Local & State Resources

Autism Evaluations

Sensory friendly resources.

Washington State offers a variety of sensory resources tailored for neurodivergent individuals, ranging from therapeutic environments to educational supports and community activities. These resources provide a good starting point for accessing support tailored to the needs of neurodivergent individuals in Washington State, helping them to thrive in various aspects of life. Here are some key resources available:

  1. UW Autism Center: They offer numerous resources including workshops and training sessions that focus on neurodiversity and autistic culture. Their Apex Summer Camp is designed specifically for neurodivergent children​ (UW Departments)​.

  2. Different Brains: This platform provides a wealth of information and support for neurodivergent individuals, including educational resources and personal stories that promote understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity​ (DIFFERENT BRAINS)​.

  3. Outside the Box Sensory: This initiative focuses on supporting neurodivergent children and their families by offering resources like free downloads, affirmation cards, and a supportive online community to help in managing sensory challenges​ (Outside the Box Sensory)​.

  4. See Me: This organization supports neurodiverse families by providing resources, organizing community events, and increasing awareness about neurodiversity. It also focuses on practical support for families dealing with neurodivergence​ (See Me)​.

  5. Hands on Children's Museum in Olympia: The museum hosts Sensory Friendly Hours designed to provide a welcoming environment for children with sensory sensitivities​ (Sensory Tool House, LLC)​.

  6. Sensory Tool House, LLC: Offers various recreational and activity-based resources such as Autism Acres and Thurston County Inclusion, which provide environments tailored to families with special needs children​ (Sensory Tool House, LLC)​.

  7. Neurodiversity Network: This website consolidates resources to support and accept neurodivergent individuals in various aspects of life including education, employment, and community involvement​ (Neurodiversity Network)​

  8. Sensory Room at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA): This room provides a calm environment for travelers who may feel overwhelmed by the airport's bustling activity. It features amenities like dimmable lighting, acoustic panels, and sensory-specific furniture to help travelers recenter and manage sensory overload. It's located on the train level of the A Gates STS Station, near the elevators​ (Port Seattle)​​ (Port Seattle)​​ (Port Seattle)​.

  9. Pacific Science Center: The Exploration for All program offers times outside of regular hours specifically for families with members on the autism spectrum, allowing them to enjoy the center in a more sensory-friendly setting. Admission during these times is free, providing a more accessible and comfortable experience​ (Sensory Tool House, LLC & https://pacificsciencecenter.org/events/exploration-all/).

  10. Lumen Field: Features a newly remodeled sensory room called Ben’s Room, offering a quiet and calming space with sensory-friendly adjustments (https://www.seahawks.com/news/seattle-seahawks-announce-updates-to-sensory-room-at-lumen-field-in-partnership-).

  11. Climate Pledge Arena: Has a sensory room and offers sensory bags at guest services to assist neurodivergent individuals during events (https://www.climatepledgearena.com/accessibility-guide/)

  12. Woodland Park Zoo: Provides sensory tools for checkout and has a map highlighting quiet areas for those seeking calm.

  13. Sensory-Friendly Shows: Offer performances with lowered sound levels, reduced lighting effects, and sensory support items like fidget toys, headphones, and earplugs available for checkout:

    1. Seattle Theatre Group (https://www.stgpresents.org/sensory-friendly).

    2. Pacific Northwest Ballet (https://www.pnb.org/season/plan-your-visit/accessibility/sensory-guides/).

    3. Seattle Opera (https://www.seattleopera.org/plan-your-visit/sensory-friendly-performance/).

    4. Seattle Repertory Theatre (https://www.seattlerep.org/plan-your-visit/accessibility-options/sensory-friendly-performances/).

Washington State offers a wide array of activities and events designed specifically for neurodivergent individuals, catering to various needs and interests. These programs and events not only provide recreational and educational opportunities but also support the inclusion and understanding of neurodivergent individuals in various aspects of life.

Educational and Social Support Programs:

    • The DO-IT Center annually hosts a Neuroscience for Neurodiverse Learners summer camp, which is tailored for neurodiverse teenagers. This program emphasizes Universal Design principles, ensuring all activities are accessible and inclusive​ (Seattle's Child)​.

    • Huskies for Neurodiversity at the University of Washington organizes events like panels and social gatherings to discuss neurodiversity and support the transition from college to the workplace for neurodivergent students​ (UW Homepage)​.

Therapeutic and Recreational Activities:

    • Seattle Children's PlayGarden and Hands On Children's Museum offer inclusive programs and sensory-friendly events that are tailored to children with autism and other special needs, providing a safe and engaging environment​ (belikebuddy)​.

    • The Pacific Science Center hosts events that are specifically modified to accommodate neurodivergent individuals, such as turning down noise and dimming lights to create a more comfortable setting​ (Sensory Tool House, LLC)​.

Cultural and Arts Events:

    • Seattle Theatre Group, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Seattle Opera, and Seattle Repertory Theatre all offer sensory-friendly shows which include reduced sound levels, decreased visual stimulation, and availability of sensory support items like headphones or fidget toys​ (Washington Autism Alliance)​.

Cultural and Arts Events:

    • Seattle Theatre Group, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Seattle Opera, and Seattle Repertory Theatre all offer sensory-friendly shows which include reduced sound levels, decreased visual stimulation, and availability of sensory support items like headphones or fidget toys​ (Washington Autism Alliance)​.

Employment and Advocacy Initiatives:

    • Various organizations, such as Freddie Mac and JPMorgan Chase, have developed neurodiversity hiring programs that match the unique abilities of neurodivergent individuals with specific job roles, providing a supportive work environment and enhancing employability skills​ (EARN)​.

Community and Peer Support:

    • NeurodiverseNW hosts events like the "Rise up with Ryther" gathering, which includes activities such as live music and auctions, creating a fun and supportive community environment for neurodivergent individuals and their families​ (NeurodiverseNW)​.

Summer camps serving Autistic individuals.

Apex Summer Camp

Seattle, WA

Operated by the University of Washington Autism Center, this evidence-based day camp is designed for children aged 8–13 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The program focuses on building social communication skills, positive relationships, and self-esteem through structured recreational and learning activities. 

University of Washington

Aspiring Youth Summer Camps

Seattle, WA

Serving youth aged 8–18, Aspiring Youth offers inclusive camps that provide engaging activities to help young people develop confidence and friendships. Many participants have diagnoses such as autism, ADHD, or learning disabilities. Programs include traditional day camps and themed camps focusing on areas like video production, theater, and building and inventing. 

Aspiring Youth

Camp Stand By Me

Vaughn, WA

Operated by Easterseals Washington, this residential summer camp serves individuals aged 7 and older with disabilities, including autism. The fully accessible camp offers activities such as horseback riding, waterfront activities, swimming, arts and crafts, and sports, all tailored to accommodate various needs. 

Easterseals

Camp Beausite Northwest

Chimacum, WA

This camp empowers individuals of all abilities, providing week-long overnight summer sessions for adults and children with special needs, including autism. Programs also include weekend camps throughout the school year, family camps, women's retreats, and more. 

Very Special Camps

Outdoors for All Summer Day Camps

Seattle, WA

Offering outdoor recreation camps for children and adults with disabilities, including autism. Activities focus on sports like kayaking, rock climbing, cycling, and swimming, with a 'challenge by choice' policy to accommodate individual comfort levels. 

ParentMap

Seattle Children's PlayGarden Summer Camps

Seattle, WA

An inclusive camp where children of all abilities, including those with autism, engage in activities like gardening, interacting with animals, and exploring nature. The PlayGarden aims to create a safe, fun place for kids with special needs to play and make friends. 

ParentMap

Camp Killoqua

Stanwood, WA

Located on 185 acres of forest and lakefront, Camp Killoqua serves children ages 7–21 with mild to moderate developmental disabilities, including autism. Activities include hiking, campouts, canoeing, skits, fishing, crafts, archery, and swimming. Both mainstream and specialized cabin groups are available. 

Washington Autism Alliance

Camp Sealth

Vashon Island, WA

Although not designed specifically as a special needs camp, Camp Sealth can serve campers aged 5–18 with a wide variety of physical disabilities, learning and developmental disabilities, behavior disorders, and general medical conditions. Activities include hiking, campouts, canoeing, skits, fishing, crafts, archery, and swimming. 

Washington Autism Alliance

Please note that program details, availability, and eligibility criteria may vary. It's recommended to contact each camp directly or visit their websites for the most current information and to discuss specific needs.

Other programs in Washington State.

Here are additional recreational programs and camps in Washington State that cater to individuals who identify as autistic, offering a variety of activities across different age groups:

Seattle Parks and Recreation Specialized Programs

Seattle, WA Offers year-round recreational activities tailored for individuals with disabilities, including autism. Programs encompass day camps, sports, arts, and community events designed to foster socialization and skill development.

Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center

Redmond, WA Provides therapeutic horseback riding and hippotherapy for individuals with disabilities, including autism. Programs aim to improve physical health and offer emotional benefits through interaction with horses.

Krem

Rainy Day Ranch Therapeutic Riding Center

Olympia, WA Offers adaptive riding and hippotherapy to community members with physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities, including autism. Programs are designed to enhance physical abilities and emotional well-being through equine-assisted activities.

Rainy Day Ranch Therapeutic

Northwest Autism Center's Skills & Recreation Program

Spokane, WA Provides specialized and adaptive recreational activities for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Monthly activities focus on teamwork, problem-solving, and life skills in a safe and inclusive environment.

NWAutism

Max Higbee Center

Bellingham, WA Offers community-based recreation programs for youth and adults with developmental disabilities, including autism. Activities are designed to promote socialization, health, and wellness through various community events and outings.

Outdoors for All Foundation

Seattle, WA Provides outdoor recreation opportunities for children and adults with disabilities, including autism. Activities include cycling, kayaking, rock climbing, and skiing, aiming to enhance quality of life through outdoor experiences.

Camp Prime Time

Naches, WA Offers a wilderness camping experience for families with children who are seriously/terminally ill or developmentally disabled, including autism. The camp provides a supportive atmosphere with activities like fishing, boating, and arts and crafts.

Very Special Camps

Camp Beausite Northwest

Chimacum, WA Empowers individuals of all abilities through week-long overnight summer sessions for adults and children with special needs, including autism. Programs also include weekend camps, family camps, and retreats throughout the year.

Very Special Camps

Seattle Children's PlayGarden

Seattle, WA An inclusive play space offering camps and programs where children of all abilities, including those with autism, engage in activities like gardening, interacting with animals, and exploring nature.

Camp Killoqua

Stanwood, WA Located on 185 acres of forest and lakefront, Camp Killoqua serves children ages 7–21 with mild to moderate developmental disabilities, including autism. Activities include hiking, canoeing, crafts, archery, and swimming, with both mainstream and specialized cabin groups available.

Please note that program details, availability, and eligibility criteria may vary. It's recommended to contact each organization directly or visit their websites for the most current information and to discuss specific needs.