sensory-friendly goody bags for children
- All workshop materials and activity supplies
- Setup, coordination, and local travel
- Marketing and outreach
- A sensory bin & digital toolkit donated to the host library
Travel Workshop: $2,500
Covers everything above, plus airfare, lodging, and transportation.
Every dollar goes directly toward workshop materials, resources, and travel. Funds do not go toward personal salaries.
FAQs
Q: Why does a workshop cost $1,500 to $2,500?
A: Each workshop serves 10 families (up to 30 total participants to ensure it remains sensory-friendly and comfortable) and includes all materials, activities, prep, coordination, flashcard decks and goody bags for families, and a sensory bin plus digital resources donated to the library. Travel workshops also include airfare and lodging. Everything families and libraries receive is included in that cost.
Q: Who are the workshops for?
A: Neurodivergent and neurotypical children in grades K-6 and their families. Each workshop provides a safe, welcoming, sensory-friendly environment where families can learn, connect, have fun, and celebrate neurodiversity together. Activities are interactive, hands-on, and designed for different learning styles.
Q: Is this a paid job for the facilitators?
A: No. Every dollar goes to workshop materials, travel, and resources. The “materials and coordination” category reflects supplies, preparation, printed materials, setup, and travel. Funds do not go toward personal salary. We're committed to keeping every workshop free for families.
Q: How can my library host a workshop?
A: Libraries interested in bringing this workshop to their community can reach out to us directly to explore partnership and sponsorship options. Each tour stop requires fundraising to fully cover the workshop, ensuring the experience remains completely free for families and the host library. There’s no pressure, just an opportunity to learn more and bring this experience to your community.
Q: Can parents or caregivers bring this workshop to their child’s community?
A: Absolutely! Parents and caregivers can reach out to us to suggest locations or advocate for a local stop. We can also share information about potential support opportunities so that the workshop can come to your area while staying free and accessible for families.
Q: Is this affiliated with any national Autism organizations?
A: No. This tour is independently created and led through Jai At Play, a mission-driven, neurodivergent-owned, mother-son small business inspired by Jaiden. We create and lead every resource and workshop ourselves, bringing lived experiences and authentic insights from autistic voices while fostering the kindness, empathy, and positive representation families truly need.
How You Can Help Right Now
✅ Donate. Help fund the next workshop stop and reach more families.
✅ Share. Visibility matters and expands access.
✅ Sponsor a stop. Individuals, organizations, and businesses can fully fund a city and directly impact a community.
This is what it looks like when community takes care of community. And we would love for you to be part of it.
Together, we are providing access to inclusive Autism education and creating spaces where every child and their family can learn, connect, and celebrate neurodiversity together.
Thank you for being part of this movement.
Organizer
