Building Community
Supporting autistic children also means supporting the classrooms, churches, organizations, programs, and families that help them grow.
Support Those Who Support You
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Support Your Child’s Classroom
Many early childhood classrooms benefit from extra clothing, sensory toys, books, wipes, art supplies, adaptive learning materials, and classroom comfort items. Consider asking your child’s Wake Pre-K, autism-focused preschool, or special education classroom what would be most helpful before donating.
Wake County teachers may also benefit from broader classroom supply support through Tools4Schools, a WakeEd Partnership program that provides free classroom supplies to Wake County Public School System educators.
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Help Build Inclusive Faith Communities
Churches and faith communities can become more welcoming by creating sensory bags, quiet spaces, special needs ministry, buddy systems, visual supports, and training opportunities for volunteers. Autism Faith Network focuses on autism awareness, acceptance, and inclusion in faith-based communities.
Families can support this work by donating sensory tools, headphones, fidgets, sunglasses, visual schedules, books, toys, cash gifts, or time and expertise.
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Support Autism Organizations
Many organizations work to support individuals with autism and developmental disabilities through advocacy, education, recreation, family support, and volunteer opportunities. The organizations highlighted below are simply a few examples of the many ways families can connect, contribute, and help strengthen the community that supports their child.
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Offer Respite and Practical Help
Caregiver support matters. Some families need respite, transportation, help with errands, or trusted people willing to show up consistently. If you are able, consider volunteering with organizations that support caregivers or families with disabilities.
Time-In Moms is a nonprofit organization that supports mothers by providing opportunities for respite, connection, and practical support. Through volunteer programs, community partnerships, and caregiver-focused events, Time-In Moms helps families build a stronger support system while reducing the isolation and burnout that can often accompany caregiving.
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Participate in Autism Research
Families who choose to participate in research can help improve autism diagnosis, treatments, education, and support services for future generations. Some studies involve surveys or interviews, while others may include developmental assessments, blood samples, imaging, or testing new interventions. Participation is always voluntary, and every study has its own eligibility requirements.
Research participation may also provide families with:
Access to new interventions or emerging research
Comprehensive developmental evaluations
Opportunities to contribute to scientific understanding of autism
Compensation for time and travel (for some studies)
Good to know: Participating in a research study is a personal decision. Before enrolling, ask about the study's purpose, what participation involves, potential risks, expected time commitment, and whether compensation is available.
WHY COMMUNITY MATTERS
Families do not navigate autism alone. Children benefit when their schools, faith communities, recreational programs, and local organizations are equipped, encouraged, and supported.
Start small. Building community begins with donating classroom supplies, sharing what you have learned with another parent, volunteering a few hours, or helping your church become more welcoming to children with sensory, communication, or developmental needs. You do not need to lead a ministry, organize a fundraiser, or launch a program to make a difference. One donated sensory bag, one classroom wish list item, one helpful conversation, or one volunteer shift can strengthen the community around your child.