Autism Friendly Designation
The ASF Autism Friendly Designation Program was created to provide cities with the skills and knowledge necessary to accommodate, support and include their citizens with autism and the families who love and support them. The training, provided to cities, recreation departments, schools, fire, and police staff allows attendees to understand what autism is and how to interact with, serve, and protect individuals with autism.
What is the Autism Friendly Designation?
The ASF Autism Friendly designation is awarded to communities where key stakeholders, including healthcare, education, local government, leisure, aquatics and first responder members, are trained to better serve individuals with autism. ASF brings more than 25 years of autism knowledge and leadership to this program in an effort to encourage communities to become truly inclusive and accessible for all. This designation provides benefits to residents and visitors as the community expands to ensure a friendly and accepting environment for everyone.
Community Stakeholders Work Together
CITY GOVERNMENT + PUBLIC SAFETY
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Police, fire, and emergency response staff are better equipped to identify, interact with, and support individuals with autism and other sensory disorders in a positive way. Lives are protected by creating safer experiences for all.
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Policymakers are more aware of the needs of the autism community; especially important when creating community policies, programs, and procedures.
EDUCATION
Teachers, administrators, and school support personnel are better able to identify and include students with autism in their schoolwide community. Typically developing students learn about the abilities and gifts of their peers with autism and how to build age-appropriate friendships with them. A higher quality of life develops as the school culture seeks to improve outcomes and connections within their community.
RECREATION PROGRAMS
Drowning occurs 160 times greater for children with autism than those who are typically developing. City aquatic programs learn the skills needed to teach children with autism to swim and remain safe near bodies of water. Swim programs gain information about how to market their programs to this vulnerable population of often underserved individuals. Parks and recreation staff learn how to engage with children and adults with autism and recognize the sensory needs that often impair their ability to successfully participate in recreational programs.
Benefits to Your City
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Safer environment for community personnel and residents with autism
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Higher quality of life for residents
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Increased tourism and visitors with autism spectrum disorder
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Increased community engagement
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Enhanced water safety and swim instruction programs
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Capacity-building to serve more individuals
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Safer engagements between first responders and people with autism
Did You Know?
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In 2025, the CDC identified that 1 out of 31 children has autism.
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Autism occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.
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Drowning occurs 160 times more in children with autism than the general population.
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$262 billion is spent on autism-related services in the US each year.
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53% of adults with autism report four or more police interactions during their life.
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30% of those with autism do not verbally communicate.
Find Out More About Becoming an Autism Friendly Designated City
Fill out the form below to connect with an Autism Friendly Advisor for more information: